From 1 July 2026, Power Equipment Pty Ltd becomes the exclusive Tohatsu distributor for Australia, New Zealand, and the broader Oceania region. The appointment aligns with Power Equipment's existing dealer relationships throughout the area and marks a significant development for both companies.
Genki Tamura, General Manager of Tohatsu's Overseas Operations Department, outlined the thinking behind the decision. "The new partnership with Power Equipment will allow Tohatsu to continue on our planned growth trajectory, leveraging Power Equipment's industry contacts, technical support capabilities, world-class parts infrastructure and renowned standing in the region's marine industry."
Power Equipment ranks among Australia's most established marine engine suppliers, and the appointment represents a further milestone for the business. Tohatsu's growing global presence, combined with Power Equipment's well-regarded reputation across Australasian marine markets, is expected to strengthen the brand's product exposure and drive engine sales throughout the region.
Tohatsu's current range spans 2.5hp to 250hp, catering to a wide variety of vessels and applications, and more than 80 dealers already represent the brand across the region.
Luke Foster, CEO of Power Equipment, left no doubt about how much the addition means to his company. "We are incredibly pleased and excited to add Tohatsu to our marine line-up. It gives us the ability to provide a full range of propulsion, on-water power, propellers and stabilization products to our customers."
Foster also spoke to the broader appeal of the brand. "With over 100 years of Japanese engine manufacturing experience and a gold standard R&D program, the Tohatsu products speak for themselves and offers us the chance to grow our range of quality brands. We are a family-owned company that has been a leader in the marine industry for over 35 years and we continue to invest in the business and have long term stability."
He pointed as well to what Power Equipment itself brings to the arrangement. "With our world-class parts and warehouse infrastructure, along with our highly experienced marine team, we are well placed to continue the growth of the Tohatsu brand throughout Australia and New Zealand."
The deal carries particular significance for Power Equipment on another front. A company with decades of expertise in diesel and electric marine engines, it will be entering the petrol outboard market through its distribution network for the very first time.
"We've been the go-to experts in diesel and electric marine engines for decades, and the opportunity to expand into the petrol outboard market is a natural fit and has the entire team extremely excited," Foster said.
Tohatsu traces its origins to Japan in 1922 and has since grown into one of the largest manufacturers of marine outboard engines in the world. In addition to its own outboard and fire pump range, the corporation supplies marine engines to some of the most recognisable engine brands on the global market.
Power Equipment Pty Ltd is a family-owned Australian business distributing and supplying diesel, petrol, and electric engines, power technology, and a range of supporting brands across the industrial and marine sectors. Founded in 1990 with a clear ambition to bring the world's finest engines to Australia, the company has grown to become the largest independent distributor of marine and industrial diesel engines across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
