Manufacturing News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 3, 2006

DESOTO COUNTY SHERIFF DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN KAWASAKI
JET SKI® WATERCRAFT LOAN PROGRAM

Contact:
Freeman/McCue Public Relations
John Donaldson
(714) 557-3663 ext 219

HERNANDO, MS—The Desoto County Sheriff Department has new lifesaving tools to use this year—two Kawasaki JET SKI® watercraft.

The 2006 JET SKI STX™-15F watercraft, which were provided by Southaven Kawasaki of Southaven, will enable deputies to reach distressed boaters, swimmers, and respond to other water emergencies and law enforcement activities.

Commander Tim Curtis of the Sheriff Department says, “Our Search and Rescue Unit will use the JET SKI watercraft for water rescue missions, for patrolling area lakes, for training persons in the safe and responsible use of personal watercraft, anf for static displays.”

The STX-15F watercraft is powered by proven four-stroke technology that has met the California Air Resources Board 2008 emissions requirements, the most stringent marine engine emissions regulations in the U.S. boating industry. Other advanced technological features of this JET SKI watercraft include greatly increased fuel economy, Smart Steering™, a quieter exhaust sound, and a long and wide, comfortable seat that holds up to three people. The craft’s extra-stable hull and automatically retracting step make boarding easy, even in deep water.

"These JET SKI watercraft are ideally suited to rescue situations," said Roger Hagie, director of public affairs for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. "They're quick and maneuverable, and they have no exposed propellers or other moving parts on the outside of the hull that could harm a swimmer. In addition, JET SKI watercraft have a very shallow draft, which enables them to operate in low levels of water that might restrict other boats. We hope JET SKI watercraft can make a significant contribution to water safety throughout Desoto County in the coming months."

Following successful use of JET SKI watercraft by life-saving and marine enforcement agencies throughout the United States, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., implemented an ongoing loan program that allows Kawasaki dealers to provide watercraft to qualified agencies across the country for periods of up to one year. Southaven Kawasaki arranged this loan and will service the vessel for the duration of the loan period.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of Kawasaki’s law enforcement loan program. Since the program’s inception in 1989, over 1450 individual agencies in all fifty states have borrowed in excess of 5,400 JET SKI watercraft, valued at more than $34 million. Statistical surveys completed by past agencies show that each season hundreds of lives are saved by the use of the loaned watercraft.

JET SKI is the registered trademark of Kawasaki's brand of personal watercraft. Personal watercraft are vessels that are powered by a water jet pump and carry between one and three passengers who sit, stand or kneel on (rather than inside) the vessel's hull.

KMC markets and sells at wholesale Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft and utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,500 independent retailers.

Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

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For an electronic version of this press release, email j.Donaldson@freemanmccue.com