Suzuki apologises to customers over outboard engine delays
Global pandemic leaves Suzuki Marine struggling to back-fill a surge in ordersSuzuki has publicly apologised to its US customers after revealing it is experiencing delays of at least five months for some outboard engine deliveries that the Japanese brand says is beyond its control.
“We hear you and understand your frustration,” the company said in a contrite statement posted to social media today.
“We have been experiencing extended lead times on motor deliveries due to many factors that, unfortunately, are out of our control.
“We are currently running our factory at 100 per cent capability and are taking steps to increase production levels to deliver your motor as quickly as possible, while still maintaining our commitment to quality and reliability,” it said.
“We appreciate your patience and can’t wait to get you back out on the water. We encourage you to stay updated with your dealer on delivery times. Thank you again.”
According to a video released with the statement, lead times in the US have blown out to around 150 days – five months – until the outboard engine is expected to be delivered to a dealer. The outboard engine then needs to be fitted to the boat, adding potentially weeks more delay.
The shortage is believed to be hitting the delivery of outboard engines larger than 150hp hardest, with supplies of smaller, more popular and affordable engine sizes also running short.
The situation here appears to be similar, with one post on social media claiming Suzuki Australia was only taking outboard orders from its dealers if they could show a signed contract and a cash deposit. Digital gauges are also believed to be in short supply.
Suzuki Australia was asked for comment.
Catching coronavirus
Global outboard engine supplies have been severely disrupted as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Japan particularly hard, record outboard engine sales and severe disruptions to shipping and land transport have all combined to make life difficult for the companies that make them.
The shortage is also believed to be severely affecting boat owners who want to repower existing boats, with priority given to new boat customers.
“The marine industry has seen an enormous influx of people ordering new outboard motors in complete boat packages,” Suzuki US spokesman Connor Fichtner said.
“This surge in demand was never expected, especially not in the middle of a global pandemic.”
Suzuki’s four-stroke outboard engines ranging between 40hp and 300hp are built in Japan, with engines smaller than those built in Thailand.
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