Product Code Database
TÅhatsu Kabushiki-gaisha, previously Tokyo Hatsudoki Company,"Two machines with Tohatsu engines." Motorcycle News, 20 February 1963, p.7. Accessed 13 April 2024. is a Japanese company manufacturing and selling outboard motors, pleasure boats, portable fire pumps, small fire trucks, pumps for construction and drainage, and refrigeration units for transportation. It also does real estate property management in Japan.
In 1950, production and sales of motorcycles began. 1955 brought aggressive growth to Tohatsu. Capital increased to 150 million yen and production on a new line of engines started. Sales offices were established in Fukuoka, Nagoya, Tokyo, Sendai and Sapporo. Dealerships were set up throughout Japan.
In the mid-1950s, the company held the top market share, with 22 percent of the Japanese motorbike market. They also manufactured Motorcycle sport and achieved success in Japan and abroad. Financial problems led to the discontinuation of Tohatsu motorcycle production in 1964.
As well as marketing outboards under its own brand, Tohatsu outboards are Rebadging and sold as other brands. In 1988 Tohatsu and Brunswick Corporation set up a joint venture named Tohatsu Marine Corporation to produce outboards for Mercury Marine. Some Mercury outboards with less than 60 HP are rebranded Tohatsus.
In 2011, Tohatsu and Evinrude Outboard Motors made a deal to make smaller engines ranging from 15 HP and down with Evinrude decals.
All outboard engines sold in North America by the now-defunct Nissan Marine were rebadged Tohatsus.
Tohatsu four stroke outboard engines above 50 HP sold in North America after 2013 are rebadged Honda, though at some point after that Tohatsu introduced their own 60 HP model which is an up-rated variant of their 40/50 HP engine. As of at least 2022 all outboards up to 60 HP are designed and built by Tohatsu.
|
|
