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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