Suzuki ramps up commitment to boat builders

swadminJune 17, 2005

BREA, Calif. – Suzuki Marine has created a corporate business group dedicated to boat builders to keep pace with its growing boat builder customer base, it reported in a statement yesterday.

Fourteen-year Suzuki veteran Gus Blakely, who has long been involved with its pre-rig program for boat builders, has been promoted to lead the new business group as its manager, the company said.

Suzuki Marine four-stroke outboard sales to boat builders have doubled in 2004, over calendar year 2003, according to Larry Vandiver, marketing director for Suzuki Marine. This year’s sales are keeping pace to match, and likely exceed, that growth, added Vandiver.

“This new boat builder business group is further evidence of Suzuki’s commitment to the U.S. market,” said Vandiver. “Gus Blakely is the ideal pro to head it up, and grow our position in the U.S. marketplace.”

Suzuki attributes the increase in sales to its continued introduction of state-of-the-art, high technology, four-stroke outboards. The company’s newest additions to its 2006 model year lineup – which ranges from 2.5 hp to 250 hp – are the Big Block DF150 and DF175 outboard motors.