BRP History
1970 In Brief
The 1970s saw the birth of the Can-Am brand and a snowmobile trail system in Québec as well as the acquisition of Lohnerwerke GmbH and its subsidiary in Austria, Rotax-Werk, forever changing engine production at BRP.
1970 BRP acquires Lohnerwerke GmbH and begins to manufacture the Skidozer snow groomers
Acquisition of the Austrian company Lohnerwerke GmbH and its subsidiary, Rotax-Werk (known today as BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG), manufacturers of Rotax engines. Launch of the new Skidozer 250 vehicle for grooming ski slopes.
1971 Expansion of the Ski-Doo line-up
Launch of the Elan, Skandic, Valmont and Blizzard Ski-Doo models. The Skidozer SV 200 trail grooming vehicle is marketed as part of “Operation SnoPlan”. This program was key to the development and maintenance of groomed trails as well as to the promotion of snowmobile safety. Acquisition of the snowmobile manufacturer Moto-Ski.
1972 BRP grows to include Can-Am line-up
A new division is created for Can-Am motorcycles. The product line includes high-performance motocross models.
1973 Ski-Doo snowmobiles hit one million
On August 29, the one-millionth Ski-Doo snowmobile rolls off the line.
1974 The Ski-Doo brand evolves again; a snowmobile trail system is born
The technology, safety features, look and comfort of Ski-Doo snowmobiles improve considerably. The company works closely with snowmobiling clubs to build several trail networks. Bombardier Inc. creates its American subsidiary, Bombardier Credit Inc; an inventory financing service which extends to other Bombardier-made recreational products. The research centre in Valcourt, Québec, undergoes renovations.
