Yamaha Outdoor Power acquires Subaru Industrial Power Products

Updated Dec 16, 2016
Subaru’s EH72 engine, seen here on a log splitter, is one of three V-Twin overhead valve models that will be transferred to Yamaha as part of the deal.Subaru’s EH72 engine, seen here on a log splitter, is one of three V-Twin overhead valve models that will be transferred to Yamaha as part of the deal.

Yamaha Outdoor Power is further expanding its small engine reach in both the generator and lawn and garden markets with the acquisition of Subaru Industrial Power Products.

The deal, which is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2017, was agreed upon between Japanese parent companies Yamaha Motor and Fuji Heavy Industries. The agreement was prompted by Fuji’s decision to cease production of Subaru multi-purpose engines by Sept. 30, 2017.

Fuji will transfer the technology relating to three multi-purpose engines in the Subaru Power EH Series of V-Twin overhead valve range: the EH65, EH72 and EH65V. Yamaha says it will continue selling these engines in the United States.

“Yamaha has made the multi-purpose engine market a priority,” says Jim McPherson, Yamaha’s Outdoor Power Equipment division manager. “Yamaha entered the popular lawn and garden industry earlier this year with the introduction of the all-new MXV-EFI Vertical V-twin series. The Subaru Industrial Power Products acquisition further solidifies Yamaha’s commitment to continuing our recent expansion into this important segment of our business.”

Yamaha Motor US will continue providing after-sales service for Fuji’s multi-purpose engine business in the U.S. and Canada.

Introduced earlier this year, Yamaha’s line of vertical V-twin engines for the lawn and garden market include the MX775V-EFI, MX800V-EFI and MX825V-EFI, and are purpose built for commercial landscape zero-turn radius (ZTR) mowers.