Groupe Beneteau introduced 12 new models this week at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and announced one that will debut at the Miami show in February. Seven of the group’s 12 brands are represented at FLIBS.
• Monte Carlo 52
• Gran Turismo 36 OB
• Swift Trawler 41
• Flyer 32
• Monte Carlo MCY 66
• Monte Carlo MCY 70
• Monte Carlo MCY 76
• Jeanneau NC 895 SPORT
• Jeanneau NC 1095 FLY
• Prestige 420
• Scarab 285 ID
• Wellcraft 402 Fisherman
• GT 32 (Miami)
Groupe Beneteau said the United states now represents more than 30 percent of its market. “Just 10 years ago, we offered boats identical to the European models, and it took several months before the options requested by American customers were available,” said Nicolas Harvey, president of Jeanneau America. “Now we think about this from the design stage, and the boat arrives equipped for our American customers. The new Prestige 420 was designed for the American market.”
Beneteau also is investing in production and research and development. The Cadillac, Mich., and Marion, S.C., plants have been expanded. The company also remains committed to environmental concerns, designing its models to be easier to deconstruct and recycle at the end of their life. “We are thinking about recycling the boat even before we have built it,” says Gianguido Girotti, deputy CEO in charge of product and brand Strategy.
Research in foiling technology also continues, with the Beneteau Figaro 3 sailboat. “For the moment, this technology is mainly dedicated to racing,” Girotti said. “Then it will be used on the other boats. We are still working to adapt the technology to future needs.”
Groupe Beneteau said it has spent $44 million a year over the past three years to renew its fleet. Today, more than half of the 200 models it offers are less than three years old.
