BRP discontinues E-TEC and E-TEC G2s

CBsqrd

Well-Known Member
Sad news. I don't have Evinrudes, but thought they had some cool technology and always appreciated having another option in the market.

Also announced an agreement to hang Mercury engines on the transoms of their boats.

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BRP ADVANCES MARINE STRATEGY BY FOCUSING ON BOATS AND NEW TECHNOLOGIES


May 27, 2020 at 5:00 PM EDT

Company discontinues the manufacturing of outboard engines and agrees with market leader Mercury Marine to support boat packages.

Valcourt, Quebec, May 27, 2020 – BRP (TSX: DOO; NASDAQ: DOOO) announced today it has re-oriented its marine business by focusing on the growth of its boat brands with new technology and innovative marine products. We will discontinue production of Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines. Our Sturtevant, WI, facility, will be repurposed for new projects to pursue our plan to provide consumers with an unparalleled experience on the water.

We remain committed to our Buy, Build, Transform Marine strategy which has been underway since 2018 with the acquisition of Alumacraft and Manitou boat companies in the U.S., followed by the acquisition of Australian boat manufacturer Telwater in 2019.

“Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. “We will concentrate our efforts on new and innovative technologies and on the development of our boat companies, where we continue to see a lot of potential to transform the on-water experience for consumers,” he added.

Discontinuing outboard engine business and signing an agreement with Mercury Marine

Following our decision to discontinue E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines, we have signed an agreement with market leader Mercury Marine to support boat packages and continue to supply outboard engines to our boat brands.

We will continue to supply customers and our dealer network service parts and will honour our manufacturer limited warranties, plus offer select programs to manage inventory. These decisions will impact 650 employees globally.

Pursuing new opportunities within Build and Transform phases of strategy

With this announcement, BRP will be positioned to expand its presence in the pontoon and aluminum fishing markets through technologically advanced solutions. We will leverage our track record of ingenuity through our R&D resources to enhance the boating experience with unique new marine products, such as the next generation of engine technology with Project Ghost and the next generation of pontoons with Project M, code names for new products we expect to transform the industry.

Maximizing operational and functional efficiencies

Lastly, we will consolidate Alumacraft operations from two sites to one. All Alumacraft operations will be transferred to St Peter, MN and our site in Arkadelphia, AR will be permanently closed. In addition, we want to upgrade the boat production facilities to reorganize manufacturing sites and apply the modularity model used elsewhere. This move is designed to enhance productivity and efficiency and to allow us to respond with even more agility to demand.

About BRP

We are a global leader in the world of powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats, built on over 75 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. Our portfolio of industry-leading and distinctive products includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. We complete our lines of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and apparel business to fully enhance the riding experience. With annual sales of CA$6.1 billion from over 120 countries, our global workforce is made up of approximately 12,600 driven, resourceful people.

www.brp.com
 
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Geez that’s too bad they are a damn fine engines. I have had nothing but good experience with them. Ran my 175 for 13 seasons without one single blip or hiccup absolutely nothing currently have 50 hp on my 16.5’ walleye boat and it’s been nothing but great as well.
Too bad for sure.
 
Perhaps they will offer 20 year warranties on the remaining stock.

I ran a 2009 etec 90 until a month ago which ran flawlessly. This was a beautiful motor that had the perfect combination of fuel economy and performance.

A decision like this totally makes one lose confidence in Bombardier.
 
Wowza...I just saw this on www.thehulltruth.com and came here to post...

There's been rumours for years that BRP will bring the Rotax 4-stoke brand to the outboard market....I wonder if this will come true? Wait....just read the BRP is exiting the outboard market entirely.

I immediately thought about @Waterwolf2230 and his build. :(
 
Very sad. Best engine for the marine environment imo. I have an etec as well and love it. Aside from the mechanics, the one small detail I quite enjoy is their sound, a quiet pure distinctly different to that of a 4-stroke.

RIP Etec
 
I agree, sad news. When I repowered, it came down to a Suzuki 140 or the Etec 130.
I’ve never regretted choosing the Zuke, & I’m even more pleased now.
I hope BRP product support continues for many years.
 
A decision like this totally makes one lose confidence in Bombardier.
BRP split from bombardier many years ago. Different companies. BRP does skidoo, seadoo and canam. Bombardier does sky train and planes I think
 
Had a look at the split, it was in 2003, Bain Capital had 50% and the Bombardier family had 30% at that time.
Good engineers, interesting products, total rot in majority shareholders.
Estimates at 650 job losses, hopefully they land on their feet.
 
Still not understanding why - from a consumer & technical perspective - why they discontinued the production of ETEKs. Good product. Why wouldn't they instead simply shift whatever ownership they had to - but continue production? Surely they still earn $ off the production & sale? I think I am missing some critical piece of information here to understand the reasoning not admitted in that press release....
 
BRP, the parent company of Evinrude outboards, announced last night that it is discontinuing production of Evinrude engines. In its press release, it stated that the COVID-19 pandemic obliged it to stop production immediately. BRP President and CEO José Boisjoli said, “This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact of the current context has forced our hand.”

VALCOURT, Quebec, May 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BRP (TSX: DOO; NASDAQ: DOOO) announced today it has re-oriented its marine business by focusing on the growth of its boat brands with new technology and innovative marine products. We will discontinue production of Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines. Our Sturtevant, WI, facility will be repurposed for new projects to pursue our plan to provide consumers with an unparalleled experience on the water.

We remain committed to our Buy, Build, Transform Marine strategy which has been underway since 2018 with the acquisition of Alumacraft and Manitou boat companies in the U.S., followed by the acquisition of Australian boat manufacturer Telwater in 2019.

“Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. “We will concentrate our efforts on new and innovative technologies and on the development of our boat companies, where we continue to see a lot of potential to transform the on-water experience for consumers,” he added.

Discontinuing outboard engine business and signing an agreement with Mercury Marine
Following our decision to discontinue E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines, we have signed an agreement with market leader Mercury Marine to support boat packages and continue to supply outboard engines to our boat brands.

We will continue to supply customers and our dealer network service parts and will honour our manufacturer limited warranties, plus offer select programs to manage inventory. These decisions will impact 650 employees globally.
 
"Company president and CEO José Boisjoli said, “Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by COVID-19, obliging us to discontinue production of our outboard motors immediately. This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand.”"

https://www.pennlive.com/business/2...t-engines-citing-impact-from-coronavirus.html

What i find odd is they did not sell the buisness you would think another outboard company would of taken them out of the market.
 
when i acquired my e-tec a few years ago it was explained to me that the technology was under patent but was set to expire and that other manufacturers would be jumping on the tech when that happened. never investigated this claim and it had no influence on my choice (love the e-tec) but perhaps this is a factor? maybe the agreement with merc and the fact that merc has the opti brand....maybe we will see a merc-tec? opti-tec? opt-e?
 
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