News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 9, 2001

Bombadier-Rotax is Starting Production of Its Four-stroke Inboard Engines

MEDIA CONTACT:
Angelika Neubacher
Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Bombardier-Rotax GmbH
(+43) 7246 601 202

Gunskirchen, Austria - In November of this year, Bombardier-Rotax will be commencing serial production of its new four-stroke engine developed exclusively for Sea-Doo® watercraft. Manufactured from Gunskirchen in Upper Austria, the four-stroke inboard engine is the first step of a new pioneering generation of engines in which Bombardier-Rotax is committing a large investment of research and development.

"The 4-TEC TM boat engine brings the start of a whole new era for watercraft", said Harald Plockinger, Managing Director of Bombardier-Rotax GmbH. Providing rapid and flexible power, the engine is considered to be more efficient and environmentally-friendly.

The 1500 cm_, 12-valve 3-cylinder inboard engine already meets and exceeds U.S. environmental standards set for 2006. In addition, the high-tech drive from Upper Austria stands out for its state-of-the-art electronic engine management, extreme ease of maintenance and high reliability.

"The 4-TEC inboard engine is up to 90% cleaner than conventional drives for watercraft. Its hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide emissions are only 10% of those of a two-stroke carburettor-type engine of roughly the same power, with sound emissions of up to 50% lower", added Harald Plockinger. "Another new feature of the 4-TEC family of engines is the implementation of a platform strategy with its corresponding positive effects on costs and quality."

The 4-TEC will also involve Bombardier-Rotax marketing an engine series separately for the first time. Two models of the new 4-TEC generation of engines will be ready for serial production this year. Alongside the inboard engine, the new family will also include a drive unit for Bombardier® all-terrain vehicles. A further pioneering 4-TEC engine for the Bombardier Ski-Doo® snowmobiles is expected to start production in 2003. It is these engines that are putting Bombardier-Rotax on the fast track towards world class status.

Bombardier Recreational Products designs, develops, builds, distributes and markets Ski-Doo® and Lynx® snowmobiles, snowgrooming equipment and multi-purpose tracked vehicles, Bombardier® all-terrain vehicles, Sea-Doo® watercraft and sport boats, Bombardier Fish Hawk TM fishing boats as well as the Evinrude® and Johnson® outboard marine engines and the Ficht Ram Injection® technology. Snowmobiles, ATVs, watercraft and some sport boats are powered by Rotax® engines that are designed and built by Bombardier-Rotax GmbH, which also builds motors for motorcycles, scooters, karts and aircraft.

Bombardier Inc., a diversified manufacturing and service company, is a world leading manufacturer of business jets, regional aircraft, rail transportation equipment and motorized recreational products. It is also a provider of financial services and asset management. The Corporation employs 79,000 people in 24 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific and its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2001 totalled $16.1 billion Cdn.