Bénéteau unveils ambitious plans despite 40 per cent decline in business
By IBI Magazine
At a time when boatbuilders around the world are struggling to stay afloat, Groupe Bénéteau has unveiled plans to launch 29 new models during the 2009-10 season, including eight extended ranges. This compares to 18 models that were launched in 2008. During the season, nearly one-third of the range will have been renewed.
According to a company statement, new product development has been made possible by the "brands' creative strength" and the "quality of the various development teams". The group has also adapted its workforce and organisation to the downturn seen last season through a number of voluntary redundancies and shorter working hours.
The policy to reduce boat stock levels, finalised over the last few months within the distribution network, will pave the way for the benefits that the coming boat shows are expected to have on the group's business.
At Cannes this year, Bénéteau will unveil the Garroni-designed Prestige 60. The company has also entrusted a Franco-Italian team, led by Carla Demaria, with overseeing the development of Monte Carlo Yacht SPA on large powerboats over 15m (49ft). The first unit from the range, a 23m (76ft) model designed by Nuvolari and Lenard, will be presented during the 2009-10 season.
As a leading sailboat builder, Groupe Bénéteau continues to develop its business on the powerboat market, extending its range to units over 15m (49ft) and is now one of the leading players in Europe. On both sail and powerboats, the group's brands — Bénéteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Monte Carlo, Prestige and CNB — offer 100 models, ranging from 6m-18m (20ft-60ft).
Bénéteau is also a major player on the European leisure home market, with plans to become the leading builder in France for high environmental performance wooden frame houses. Work to produce the first homes began in September.
Bénéteau's total estimated group sales for the 2008/09 financial year are expected to total €646m, compared to €1.055bn in 2007/08. The breakdown of sales is likely to be 48 per cent sail, 25 per cent power and 27 per cent homes.
(8 September 2009)
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