May 24: India Yamaha Motor has announced that its 150cc YZF-R15 sportsbike has won the India Design Mark (I Mark) award instituted by the India Design Council.

The India Design Council, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is made up of eminent people in academia, design and industry organisations. Its I Mark awards programme is organised in association with the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, which organizes Japan’s Good Design Award (G Mark).

Adopting the same high standards as its Japanese equivalent, the submissions and judging for the first edition of the India Design Mark Awards were completed recently and the winners announced. Of the 71 applicants, 31 were awarded the I Mark.

The Yamaha YZF-R15 was one of four products from three Japan-based companies to receive the coveted award. The four products that won the I Mark award are all manufactured in India. While they are all products from foreign companies, they receive 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 programme is to increase design awareness and promote the value of design in 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 recognised for outstanding design that meets these criteria.

Commenting on this news, Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO and MD, India Yamaha Motor (pictured), 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.”