Tohatsu Unveils New Flagship Outboard Engine With Orbital Technology

PERTH, Australia, Jan. 22, 2006 -- Japan's second largest outboard manufacturer Tohatsu has unveiled a new 115 horsepower two stroke outboard engine featuring Orbital's air-assisted direct fuel injection technology.

Tohatsu have stated that the new MD 115A engine is the new flagship for the TLDI(R) range, and will be on sale in the northern summer of 2006.

The TLDI(R) series of engines are Tohatsu's award winning outboard motors utilizing the Orbital air assisted direct injection technology (OCP). These direct injection two stroke engines have been in production since 2000 starting out with the 50 horsepower (MD 50) engine. Over the last few years the TLDI(R) range has been extended to cover 40, 50, 70 and 90 horsepower in-line 3 cylinder engines. This new release now extends the technology onto their largest displacement in-line 4 cylinder engine for the first time.

Orbital Chief Executive Officer Rod Houston said this new release continues to show the commitment of our licensees to two-stroke engines in combination with Orbital's direct injection technology.

"Tohatsu have done a brilliant job on their new flagship TLDI(R) engine; not only have they produced a clean and efficient outboard they have also paid significant attention to the refinement of the overall product including noise quality and styling. This product is confirmation that there is a place for clean and quiet two-strokes in the marine outboard market alongside the four- strokes," said Mr. Houston.

"Any day that one of our customers releases a new product with OCP is an important day for our future revenue streams and the sale of Synerject components."

Orbital is an international developer of engine and related technologies, providing research, design and development services for the world's producers of powertrains and engine management systems for application in motorcycles, marine and recreational vehicles, automobiles and trucks. Orbital's principal operations in Perth, Western Australia, provide a world class facility with capabilities in design, manufacturing, development and testing of engines and powertrains unparalleled in the Asia Pacific region. Orbital provides its customers with leading edge, world class, engineering expertise. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Orbital stock is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange (OEC) and, in the United States, on the OTC Bulletin Board (OBTLY).