Oxe Marine AB’s line of diesel outboards will be built in the U.S. starting early next year.
The Sweden-based company has inked a deal with Outdoor Network Manufacturing for production of its 125- to 200-hp outboards to start in January of 2021. The company’s largest offering — a 300-hp outboard — will be added to the production line at a later date.
At the time of this writing, a manufacturing facility site has yet to be chosen. According to ONM chairman and founder Tom D’Azevedo, the company has narrowed to search to locations in Florida or Georgia.
“This transaction advances Oxe Marine’s leadership in the marine market while placing an extensive presence in the Americas and meeting its increasing demand for our product, especially in the U.S.,” said Oxe Marine CEO Myron Mahendra said in a statement. “ONM brings a talented, experienced and customer-focused management team along with experience and when combined with our team at OXE clearly places our diesel outboard motors on the leader board.”
The high-torque diesel engines enter a white-hot outboard market with durability, fuel efficiency and low emission claims that rival their gasoline-powered counterparts. Unlike gas outboards, Oxe diesels utilize a belt-drive system reportedly more durable than bevel gears and allow for the diesel’s increased torque to be transferred more efficiently to the prop.
“It is extremely satisfying knowing that we will be supplying the market globally with the best products, creating jobs and securing the supply chain for end users,” said D’Azevedo. “It is great to leverage on our capabilities with Oxe Marine while manufacturing the best and most innovative diesel outboard made in the USA.”
