Honda Opens New Florida Marine Office for Outboard Development

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., in coordination with American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is set to open its new Florida Marine Office (FMO) on October 1, 2026. Located at the company's existing R&D Test Facility in Grant-Valkaria, Florida, this strategic move aims to enhance the development and support for Honda Marine products within the critical U.S. market. The FMO will integrate global and regional teams to accelerate rigging development, product validation, and application engineering for Honda's outboard motors.

Enhanced Development and Market Responsiveness

The new Honda Marine Florida office is designed to connect Honda's global engineering expertise with insights from the U.S. market. This integration is intended to strengthen product development, customer support, and the long-term value of Honda Marine products.

By establishing a centralized hub near U.S. boat builders, dealers, and customers, Honda aims to respond more quickly to market demands. The FMO will facilitate faster adoption of large-outboard and future marine products, while also delivering technical solutions and field support to the market more efficiently.

Leveraging Existing Expertise and Facilities

The Honda Marine Florida office builds upon nearly two decades of specialized marine research conducted by Honda R&D Americas and the broader global Honda R&D network. The existing 11,000-square-foot waterfront facility in Grant-Valkaria, situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, has been operational since December 2008.

This site has supported hands-on market research, engine testing, software design, and data acquisition for Honda outboards ranging from 2.3 to 350 horsepower. Most Honda outboard engines sold in the United States undergo evaluation at this facility to optimize fuel efficiency, throttle response, and marine reliability. The facility also earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2010, and its testing efforts contributed to Honda Marine receiving the 2025 Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Operational Structure and Future Outlook

Leadership for the product planning, field engineering, and development teams at the new Honda Marine Florida office includes Go Tanaka, chief engineer for American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and Chad Nere, Honda Marine department manager for Honda Power Sports & Products Development Division. The initial FMO team comprises existing Florida-based Honda R&D associates, Honda Motor associates assigned from Japan, and two newly created Honda PS&P associate positions.

This integrated team will connect field observations, boat-builder input, and U.S. market requirements with global product planning, engineering, and validation resources. While the FMO focuses on development, sales and service operations for Honda Marine will continue to be based in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Grant-Valkaria operation is part of Honda R&D Americas' network of 23 R&D facilities across the United States. Honda plans to evaluate future facility and operational needs as the Florida Marine Office matures.

The establishment of the Honda Marine Florida office represents a focused effort to bring product planning and development closer to the U.S. market. This initiative is intended to translate customer and partner insights into improved products and more responsive technical support for Honda Marine customers and boat builders.