Electric Propulsion Systems

BRP Acquires Austrian Electric Motor Company

Article by Craig Ritchie for International Boating Industry magazine

Sea-Doo Switch, BRP, Sea-Doo pontoon

Sea-Doo launched the Switch pontoon boat last year to rave reviews.

Quebec, Canada-based BRP announced late last week that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Great Wall Motor Austria, reinforcing its know-how in electric propulsion technology.

Fertile Environment

A subsidiary of Great Wall Motor based in Baoding, China, Great Wall Motor Austria is described as a leading R&D center in the development of electric-propulsion technologies. Located in Kottingbrunn not far from Vienna, the EV R&D hub is situated to attract top talent from nearby universities and research centers. No changes are expected among current employees.

“We look forward to welcoming the 53 very qualified and experienced engineers, technicians and professionals as we continue reinforcing our EV expertise required to deploy our ambitious strategy,” said BRP chief technology officer, Thomas Uhr. “This acquisition will further strengthen our know-how in e-motor, inverter hardware and software development.”

Sea-Doo Spark, Sea-Doo Spark Trixx

Could we see an electrically powered Sea-Doo personal watercraft from the partnership?

The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions including the receipt of Austrian regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the end of Q2 this fiscal year. Last March BRP revealed plans to invest upwards of C$300m over the next five years toward the electrification of current product lines, with the first units to market within two years and the goal of electrifying all product lines by the end of 2026.