Bavaria boats back on the boat shows
The German pleasure boat brand Bavaria, which was once one of the largest manufacturers in the European boating industry with nearly 3,500 units per year, has been in deep crisis since it was placed under protection in the spring of 2018. After a long period of uncertainty, the company was finally taken over by the investment fund CMP in September 2018. The brand was thus absent from the back-to-school boat shows, only reappearing at the Boot Düsseldorf in January 2019. The Cannes Yachting Festival 2019 was the opportunity for the German shipyard to make its return to the afloat shows. A discreet return, only 2 sailboats were presented in the Port Canto Space, motor boats being left aside for the moment. " The message is to say that we are there. France is an important market for us. There are good leads from dealers in Italy and France. "Marcus Schlichting, Bavaria's Head of Communications, sums up.
Bavaria gets back into the swing of things
" There's a lot of work in progress, but we're on track with the goals set by our investors." explains Marcus Schlichting. " For the presentation of the new boats, it will be necessary to wait until January 2020. "Without giving further details, he suggests that the 40-foot yacht market is of interest to Bavaria.
On the industrial side, the structuring continues. CMP had announced the return of all production to Giebelstadt, Bavaria's stronghold. A company agreement has been reached to adapt production rates to the seasonality of the yachting industry. " A new organization allows employees to work more in winter and less in summer when the load is less. "explains the communication officer.
Marcus Schlichting believes that the distribution network has not been affected too much by the Bavaria crisis. " In Italy the network is stable, while in France 70% of the network has been retained. "The brand was present at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle with its dealer.
To sum up the situation, the communications manager relies on the order book. " If you order today, in September 2019, you can have your boat in February 2020. "
