Honda, a dominant player in motorcycle manufacturing, is stepping up its marine unit in the Philippines to capture the market share of water-based transportation, especially those utilizing outboard motors.

During a launch event on Wednesday, Feb. 26, Honda Philippines President Sayaka Arai said there is a huge potential in inter-island transportation in the Philippines. After all, it’s an archipelagic nation comprised of 7,641 islands.

Arai noted that while Honda’s market share in the local motorcycle industry is over 55 percent, its share in the marine industry is “almost zero”.

“We are seeking the very big potential in the Philippines about outboard [motor] because it is an island country,” she told reporters, citing huge prospects in Boracay and Palawan.

Arai said Honda Marine is now preparing a lineup specific to the Philippine market, which includes the newly unveiled flagship outboard motor of the Japanese brand.

In collaboration with Propmech Corporation, Honda Philippines officially unveiled the Honda BF350 at a launch in Rizal Park Hotel in Manila.

The BF350 is Honda’s most advanced outboard motor to date, featuring a V8 engine designed for longer journeys and a maximum propulsive force of 350 horsepower.

Equipped with intelligent fuel management that can handle regular gasoline, the flagship model guarantees efficiency, acceleration, and reliability for boating enthusiasts across the country.

The BF350 is designed with a streamlined silhouette, chrome-plated trim, and ergonomic controls for ease of handling.

Additionally, Its 60° offset crankshaft reduces vibration and noise for a smoother ride.

The Honda BF350, manufactured in Japan, will be exclusively sold in the Philippines by Propmech, a leading shipbuilder in the country.

The partnership between Honda and Propmech started with a distributorship agreement a decade ago, and since then, they have delivered nearly 1,000 outboard engines to the commercial market and key government agencies.

Propmech Corp. President Glenn Tong said their goal is to sell up to 100 units of large outboard motors, such as Honda BF350, within the year. He added that he has a higher figure in mind for smaller motors.

The price of the BF350 is within the range of two to 2.5 million. The exact price for a customer will depend on the agreed-upon contract, such as if there is a clause on maintenance, servicing, and spare parts.

Tong noted that Honda and Propmech will be collaborating to improve the after-sales service to sold products to ensure long-term reliability.

He added that the motor will have a one-year warranty, with “special arrangements” for government agencies.

Honda has assured prospective customers that the Japan-made outboard motors is of the highest quality.

“If someone in the Philippines needs the quality and assurance of the product, we can discuss with the Japan-side to provide more if the customers wants to have those boards of Honda,” added Arai.