YZF-R15 and CBR 250R triumph at India design mark awards.

The inaugural India Design Mark (I Mark) awards program was organised with the cooperation of the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, organisers of Japan's Good Design Award (G Mark). The same high standards as its Japanese equivalent were adopted for the submissions and judging of the first edition of the India Design Mark Awards. Of the 71 applicants, 31 were awarded the I Mark, and Honda CBR250R and the face-lifted Yamaha YZF-R15 were two among four products from three Japanbased companies to receive this coveted award. Affordable sports bikes first came India's way thanks to Honda, and the CBR250R has been a role model in making this a fun-onthe-run reality for bike enthusiasts in the country. The 250cc sports tourer is the only internationally sold bike in recent times that is also manufactured in India. On the other hand, the Asia-specific Yamaha YZF-R15 was the first of its kind in India when it was launched back in 2009, but always drew a little flak for its proportions. So when the refreshed Yamaha YZF-R15 was unleashed, it was an immediate hit with the sports bike aficionados thanks to its stunning looks. Keita Muramatsu, President & CEO, HMSI, said, "We at Honda are delighted to win the India Design Mark for CBR 250R. As the highest design recognition from Indian Government through I-mark, this only re-affirms customers' appreciation of Honda's dedicated efforts in field of designing products high on innovation and catapults India as a high quality global manufacturing base for the world." Equally delighted at the YZF-R15's success in the design competition, Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor said, "I am very pleased with this recognition that our flagship bike YZF-R15 has received. The bike which was introduced in 2008 has witnessed tremendous fan following and the upgraded version launched in 2011 only added more to an already great performing bike." The India Design Mark (I Mark) awards were presented to Honda and Yamaha for their respective winning motorcycles by the Indian Government through the Indian Design Council, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It is a trustworthy indicator of excellence, which recognises exceptional innovation and assures Indian and global consumers of excellence in form, function, quality, innovation and sustainability.