Brand Comparison
Johnson vs OXE Outboards
A straight, factual side-by-side — both are excellent builders that simply shine in different places. Here is how they line up and who each one suits.
| Johnson Outboards | OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1922 | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Waukegan, Illinois (former, via OMC) | Helsingborg, Sweden |
| Ownership | BRP Inc. — brand discontinued after 2007 | Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE) |
| Stock / Ticker | TSX/Nasdaq: DOO — parent BRP Inc. (Johnson discontinued after 2007) | OXE.ST (Nasdaq Stockholm); OTC: CMMCF |
| Annual Revenue | ≈ $9.0 billion (TTM, BRP Inc. — whole company) | Reported in OXE Marine AB public filings (SEK) |
| Employees | ≈ 17,000 worldwide (BRP Inc., entire company) | Reported in OXE Marine AB filings |
| Manufacturing | Johnson-brand outboard production has ended | Assembly and engineering in Sweden |
| HP Range | (historic) portable through high-hp — brand discontinued | 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450) |
| Fuel / Power | 2-stroke (historic) and later 4-stroke | Diesel (compression-ignition) & diesel-electric hybrid |
| Product Lines | 3 families | 5 families |
| Signature Tech |
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| Famous For | Being one of the two names (with Evinrude) that defined American outboarding for most of the 20th century — lightweight aluminum motors and early racing. Discontinued by BRP after 2007. | Inventing the practical diesel outboard. OXE is famous for its belt-drive diesel engines used by navies, coast guards and commercial operators where diesel logistics and range matter most. |
| Best For | Owners of existing Johnson motors and buyers researching used outboards and brand history. | Commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. |
Revenue and workforce figures are point-in-time snapshots from company filings for the year shown (in several cases the parent company, not just the marine division). Stock price, market value, and ROI change daily — use the ticker for live pricing.
Where Each Brand Dominates
Johnson on the water
Historic / Collector Interest
A founding American outboard brand with strong collector and restoration interest.
Used-Motor Market
A very large installed base keeps Johnson common and serviceable in the used market.
Vintage Racing Heritage
Known for 1920s outboard racing success in its early years.
OXE on the water
Commercial & Military
Built for patrol, security, workboat and defense duty cycles with diesel logistics.
Long-Range & Efficiency
Diesel economy delivers extended range over gasoline outboards.
Superyacht Tenders
Diesel-tender option that matches a mothership's fuel.
Which one fits you?
Choose Johnson if…
- ✓Founding-era American outboard heritage with 1920s racing wins
- ✓Enormous installed base and parts availability in the used market
- ✓BRP continues parts and warranty support for existing owners
Choose OXE if…
- ✓Major fuel efficiency and range vs gasoline (reports of 30%+ better economy)
- ✓Diesel safety and single-fuel logistics for pro/military users
- ✓Long service intervals and commercial durability
Browse & Official Links
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The Honest Take
Both Johnson Outboards and OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) are top-tier outboard builders — you can buy either with confidence. Johnson leans toward owners of existing johnson motors and buyers researching used outboards and brand history, while OXE leans toward commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. For most buyers the deciding factors are which dealer and service network is strongest in your area, and which brand your local mechanics know best. Whichever you choose, you can browse listings for both on OutboardListings.com.
FAQ
Is Johnson or OXE the better outboard?
Neither is universally "better" — they lead in different areas. Johnson is best for owners of existing johnson motors and buyers researching used outboards and brand history. OXE is best for commercial, military, patrol and superyacht-tender operators needing diesel efficiency, range and single-fuel logistics. The right choice depends on how you boat and what dealer support is near you.
What is the HP range of Johnson vs OXE?
Johnson Outboards offers (historic) portable through high-hp — brand discontinued, while OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB) offers 150 – 300 hp (+ HYBRID 450).
Who owns Johnson and OXE?
Johnson Outboards: BRP Inc. — brand discontinued after 2007. OXE Marine AB (formerly Cimco Marine AB): Publicly traded (Nasdaq Stockholm: OXE).