The following are a couple of news items from the trade press that consumers don't get to see. Thought I'd share them with you. The source is Boating Industry Magazine's email list:
Volvo's marine sales up
Sweden
Goteborg
AB Volvo's marine and industrial power system engine sales totaled more than SEK1.6 billion in the third quarter, up about 15 percent over the comparable period last year. For the first nine months of 2000, sales were up 18 percent, to over SEK4.9 billion.
The company reported that the world market for marine engines continued to grow during the third quarter, though "some weakening" in the North American market was detected at the end of the quarter. Orders booked in Europe for recreational craft engines continued to be "very substantial."
"Marine and industrial power systems reports record-high earnings in the first nine months," said Leif Johansson, chief executive officer. "Growth is strong and the business area continues to capture market shares. This is also valid for the North America market, where sales of diesel-powered and gasoline-powered engines for leisure marine craft are increasing sharply, which also helps to improve Volvo Penta's margins."
Order books for recreational craft engines in Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and other markets were described as "well filled." Volvo continues to increase its share of the marine engine market, according to the company.
The Volvo Group reported a net sales increase of 5 percent to SEK30.1 billion in the quarter, with a decrease of 45 percent in operating profits to SEK654 million. The decline was attributed primarily to difficulties with North American truck operations.
The European Union's competition authority approved Volvo's proposed acquisition of the Renault truck business; however, as a concession, Volvo will have to divest its holding in Scania AB within three years. In addition to trucks, Scania manufactures marine engines.
- John J. Kettlewell
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Bors wins Darlene Briggs award
United States
Orlando, Florida
Kimberly Bors, president and general manager of Chris-Craft Boats, Sarasota, Florida, was named the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year today in Orlando.
She received the acclamation for her work as a leader at Chris-Craft and her success in turning the division to profitability after more than 10 years of losses.
Bors joined the marine industry five years ago as vice president of human resources at Outboard Marine Corp. (OMC) She assisted in developing the overall strategy for and repositioning of OMC's many brands, including Chris-Craft. She became the leader of the Chris-Craft division and within eight months. She is responsible for the overall management of the operation, including product design, development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution, human resources and finance.
In addition to her duties with Chris-Craft, Bors also serves on many volunteer organizations including chairman of the board of OMC Foundation, the Manatee County Economic Development Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
The Darlene Briggs Award is sponsored by Boating Industry International.
- James Denn