These innovations include the aquamatic drive, which was launched in 1959, and the counter-rotating duo-prop drive from the 1980s.
Volvo Penta’s position is confirmed by the British Motor Boat & Yachting magazine, which in its May issue has ranked the most influential people in motor boating in the 20th Century.
The list is topped by Jim Wynne, the man behind Volvo Penta’s aquamatic drive.
According to the magazine, the “Aquamatic drive is the 20th Century’s single most important development in small-craft technology, which made the mass production of cheap, fast, inboard sportsboats possible."
The Motor Boat & Yachting list also includes Harald Wiklund, the man normally referred to as the founder of the modern Volvo Penta. Harald Wiklund is ranked 16th on the list.
The magazine stated the fact that Harald Wiklund was the first president for what it describes as “the world's pre-eminent leisure marine diesel manufacturer," is justification for qualifying for the list. However, the magazine also highlights in this context the decisive efforts made by Harald Wiklund so that the venture with the aquamatic drive would be realized.
The Motor Boat & Yachting list also features such names as former US President Ronald Reagan, who opened the GPS satellite navigation system for commercial use and consequently revolutionized navigation at sea.