Volvo Penta Joysticks Coming To Yamaha Outboards
Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor Sign Technical Agreement for Joint Development of Boat Control Systems
KENNESAW, Ga., Dec. 6, 2010 — Volvo Penta and Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. today announced that they have signed a technical agreement for the joint development of control systems for boats with outboard motors.
“We are proud to be working with Volvo Penta,” said Ben Speciale, Yamaha Marine Group President. “As a leader in outboard innovation, we look forward to providing the market with advanced technologies that we know will emerge from the relationship.”
The engine control systems that will be developed under the agreement include single remote control for outboard-powered boats. The new product will combine power and steering control in one easy-to-use, electronic device. The intention is to greatly improve maneuverability and ease of docking for larger boats that use outboard power.
The joint development of these and other systems will pair Yamaha’s expertise in outboard propulsion with Volvo Penta’s expertise in control systems. “We are excited about the opportunity to combine the talents of Yamaha and Volvo Penta engineers to achieve new levels in state-of-the-art marine control design. Our independent customers will be the direct beneficiaries of this strategic alliance,” added Clint Moore, President and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas.
In addition to the boat control systems for outboards, the companies will work together on a wider scope of boat control systems including those for Volvo Penta’s marine engines.
About Volvo Penta
Volvo Penta, with more than 2,000 dealers and OEM customers in North America, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for both marine and industrial applications. Volvo Penta’s marine engine program includes diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 900 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications and aerospace components and services. For more information, please visit www.volvopenta.com.
About Yamaha Marine Group
Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Group, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and OEM partners with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.