News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2002

Honda Joins the Personal Watercraft Industry Association

Contact: 
Brian Berry, 202-777-3524
Elinore Boeke, 202-721-1621

Washington, DC—The Personal Watercraft Industry Association is pleased to announce that American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is its newest member. Honda joins Bombardier Recreational Products, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., Polaris Industries Inc., and Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. in the national trade association representing personal watercraft manufacturers.

Personal watercraft are affordable family boats with clean, quiet, fuel-efficient engines and no exposed propellers. Honda is a new entrant in the personal watercraft market, offering two models of its AquaTrax in an initial market of California, Florida, Michigan, and Texas.

"We are delighted to have Honda join us, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship," said Monita Fontaine, executive director of PWIA. "Their entry into the industry is a clear signal that they see an opportunity for growth after declining sales over the last few years."

Since 1998, the personal watercraft industry has invested in technological advances that have led to a 75 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions, and 70 percent quieter engines. New direct-injection systems in two-stroke personal watercraft engines are vastly cleaner than older, conventional two-stroke marine engines. The industry continues to innovate, and this year, Bombardier, Honda, and Yamaha are offering four-stroke engine technology in 2002 models of personal watercraft.

Makers of personal watercraft have long supported reasonable regulations such as a minimum age of 16 to operate a personal watercraft (18 to rent), strict enforcement of navigation and safety laws, and mandatory boating education.