Seven, maker of world’s most powerful outboard engines, to close
Volvo Penta says Seven Marine no longer fits in its strategy of creating environmentally sustainable engines for marine applicationsVolvo Penta will abandon production of the world’s most powerful outboard engines later this year as it aims to cut all ties to fossil fuels over the next three decades.
It means Volvo Penta’s recently acquired, US-based Seven Marine engine manufacturing line – which builds outboard engines rated at 427hp, 577hp and 627hp – will fall silent and shutter its doors from January 1 next year.
The news comes as the world is still digesting the news that Canadian powered recreational engine specialist BRP has quit its outboard engine design and manufacturing business in response to falling demand globally.
Volvo Penta announced last week that it wanted to become a net-zero emissions company by 2050 “at the very latest”, with 2021 becoming a year in which it would establish “targets and roadmaps”.
It has already flagged that part of this drive will be development of fossil-free renewable fuels, electric, and hybrid technology.
Put on hold
Volvo Penta said its outboard engine development would be “put on hold” as a consequence of the change in direction.
“Volvo Penta will stop the sales and marketing of Seven Marine engines (from January 1, 2021) – as well as phasing out production once customer demand is met,” it said in a brief statement posted to the Swedish company’s website.
“The company will, however, continue to support the current outboard customer base by taking full warranty and parts responsibility for the products that are in the field.”
Sending a message
Volvo Penta’s recently appointed president, Helene Mellquist, said the company wanted to “send a clear message”.
“Volvo Penta does foresee that the outboard segment will continue to be relevant for the marine leisure market, but we believe that the indisputable need to drive advancements in sustainable technology must be our main focus,” she said.
“This is why, for the time being, the exploration of new technology together with the development of our core business, such as Volvo Penta IPS and sterndrives, will be the centre of our efforts.”
Expanded reach
Volvo Penta bought Seven Marine in 2017 as the Swedish brand looked to expand its reach into the global outboard engine market.
Since the brand’s launch, Seven has appealed to particularly the sportfisher market where the need for high-performance outboard engines push a new generation of larger, heavier boats able to run wide.
It has sourced GM-built engine blocks to develop a range of outboard engines filling a premium niche in the market.
The engines have only recently been integrated with Volvo Penta's electronics systems.
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