Production of Evinrude engines stopped
The Canadian group BRP indicated in a press release dated May 27, 2020 that it will stop production of Evinrude outboard engines. The manufacturing of E-TEC and E-TEC G2 engines in the Stutevant plant will cease. The industrial site will be redirected to new projects dedicated to marine activities. " Our outboard motor business was severely impacted by Covid-19, forcing us to cease outboard motor production immediately. This business segment was already facing challenges and the impact of the current environment has forced our hand "justifies José Boisjoli, CEO of BRP. More than 650 employees should be impacted by the decision says the press release, without further details.
An agreement with Mercury Marine for BRP Group boats
The executive clarifies the strategy of the Canadian outdoor recreation group. " We will focus our efforts on new and innovative technologies and the development of our boat brands, where we continue to see the potential to transform the on-water experience for the consumer. "An agreement has been reached with Mercury Marine for the original equipment supply of outboard engines to the group's boats, the Alumacraft, Manitou and Telwater brands.
The production of Alumacraft boats should also be resized and concentrated on a single site, in order to increase productivity.
What future for 2-stroke outboards?
We have not been able to contact Evinrude officials at this time. While the press release indicates that BRP intends to honor its manufacturer's warranties and continue producing spare parts, the disappearance of the last major 2-stroke engine brand in the recreational boating market marks a turning point. Evinrude claimed high environmental performance for a technology that is often criticized for this. BRP states that it is continuing its development projects with the pontoon boats of the M project and the "invisible" engines of the ghost project . Will it be a 2-step?
The news should also reshuffle the cards in engine distribution. Are we heading for network mergers between Mercury and the former Evinrude dealers? While Evinrude's market share in Europe was limited, the brand remained strong in the United States and Canada.
