Toyota Nixes Outboard Motors on Pickups

Citing size, fuel efficiency challenges and California emissions standards Toyota has decided not to move forward with putting outboard motors on their newest line of pickups. This came as quite a disappointment to many industry specialists who were looking forward to helping owners of the new vehicles stay on the road. From outboard motor oil requirements to gasoline, even repair and maintenance needs, the new vehicle was destined to provide jobs in mechanical repair and gas stations the world over.

Industry professionals are not thrilled but they are also unsurprised. “Why would you put an outboard motor on a pickup truck?” seems to be the question on most people’s lips. And a good question it is. There’s no real apparent advantage in terms of performance, towing capacity or versatility to be gained from attaching an outboard motor to the tailgate of a remarkably durable truck. Still, though, many are shaking their heads in amazement, “It sure does look cool.”