Volvo Penta’s recently launched new V8-380 sterndrive engine
has been awarded an IBEX Innovation Award. The National Marine Manufacturers
Association, jointly with a jury of boating journalists from Boating Writers
International, selected the V8-380 as the best innovation in the engine
category.
The award was presented to Volvo Penta at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference in Louisville, Ky.,
on Oct. 2.
“I had an opportunity to test the V8-380 just before IBEX
and was impressed by its performance and fuel economy throughout the powerband.
This new-generation sterndrive sets a new standard for marine engines,” said
Alan Jones, BWI board member and executive editor of Boating World Magazine, in a Volvo Penta press release.
“This innovation award is another example of Volvo Penta’s longstanding
leadership in the marine industry,” added Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta
Americas. “Volvo Penta has a more than 100 year history of being the first to
market with innovative products such as the Aquamatic sterndrive, Duoprop,
Volvo Penta IPS, joystick steering, and now the V8-380. This new-generation,
high-performance engine provides not only unsurpassed acceleration, but it also
helps the boater save money by using less fuel.
“To receive the IBEX Innovation Award is a great honor, as
it validates all of the hard work that the Volvo Penta engineering team and our
boat building partners have done to put together a great package,” continued
Huibers. “Our longstanding, mutual commitment to innovation brings excitement —
as well as new customers — to boating.”
The Innovation Awards recognizes those products that best
meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products
currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer;
practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60
days of award receipt.