Tommy Hilfiger Teams With Yamaha to Produce Signature Motorcycle
9 June 1999
Tommy Hilfiger Teams With Yamaha to Produce Signature Motorcycle; Designer Yamaha Supersport Motorcycle Available Just in Time for Father's DayCYPRESS, Calif., June 9 -- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. and Tommy Hilfiger U.S.A., Inc. team up to create the best dressed motorcycle on the street just in time for Father's Day. From June 6 through June 20, Tommy Hilfiger and Yamaha fans will have the chance to win one of four Hilfiger designed limited edition Yamaha YZF-R6s. Customers visiting participating Bloomingdale's and select Yamaha events will have the opportunity to enter-to- win the limited edition motorcycle, which bears the designer's autograph and the recognizable red, white and blue logo for which he is known. "Racing is something we have been interested in and involved with for several years," said Tommy Hilfiger. "Designing a motorcycle for Yamaha was the perfect chance for us to explore new sponsorship opportunities in the racing world and partner with the world's leading motorcycle manufacturer. This venture also allows us to offer our customers a product that is truly unique, special and exciting." "Motorcycles are more popular than ever before and sport motorcycles are attracting an increasing number of young male riders that are big fans of Tommy Hilfiger clothing," said Bob Starr, National Communication's Manager for Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. "You can't go to a road race without seeing the Hilfiger brand in the audience." This promotion marks the first time Yamaha has partnered with a fashion designer and is an example of Tommy Hilfiger's growing efforts in racing. Tommy Hilfiger is a name synonymous with American youth and Yamaha is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers for this same group of consumers. The entire motorcycle industry has seen a 22% growth over the past year and Yamaha has seen an increase in sales of approximately 37% over last year proving that there are more and more consumers interested in the sport of motorcycling. United States residents age 18 or older wishing to enter can do so at any participating Bloomingdale's men's department as well as at the Yamaha booth at select NASCAR races and motorcycle races, events and rallies. A complete listing of rules can be found at all entry locations. Also, starting in July Yamaha will include the promotion on its web page http://www.yamaha-motor.com. Yamaha's 1999 R6 is one of the fastest 600cc sportbikes on the market hitting a top speed of 160 mph plus and finishing a 1/4 mile in 10.89 seconds at 126 mph. The R6 has won rave reviews from motorcycle experts across the country. It was Cycle World magazine's pick for "best middleweight sportbike of 1999" and Motorcyclist calls it "a winner...the best sportbike out there." Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. operations include research and development, import and distribution, marketing, and sales. Its award-winning products include motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, water vehicles, outboard motors, boats, golf cars, and generators. Yamaha employs nearly 1,500 people in the United States and generates an additional 12,500 jobs through the more than 1,300 independently owned dealerships. Tommy Hilfiger Corporation , through its subsidiaries, designs, sources and markets men's and women's sportswear, jeanswear and childrenswear under the Tommy Hilfiger trademarks. Through a range of strategic licensing agreements, the Company is expanding its product lines to offer a broader array of apparel, accessories, footwear, fragrance and home furnishings. The Company's products can be found in leading department stores and specialty stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and other countries in the Far East.