Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/775380
10 FEBRUARY 2017 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com INDUSTRY NEWS Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, acquires Subaru Industrial Power Products Y amaha Motor Corp., USA's (YMUS) Outdoor Power Equipment division in Kennesaw, Ga., announced on December 13 the acquisition of Subaru Industrial Power Products. The acquisition is a result of an agreement between parent companies Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., both of Japan, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 1, 2017. Fuji Heavy Industries is ceasing the production and sale of multi-purpose engines, etc., at the end of September 2017. "Yamaha has made the multi-purpose engine market a priority," said 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." As part of the acquisition, Fuji Heavy Industries will transfer to Yamaha Motor Powered Products Co., Ltd. (YMPC), also of Japan, technology relating to three products: EH65, EH72 and EH65V of the EH Series V-Twin overhead-valve multi- purpose engine range, which are used in large generators and large mowing machinery. The acquisition of this technology will enable YMPC to sell the EH Series V-Twin overhead- valve multi-purpose engines both within Japan and overseas, including through YMUS in the United States. Through the acquisition, YMUS will continue after-sales service for Fuji Heavy Industries' multi-purpose engine business in North America (excluding Mexico), while further strengthening its power products business in North America. Yamaha's all-new line of vertical V-twin engines for the lawn and garden market was initially introduced earlier in 2016. The MX775V-EFI, MX800V-EFI and MX825V-EFI engines are purpose built for commercial landscape zero-turn-radius (ZTR) mowers and combine Yamaha's historic quality, high performance and durability standards with landscape ZTR- specific design and development, resulting in outstanding performance and higher fuel efficiency than competitive models on the market. HOT NEWS Husqvarna announces partnership with NHLA H usqvarna Professional Products Inc. recently announced a partnership with the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA), an organization dedicated to facilitating the upward mobility of Hispanic Americans as professionals in the landscape industry. "Husqvarna is proud to be a supporter of the NHLA and Hispanic-Americans working in the landscape industry across the USA," said Walter Rose, national sales manager, commercial lawn and garden and tree care, Husqvarna. "With an equally proud history developing innovative products for professionals, Husqvarna fully supports the mission of the Alliance — helping each other to grow as professionals and leaders so that we can together become more successful." Since its inception in 2011, the NHLA has been committed to empowering and equipping its members with the necessary tools to become successful professionals and leaders in the industry. "For more than three centuries, Husqvarna has manufactured quality equipment for landscape professionals and has provided educational content that has advanced the professionalism and safety of its customers and industry professionals more broadly," said NHLA Executive Director Ralph Egües. "We are delighted to welcome Husqvarna as an NHLA supporting member. Their commitment to quality and education perfectly aligns with the NHLA's mission." In addition to helping advance the competency and success of Hispanics in the landscape industry, the NHLA works to defend and advance industry interests by facilitating effective engagement between its members and elected officials and other influential decision makers in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere. EETC accepting scholarship application submissions T he Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) is now accepting application submissions for its 2017 Paul H. Scholten Memorial Scholarship Program. Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to individuals pursuing a certificate or degree in power equipment technology at an EETC-accredited school. Applicants will be judged on their academic achievement, leadership activities and student statement. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who exhibit financial need. The application deadline is March 20, and the scholarship win- ners will be announced during the EETC's 21st annual conference, which will be hosted by Stihl Inc. April 5-8 in Virginia Beach, Va. Applicants can apply online — and donations can be made — for the Paul H. Scholten Memorial Scholarship Program through the EETC's website at www.eetc.org.