BRP announced in May that it will discontinue production of its Evinrude E-TEC and E-TEC G2 outboard engines (effective immediately), and re-orient its marine business by focusing on the growth of its boat brands.

At the same time is has signed an agreement with Mercury Marine to support boat packages and supply outboard engines to its boat brands.

“Our outboard engines business has been greatly impacted by Covid-19,” says BRP President and CEO, José Boisjoli. “This business segment had already been facing some challenges and the impact from the current context has forced our hand.”

The company will continue to supply customers and its dealer network with service parts, and will honour its manufacturer limited warranties, plus offer select programmes to manage inventory. The move will affect 650 employees globally.

“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,” adds Boisjoli.

BRP is a global leader in powersports vehicles, propulsion systems and boats. Its products include Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am on- and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer and Savage boats, Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft.

Mercury, meanwhile, will become the supplier of choice for BRP-owned boat brands Alumacraft, Manitou, Quintrex, Stacer, Savage and Yellowfin Plate Boats. “This agreement brings us an opportunity to further grow our brand and introduce our portfolio of outboard engines to new customers around the world,” says Chris Drees, Mercury Marine president.