A new chapter has begun for two established names in the marine industry, with Japanese outboard manufacturer Tohatsu Corporation appointing Australian-owned Power Equipment Pty Ltd as its exclusive distributor for Australia, New Zealand and across the Oceania region.
The agreement brings together one of Japan’s longest-established engine manufacturers and an Australian marine business with more than 35 years of industry experience. For Power Equipment, it also marks a significant expansion of its propulsion portfolio and the company’s first petrol-powered marine propulsion brand. Under the new arrangement, Power Equipment will be responsible for the exclusive distribution of Tohatsu’s four-stroke outboard range, giving its dealer and OEM network access to the company’s complete MFS and BFT outboard families. The MFS range covers Tohatsu’s small, portable and mid-range four-stroke outboards, while the BFT range provides the high-power end of the portfolio up to 250hp.
For boat builders, dealers and end users, the result is a comprehensive petrol outboard offering backed by Power Equipment’s established and state-of-the-art infrastructure in parts, distribution, engineering and technical support.
Tohatsu Corporation president Isami Hyuga says the partnership provides a strong platform for the company’s next phase of growth in the region.
“Power Equipment has demonstrated strong capability and unwavering commitment within the marine industry. We are confident that, together with such a trusted partner, this agreement will play a pivotal role in driving our long-term growth across the Oceania market,” Mr Hyuga said.
Hyuga also highlighted the resources that Power Equipment brings to the relationship, particularly its technical capabilities, industry connections and parts infrastructure.
The timing is particularly significant for Tohatsu. The Japanese manufacturer is celebrating 70 years of outboard production in 2026, having commenced outboard production in 1956, and has now delivered more than five million outboards worldwide. Tohatsu also proudly holds the distinction of being Japan’s – and in fact the world’s – oldest current outboard manufacturer. Its reputation has been built around Japanese engineering, durability and a philosophy of producing engines that combine performance with low weight.
That philosophy is particularly evident in one of Tohatsu’s newest products — the MFS150A, a 150hp four-stroke that the manufacturer describes as the lightest 150hp outboard in its class. Weighing from 178.5kg, the new four-cylinder, 1.995-litre engine is designed to deliver a particularly strong power-to-weight ratio.
The new model is therefore an appropriate flagship as Power Equipment prepares to introduce the broader Tohatsu range to its market. It demonstrates the sort of technology and engineering differentiation that the company believes will make the marque attractive to Australian, New Zealand and Oceania boat owners.
For Power Equipment CEO Luke Foster, the agreement represents more than simply another brand added to a catalogue.
“We are incredibly pleased and excited to add Tohatsu to our marine line-up. This agreement enables us to offer a complete range of propulsion solutions – including petrol outboards – for our extensive dealer network and OEM customers,” Mr Foster said.
That completeness is important.
Power Equipment has traditionally built its marine business around engines, power technology and supporting equipment, with a strong emphasis on diesel and, increasingly, electric propulsion. Adding Tohatsu gives the company a dedicated petrol outboard offering. It also brings another quality Japanese brand into a distribution organisation with considerable local infrastructure.
“With over 100 years of Japanese engine manufacturing experience and a gold standard R&D program, the Tohatsu products speak for themselves and offers us the chance to grow our range of quality brands,” Mr Foster said.
For the Australian and New Zealand markets in particular, the combination could prove significant. Tohatsu brings decades of outboard engineering expertise and a substantial global installed base, while Power Equipment brings an established network of dedicated state offices and dealerships, warehouse capacity, parts support, engineering knowledge and experienced technical personnel.
More information on the Tohatsu range can be found at tohatsu-motors.com.au.
