In 1965, New Zealand was a very different place. Keith Holyoake served as Prime Minister, petrol cost just five shillings per gallon, and The Sound of Music captured hearts at the box office. It was also the year Suzuki Marine launched its first outboard motor, the D55, a compact, one-cylinder, two-stroke engine generating 4.0 kw (approximately 5.5 horsepower). While modest in output, the D55 marked the beginning of a transformative journey in recreational boating.
Fast forward six decades, with Suzuki releasing at least one new model almost every year, Suzuki Marine has evolved into one of the global leaders in 4-stroke outboard technology. Today, its line up spans from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, with each model engineered to deliver performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Along the way, Suzuki has amassed nine prestigious NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) Innovation Awards – more than any other brand in the 4-stroke engine category – recognising both small and flagship motors alike.
“Releasing at least one new model almost every year, Suzuki Marine has evolved into one of the global leaders in 4-stroke outboard technology.”
1977
Suzuki began motor
production at its Takatsuka
plant, launching the DT5 — a
powerful, smooth-running
5-horsepower engine with
two cylinders, water cooling,
and optional electric start.
1979
Production scaled up with a move to the larger Toyokawa Plant, positioning Suzuki to serve a growing global boating market better.
1987
Innovation took centre stage
with the DT200 Exante, known
as the “talking outboard.” This
200hp V6 model won Suzuki
its first NMMA Innovation Award for its ground-breaking features.
1994
Suzuki launched its first
4-stroke outboards, the
DF9.9 and DF15, setting
the stage for a new
era in Suzuki marine
propulsion.
1996
The predecessor of Pacific
PowerBoat, PROPELLER
MAGAZINE’s first official
camera boat, a 6meter
Fyran, was fitted up with a
Suzuki 115 DT140 EFI Engine,
which offered years of
reliable service.
1997
Fuel-injected DF60 and DF70
models were introduced,
winning another NMMA
Innovation Award and
solidifying Suzuki as one
of the leaders in 4-stroke
development.
2003
Suzuki broke the power barrier
with the industry’s first 250hp
4-stroke, the DF250 V6, along
with 225 and 200hp models.
The DF250 earned an NMMA
Innovation Award for its
forward-thinking design.
2006
The DF300 became the
first 300hp V6 4-stroke
on the market — and the
first to feature electronic
remote control. It,
too, won an NMMA
Innovation Award.
2010
Suzuki launched its first environmental initiative with a clean-up event at Lake Sanaru — the exact location where its first outboard was developed 45 years earlier.
2014
With the DF200A
and DF200AP, Suzuki
introduced drive-by-wire
throttle/shift and Selective
Rotation technology,
allowing a single unit to
serve as either standard or
counter-rotating.
2017
The DF350A debuted
as Suzuki’s most
powerful and advanced
outboard ever, featuring
dual contra-rotating
propellers, a marine
industry first. It was
honoured with yet
another NMMA
Innovation Award.
2020
Suzuki launched its global CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT, aiming to reduce plastic packaging, clean up waterways, and develop eco conscious technologies.
2021
The DF115 and DF140 became the first 4-stroke outboards in their horsepower class with drive-by-wire systems. These models were recognised as a Top Product by Boating Industry Magazine recognised them as top products.
2022
Suzuki introduced a revolutionary Micro Plastic Collecting Device, making it standard on all new DF115 and DF140 outboards, enabling boaters to help clean the oceans as they enjoy them.
2024
The Stealth Line was unveiled
at the Miami International Boat
Show and showcased earlier
this year at the Auckland Boat
Show; It combines Suzuki’s
legendary performance with a
striking matte-black finish and
Chrome Black graphics. The
bold design quickly became
a hit, prompting an expanded
range of eight models.
2025
A Celebration of Innovation – and Style
In celebration of its 60th Anniversary, Suzuki Marine is launching its Most Valuable Lineup (MVL) — a new, unified design theme beginning with its popular V6 outboards (200 to 350 horsepower). These engines feature refined, stylish colour palettes and premium graphics that reflect the quality beneath the surface. But the MVL is more than just a visual update. It represents Suzuki’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative technology for every kind of boater, from performance ski boats to offshore fishing vessels.
The Journey Continues
From its humble beginnings with the D55 to today’s powerful, efficient, and environmentally
conscious motors, Suzuki Marine’s 60-year voyage is a testament to what’s possible when innovation, quality, and passion power the journey. And if the past six decades are any indication, the best is still yet to come.
