Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) has expanded its business in the country as it forayed into the marine engine market, in anticipation of strong demand for outboard engines in anticipated from both the professionals and leisure markets amid the economic growth in the archipelagic country.
HPI, which is largely known for its motorcycle brand in the country, has forged a partnership with local firm Propmech Corp. for this new venture. With the partnership, both launched on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the Honda BF350, the flagship outboard engine in Honda’s marine lineup.
While Honda is known for its high-performing products in the automobile and motorcycle market, the popular Japanese brand is also a pioneer of the four-stroke outboard motor in the marine industry.
“Honda Philippines’ partnership with Propmech Corp. began over a decade ago with a distributorship agreement, and since then, we have delivered close to 1,000 outboard engines to the commercial market and key government agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police,” HPI President Sayaka Arai said.
As boats become larger, Arai said the global demand of high-power outboard engines is increasing. “Here in the Philippines, we also see the market growth of high-power range,” she said.
Honda’s estimate placed the current market size for outboard motor (OBM) at around 2,000 units. Given the economic growth in the country, demand for outboard motor in the Philippines is expected to increase annually. Honda targets at least 100 units of BF350 to be sold in 2025. It has sold more than 1,000 BF350 units worldwide when the product was launched last year in the US, Europe and other Asian countries.
“Today, we introduce Honda’s first V8 outboard motor, the BF350, which embodies our commitment to power, efficiency, and innovation,” Propmech Corp. President Glenn Tong said.
“Honda and Propmech have built a strong partnership to deliver reliable marine solutions to the Philippine market. The BF350 provides advanced marine technology suited for the country’s waters and climate, ensuring performance and value for vessel owners,” Tong said.
The Honda BF350 is Honda’s most advanced outboard motor, featuring a V8 engine designed for longer, smoother journeys.
Equipped with intelligent fuel management and Honda’s VTEC and BLAST technology, the BF350 ensures efficiency, acceleration, and reliability for both private and commercial marine applications.
The BF350 is designed with a streamlined silhouette, chrome-plated trim, and ergonomic controls for ease of handling. Its 60° offset crankshaft reduces vibration and noise for a smoother ride.
In outboard factory in Japan, Honda is promoting energy-saving equipment and gas electrification, and In-house procurement of clean electricity by using solar power generation and rechargeable battery.
Potential buyers for the new Honda marine engine, which has a price tag of between P2 million to P2.5 million, include private resort owners, private users and government.
HPI is also setting up a warehouse in a 16,000 square meter property in Laguna as storage for the OBM and spare parts to ensure they provide efficient after sales service.
During the launch, HPI and Propmech also discussed their long-term commitment to delivering high-quality marine solutions in the Philippines.
