Yamaha USA Joins Off Road Business Association
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. has become a member of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), a non-profit organization established to promote, protect, and represent the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Industry.
“We have been watching ORBA’s progress over the last several years and have concluded that ORBA’s staff is performing a valuable service to the off-road recreation industry,” said Mike Schmitt, division manager for Yamaha U.S.A. “We are pleased to step up to the plate at this time and provide support to this important OHV trade association.”
“Prior to the formation of ORBA, the OHV industry has never had its own trade association dedicated to the industry and to protecting its interests,” said Roy Denner, ORBA’s president and CEO. “Yamaha’s membership in ORBA is a big vote of confidence in ORBA’s value to the industry.
“It’s only a matter of time until all of the manufacturers of products for the off-road recreation industry understand the need for a trade association representing their interests,” Denner said. “Many other trades have developed a power base in political and legal venues through trade associations dedicated to protecting their specific industry segment. The OHV Recreation Industry needs to catch up.”
In July, Denner made a presentation about ORBA to the non-profit Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). Manufacturers of All-Terrain Vehicles that are SVIA members include AlphaSports, Arctic Cat, Bombardier, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. While representatives attending from member companies appeared receptive to Denner’s plea for ATV manufacturers to become members of ORBA, Schmitt pledged Yamaha’s immediate support.
ORBA is based in Santee, Calif. Other major powersports OEMs involved with the association include Kawasaki Motors Corporation, U.S.A. and KTM North America, Inc. psb
