MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 7 -- Genmar Holdings, Inc. (Genmar) announced today a plan to bring its entire 2,000-dealer network online, extending the benefits of the Internet to approximately 25 percent of all North American boat dealers through a new strategic marketing partnership utilizing the 2002 "Jump Start" program with boats.com, Inc.
The partnership with boats.com, the industry`s leading portal for information about boats, will allow Genmar dealers to establish a presence on the Internet by listing all new and pre-owned inventory on the boats.com Web site. Dealer locations and services will be advertised in the boats.com marine directory along with maps to store locations, store hours and contact information.
"Genmar and its dealers have proven the extraordinary value of the Internet through promotions that have been the most successful in the history of the marine business," said Genmar Chairman Irwin Jacobs. "We believe the Internet has become an essential tool for dealer growth and success, and boats.com has proven itself to be the single largest source for consumers seeking information on boats. Today, more than 1 million unique visitors come into their sites each month seeking boat information."
Paul Rabe, President, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of boats.com touted Genmar`s commitment to its dealer organization as an industry first and stated that http://boats.com will have all Genmar dealers entered into the site by the end of December.
"Through boats.com, dealers can utilize a new channel of operation and customer interaction. The Internet is a very powerful way to reach consumers, lower customer acquisition costs and sell more boats. Boats.com will bring the Internet-savvy consumer to Genmar`s dealer group." said Rabe.
With an established network of industry alliances -- including the exclusive endorsements from the industry`s two leading associations -- the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA), boats.com provides an unmatched level of consumer access to information.
Genmar, with 16 production boat brands, 13 manufacturing centers and approximately 6,000 employees in the United States and Canada, is the world`s largest builder of recreational boats and the industry`s technological leader.
CONTACT:
George Sullivan
Genmar Holdings Inc.
+1-612-337-1884
gsulliva@genmar.com
Ken Grimes
boats.com
+1-847-234-5603
kgrimes@boats.com
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