Yamaha YZF-R15 Wins India Design Mark

2012 Yamaha YZF-R15

One of the most popular sportbikes in India, the Yamaha YZF-R15 supersport, has won the India Design Mark (I Mark) awarded by the prestigious India Design Council.

The India-only YZF-R15, which is a 150cc sport bike, was launched in 2008 for the purpose of “fun riding” in a country where motorcycles are primarily viewed as practical forms of transportation. In India, the YZF-R15 is the equivelent of America’s entry-level sportbikes – the Kawasaki Ninja 250 R and the Honda CBR 250 R.

The YZF-R15 was the first “supersport” model in its displacement class, which allowed the Yamaha name to gain more success in India. And in 2011, the YZF-R15 received a major overhaul, appearing more like the YZF-R series (R6, R1). The design immediately an immediate hit, and in India the YZF-R15 is known for its “sporty performance, comfortable ride and ease of use in around-town riding.”

Kazumasa Sasanami (Designer for the YZF-R15, GK Dynamics Inc.) says: “We are honored for the YZF-R15 to be bestowed the India Design Mark (I Mark) in the first edition of the awards out of so many entries. I believe that this award recognizes not only the styling of the YZF-R15, but the world-class quality of all Yamaha Motor products and the philosophy behind our engineering, manufacturing and marketing. Accepting this award strengthens our dedication to work towards creating more new and attractive designs.”

About the India Design Mark Awards (courtesy of Yamaha):

The India Design Council is affiliated with India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry and is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organizations. Its India Design Mark (I Mark) awards program was organized with the cooperation of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, organizers of Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark), and preparations began in 2010. Adopting the same high standards as its Japanese equivalent, the submissions and judging for the first edition of the India Design Mark Awards was completed recently and the winners announced. Of the 71 applicants, 31 were awarded the I Mark, and the Yamaha YZF-R15 was one of four products from three Japan-based companies to receive the coveted award.

The four products from three Japan-based companies that won the I Mark award this time are all products manufactured in India, and although they are the products of foreign companies, they received the India Design Mark (I Mark) award because of the recognition they have won in the Indian market. The primary purpose of the I Mark award program is to increase design awareness and promote value of design in the industry and society, to raise the demand for good design from users and manufacturers and improve the overall quality of life by encouraging good design. The award recipients are recognized for outstanding design that meets these criteria. (Translated from a report from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion).

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