Mercury Marine adds new dealers after expanding Verado line
Fond du Lac, Wis. – Mercury Marine has announced that they signed new dealers spanning almost 20 different states from the end of the Miami International Boat Show in late February until the end of June. During that time, Mercury says it is averaging one new dealer partner every 2.9 days across the United States.
This news comes at a time where, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the latest U.S. outboard engine wholesale shipments are up 5.4 percent (rolling 12 months year-over-year) in May. Four-stroke outboard engines are also up 9.4 percent (R12M YOY).
“Once we released our new 350 and 400 Verado FourStroke outboards in Miami, we knew that there would be new opportunities for us to grow our dealer network,” said Matt Jackson, Mercury Marine regional business director. “Our customers in key saltwater markets are looking for our FourStroke technology and it shows as we continue to increase our dealer network in those key markets.”
According to Boats.com, “To say they [Mercury Verados] have been well-received would be an understatement. Right now, the 400R and 350 are the hottest power choices for performance-oriented center-console buyers.”
Morgan Kitchens, owner of Gulf Shores Power Sports in Alabama, says he saw the opportunity to partner with Mercury Marine to increase his offerings – the core of which includes powersports and motorcycles – and bring in additional customers to the dealership.
“We were impressed with Mercury’s new Verado 350 and 400 and felt those engines were game changers for those wanting more performance without heavy motors,” said Kitchens. “We already have several boats on order with the new Verado 350 and 400. I am excited about the performance of the new Verado’s.”
