Volvo Penta buys Seven Marine outboard company

Volvo Penta has signed an agreement to become the major owner of Seven Marine, the innovative premium outboard-motor manufacturer based in Wisconsin, USA, enabling the Swedish engine maker to extend its reach into the growing outboard-engine market.

Seven Marine produces the most powerful production outboard engines in the world, which generate 557hp and 627hp, and they have proven a big hit with the sportfisher market and other high-performance outboard-powered boats globally.

The
company’s GM-block V8 engines are fitted horizontally and leverage
modern, automotive quality and technology. This includes use of
freshwater cooling for enhanced durability and corrosion protection and a
supercharger to produce excellent performance.

With the deal, Seven Marine will be able to further develop its existing innovative outboard technology to satisfy a wider range of needs for its premium and exclusive customer base. This strategic collaboration will strengthen he companies' combined footprint in the marine market. Expect more GM-based outboards in the near future.

Björn Ingemanson, Volvo Penta president, said the company is now "on a journey to shape the future of the outboard industry."

"With this acquisition, Volvo Penta is entering the outboard motor
segment," Ingemanson announced.

VOLVO OUTBOARDS?
Volvo Penta says the Seven Marine deal will broaden its technology platform by offering the latest propulsion solutions across the board from inboard, sterndrive and now outboard, as well as petrol and diesel.

Volvo has also suggested it's also well positioned to enter the electric outboard market when and if the time is right.

Of course, Volvo Penta built outboard engines for many years, shutting down production in 1979, so this is huge news given it represents a return to that booming segment of the marine market.

Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas, acknowledged that this is an exciting step for Volvo Penta.

"We are combining the strength of two highly innovative companies to deliver an unbeatable engine range for the gasoline segment.

"We will not only come to market with an extremely attractive outboard solution, but we will deliver the benefits of our world-class service network to a broader range of customers, he said.

One might expect to see some smaller engine GM blocks used in Seven Marine outboards over the next three years. It might also be just a matter of time until they are no longer branded Seven but Volvo Penta.

SEVEN MARINE
Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Seven Marine was founded in 2010 by a team with many years’ specialist experience in marine technology. The engines have proven reliable when delivering high-performance for the high-end leisure and sportfishing markets.

Thanks to the unmatched horsepower of its outboards, the company is able to meet the demand for larger, outboard-powered boats worldwide. Customers benefit from the ability to go farther, faster, more efficiently with leading and innovative product style and design.

The first Seven Marine engines we know of in Australia recently landed in a quad installation on the back of a large power catamaran due to work out of Cairns.

SHARED VISION
The use of automotive technology — including the GM blocks — is a common aspect between Volvo Penta’s petrol sterndrive range and Seven Marine’s outboard motors.

Seven Marine’s approach to exploring new techniques and design architecture is a key driver behind Volvo Penta’s decision to become majority owner in Seven Marine.

With this acquisition, the two companies will collaborate to continue to develop Seven Marine’s leading outboard offerings, which not only leverages the strength of the company’s existing technology, but also has sustainability in mind.

Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta, said the Seven Marine concept mirrors the successful strategy Volvo Penta has followed in pursuing automotive technology.

"Just as we are a leader in diesel and gasoline engine technology, Seven Marine leads its market for state-of-the-art outboards.

"We have a shared vision for the future, and this deal provides an ideal platform for us to grow and adapt together. We will move forward in leading the development of world-class performance and sustainability for the most premium of outboard motor segments."

STAND ALONE BRAND FOR NOW
Seven Marine will operate as a stand-alone entity retaining its brand, product line and organisational structure. Ron Huibers, Volvo Penta’s president of the Americas region, will be the chairman of Seven Marine and Rick Davis will remain as Seven Marine’s president and CEO.

With this approach, Seven Marine will benefit from the strength and stability of being part of a larger, international organization, while still maintaining its entrepreneurial spirit.

"This is a great development for us,” says Rick Davis, president and CEO, at Seven Marine.

"As a young company we have pushed ourselves forward to revolutionise the outboard experience in a short period of time. And in partnering with Volvo Penta, we will have a solid backing to continue improving the customer experience through the pursuit of technological and innovation advancement."

The agreement is subject to conditions and is expected to close in the nearest future.

More at Volvo Penta.