Jeanneau delivers insight into current model development

Erwin Bamps, the new CEO of Prestige Yachts, offered an insight into Jeanneau’s current model development during the company’s spring press conference for the boating media in Cannes.

With 67 current models, the shipyard, which belongs to the Beneteau Group, says it updates around 20% of its fleet every year with product updates.

According to Prestige marketing director Erik Stromberg, Jeanneau’s own brand is the leader in large motoryachts. “Prestige is the world’s No 1 manufacturer for flybridge motoryachts between 40ft-60ft in length,” he said.

In contrast to other manufacturers, Jeanneau will continue to offer entry-level models from 40ft, Stromberg added.

Merry de la Poëze, product director for Jeanneau Motor Boats, reported an overall “very healthy” business environment for motorboats sales in the US. Merry Fisher models are already being produced in the United States, and the same is being considered for the Cap Camarat range. Its introduction 40 years ago will be celebrated in 2020.

The market for flybridge yachts is currently growing strongly in the US, Erik Stromberg explained in Cannes.

Away from the press conference, it was clear that the trade dispute between the EU and the Trump administration has made sales in Europe more difficult for the Beneteau/Jeanneau shipyard group’s motorboat brands manufactured in the USA.