Honda Customers to Benefit from ROHVA’s Safety and Advocacy Efforts

IRVINE, Calif., April 22, 2013 – The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association extends a warm welcome to its newest member, American Honda Motor Co. A longtime supporter of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the ATV Safety Institute, Honda brings a wealth of diverse experience to ROHVA. By joining the organization’s six existing members, Honda will collaborate with ROHVA in its ongoing effort to promote the safe and responsible use of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) in North America.

“We are pleased to welcome Honda to the ROHVA fold,” said ROHVA Executive Vice President Paul Vitrano. “Honda has been a leading manufacturer of off-highway vehicles for decades. Adding its substantial support to ROHVA can only enhance our efforts to protect and promote the welfare of the recreational off-highway vehicle community. Likewise, Honda’s customers can take advantage of ROHVA’s extensive benefits, such as our online E-Course and hands-on Basic DriverCourse, as well as our advocacy work with Congress, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, state legislatures, land managers, national rider groups and others.”

“We are proud to be associated with ROHVA,” said American Honda Senior Manager, National Service Operations, Gary Higgins. “Honda has been at the forefront of the off-road vehicle market since pioneering the ATC in 1969. Having been a founding member of MSF for motorcycles, and the SVIA and ASI for ATVs, Honda has long been dedicated to operator safety training programs. Our new Pioneer side-by-side provides a great opportunity for Honda to align our expanding product lines and marketing efforts with the significant accomplishments of ROHVA. ROHVA has already established a driver-training program and industry infrastructure for side-by-side vehicles. Honda commends ROHVA on all its previous safety efforts, standards development and coordinated planning, and we fully intend to add value and support to the organization.”

Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or UTVs, ROVs are motorized off-highway vehicles designed to travel on four or more tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Current models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers. ROVs’ performance and durability make them ideally suited for a variety of outdoor recreational activities as well as many work applications.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit www.rohva.org.