MILWAUKEE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) - Historic Milwaukee-based brand, Evinrude will no longer produce their major brand of outboard motors for boats.

Their parent company BRP making the announcement Wednesday, discontinuing the production of outboard engines and signing an agreement with Mercury Marine based in Fond Du Lac.     

Scott Monroe, general manager at Racine Riverside Marine, says there was no signs of BRP making the change. Monroe says, “Definitely caught by surprise for such an iconic brand, one that we really love and support, that’s kind right in our back yard to say we’re calling it quits.”

BRP released their fiscal year 2021 first quarter results Wednesday, highlighting the recent impacts from the Covid-19 crisis.

In the report, José Boisjoli, President and CEO at BRP, says, “The sudden impact of the COVID-19 crisis has brought rapid changes that significantly disrupted our business and forced us to quickly and successfully adjust our plan, thanks to the agility and resilience of our employees, suppliers and dealers. Today most of our manufacturing and dealers have re-opened for business. With the new travel restrictions and vacation at home trend, our retail is returning strongly and showing very positive signs.”

He adds, “For our Evinrude employees, let me say that I am very proud of the part they have played over the past years and in particular, their efforts over the past 18 months. Although we have made progress, the impact of COVID-19 has left us no choice. I wish to thank them for their dedication and commitment in helping us create the Marine Group.”

The report says their marine strategy will focus on enhancing the boat business and new technologies to transform the industry.