Yamaha to Discontinue Utility ATV Sales

Three months ago, the Australian Government introduced controversial legislation that made the fitment of roll-over ‘protection’ devices to all-terrain vehicles sold in Australia compulsory. As we reported at that time, this divisive legislation stood to create massive financial consequences for the major ATV manufacturers, several of whom warned that the legislation would force them to cease ATV production entirely within two years. Well, despite suggestions from within the government that the manufacturers were bluffing, it has become patently evident that they weren’t. Today, Yamaha Motor Australia (YMA) announced that it was left with no choice but to discontinue the sales of its utility ATVs from October next year. The good news is that Yami’s sport and youth models will continue to be available.

Here is today’s PR from YMA, explaining the rationale behind the decision…

Due to new Australian government legislation that requires the mandatory fitment of so-called Operator Protective Devices (OPDs), YMA will not sell utility ATVs after the government compliance deadline of October 11, 2021.
“The decision to make the fitment of OPDs compulsory is disappointing. The ruling has forced us to withdraw utility ATVs from the Australian market because, as a manufacturer, we are not willing to gamble with our customers’ lives by bolting untested devices onto our specifically engineered and designed ATVs,” explains YMA Director, Brad Ryan.
As the market leader in this segment, Yamaha recognises that utility ATVs are an important part of farm operations and will comply with stage one of the new consumer legislation. This includes testing and the fitment of warning labels by October, 2020. This will ensure that Yamaha ATVs remain available until October, 2021.
After this date, customers will not be able to purchase a new Yamaha utility ATV in Australia – but sport and youth models will continue to be available. This is because new sport and fun ATVs do not need to be fitted with OPDs. In addition, side-by-side vehicles (SSVs) are not affected by this ruling, so YMA will support our utility ATV dealers and ease the transition from ATV to AG bike and SSV business.
“Fortunately, our utility ATV customers can transition to our equally capable line-up of AG bikes and expanding SSV range,” adds YMA Director, Brad Ryan.
Customer safety has always been our priority. YMA has provided market-leading rider training and promoted proven safety methods. YMA also helped develop the Shark ATV helmet, which is the only fully certified farm-safe ATV helmet available. YMA feels so strongly about customer safety that purchasers of new Yamaha utility vehicles will receive a free Shark farm safe helmet valued at $250, while stocks last.
YMA is also fully committed to customer care via a national dealer network that will continue to service ATVs and with the supply of parts and accessories into the future.