Bavaria Yachts USA launches
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH in Germany has appointed Bavaria Yachts USA as the sole U.S. importer, distributor and dealer for Bavaria yachts on the East Coast of the USA and across to the Great Lakes and Texas.
In May 2011, this new company will launch the Bavaria Yachts brand in the U.S. with the all-new Cruiser models designed by Farr Yacht Design and BMW DesignworksUSA as well as the Vision series. Founded by a new management team with a new business model, Bavaria Yachts USA will focus solely on the direct sales and after-sales support of Bavaria yachts. The company’s flagship office and a range of the newly designed Cruiser models are based in Annapolis.
“The business model of Bavaria Yachts USA is new to the industry and eliminates the three-tier structure currently in place for other manufacturers,” the company said in a release. “The innovative format effectively provides ‘factory direct’ purchasing from Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH in Germany. For the customer, this new approach translates to better pricing, a better selection of yachts available for test sails and charter, yachts built to personalized specifications, expert product knowledge and a dedicated after-sales support and service program.”
Bavaria Yachts USA is co-owned by managing director Kenny Feld and directors Andrew Thompson and Sylvia Driver. Kenny was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and vice president of Electronic Data Systems. Andrew and Sylvia are the founding directors of Horizon Yacht Charters in the Caribbean and have a combined experience of 40 years in the sailing industry. Geoff McCord is the general manager for Bavaria Yachts USA and Horizon Yacht Charters, Annapolis. Geoff was previously the regional sales manager for Beneteau USA for 25 years.
“With many new developments at Bavaria in Germany, we are very pleased that a new era for Bavaria yachts has begun in the US market too,” Jens Ludmann, chief executive officer of Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH, said in the release. “We strongly support the new management team and their new business model that will connect customers directly with the shipyard here in Germany. This, combined with the superbly designed and engineered Cruiser range, means that we are very proudly re-entering the U.S. market.”
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