Who Manufactures Tohatsu Outboard Motors and Where Are They Built?
Tohatsu maintains a complex production network involving Japanese manufacturing and strategic international partnerships.
1Corporate Structure and Partnerships
Tohatsu Corporation operates as the primary entity behind its outboard motors, yet production relies on key strategic alliances. The company maintains a joint venture with Brunswick, the parent firm of Mercury Marine, established in 1988. Additionally, Honda serves as a critical partner, supplying specific four-stroke engine models to the Tohatsu brand.
2The Role of Honda Collaboration
Since 2013, Tohatsu has integrated Honda-supplied engines into its lineup, specifically covering the 60 to 250 horsepower range. These BFT models are manufactured at Honda's dedicated Hosoe Outboard Engine Plant located in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. This facility acts as the global production hub for Honda outboards ranging from 8 to 350 horsepower.
3Core Manufacturing in Komagane
While partnerships exist, Tohatsu continues to develop and manufacture its own proprietary outboard engines in Japan. The primary production facility is situated in Komagane City, Nagano Prefecture. The company relocated its operations to this site from Okaya in January 2005 to facilitate significant infrastructure upgrades and expand its total assembly capacity.
4Facility Upgrades and Production Flow
The 2005 relocation to Komagane enabled Tohatsu to modernize its manufacturing capabilities significantly. The site currently operates three distinct assembly lines and two coating lines, effectively doubling previous capacity. The internal workflow encompasses the entire production cycle, starting from incoming parts and machining through to final inspection and global shipment processes.
5Historical Milestones and Growth
Tohatsu entered the marine market with its first mass-produced outboard engine in 1956. By 2026, the company marked 70 years of continuous production in the sector. Over these seven decades, the manufacturer has achieved a significant production milestone, with total global deliveries of its outboard engines exceeding the five million unit threshold.
6Self-Developed Engine Innovations
Despite relying on external partners for certain segments, Tohatsu remains committed to internal research and development. In April 2026, the company announced the global availability of the MFS150 model. This 150 horsepower unit represents the largest outboard engine developed entirely in-house by Tohatsu, signaling a continued focus on independent engineering and design.
7Market Positioning and Mercury Links
Industry observers frequently associate Tohatsu with Mercury Marine due to their shared history and the Brunswick joint venture. This relationship influences the market landscape for smaller outboard motors. By balancing self-developed technology with engines sourced from Honda, Tohatsu maintains a diverse portfolio that caters to various power requirements for boat owners worldwide.
8Operational Significance and Future Outlook
The integration of diverse manufacturing bases in Komagane and Hamamatsu underscores Tohatsu's reliance on Japanese precision engineering. By maintaining strict control over its internal production flow while leveraging Honda's high-horsepower expertise, the company sustains its competitive position. Future growth will likely depend on balancing these collaborative efforts with its own proprietary engine development.
Original article: SlashGear — Who Manufactures Tohatsu Outboard Motors and Where Are They Built?