New Bénéteau’s

[GordMay]

Groupe Bénéteau has revealed plans for two new boat ranges to help fuel further growth in 2007. Speaking to over 100 Groupe Bénéteau suppliers, dealers, designers, and journalists in Paris yesterday, company president Bruno Cathelinais outlined the Groupe's plans for 2007 and beyond.
On the back of recent sales figures that saw the Groupe consolidate its position as the world's largest sailboat builder, with sales of around E858 million predicted for 2006 — an eight fold increase since 1995 — Cathelinais highlighted capitalising on new markets as a key to future success as well as filling in the 'white spaces' in its already extensive portfolio.
A key development on the model front sees the launch in 2007 of a new range designated Bordeaux, to fill the current vacuum in its sail range from 18m-24m. The range (up to 80 ft) will bridge the gap between Bénéteau's First range that ends presently at 50ft and its custom CNB division. Production is already underway of the first Bordeaux 60 which should be ready for launch in March 2007.
Other new launches include a Trawler 52 following the success of the Trawler 42 launched last year. The Jeanneau DC range will be expanded to take in a 36, 39 and 42i (the 'i' stands for 'injection'). There will also be a new Oceanis generation 4, with an Oceanis 50 to be unveiled at Paris in December. A new flagship Lagoon 620 is also on the drawing board.