Zar Formenti partners with Honda Marine for launch of Naxos RIB brand

Honda Marine, a global leader in outboard engine technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with Italian shipyard Zar Formenti, to support the launch of Naxos – the yard’s new RIB brand.

Naxos RIBS have been designed by Carlos Vidal and the first models off the line are the Naxos 19 and Naxos 23.

Under the agreement, the Naxos range will be powered by Honda Marine outboard engines on models equipped with factory-installed pre-rigging systems. The collaboration begins at the production stage, enabling the delivery of fully integrated, turn-key packages designed to ensure optimal balance, performance and reliability for end customers.

The partnership – and the two debut models in the Naxos line – have been officially unveiled at boot Düsseldorf, which runs until 25 January.

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Strategic partnership brings together power and craftsmanship

The partnership extends beyond technical supply to a shared commercial vision on a European scale. The objective, Honda says, is to maximise market penetration by leveraging mutual sales networks and a series of coordinated co-marketing activities. Naxos-Honda packages will form a central piece of promotion including social media campaigns, exclusive events, and a joint presence at international trade fairs.

“We are proud to link the Honda Marine name to an ambitious project such as Naxos,” says Francesco Pichelli, head of sales Europe at Honda Marine. “Zar Formenti’s philosophy aligns perfectly with our pursuit of technical perfection. Together, we offer a package that represents the ideal synthesis of Italian design and cutting-edge engineering.”

Piero Formenti, owner of Lombardy-based Zar Formenti, adds: “With Naxos, we aim to reach a new audience while maintaining the core quality values that have made Zar world-renowned. Choosing Honda as our motorisation partner was a natural decision, based on shared extremely high-quality standards and an extensive service network across Europe.”

In April 2025, the General Council of the Italian Marine Industry Association, Confindustria Nautica, appointed Formenti as the association’s next president for the term from 2025 to 2029.