Yamaha Marine Group recently announced record results for its marine business in 2005 and revealed its strategy to become a more autonomous organization in an effort to better serve its U.S. customers. “We have come a long way in this market thanks to strong products, an outstanding dealer body and dedicated OEM (original equipment manufacturer) boat-builder partners,” said Phil Dyskow, Yamaha Marine Group president.
Yamaha reported strong mix growth that resulted in record revenue for the 2005 calendar year, despite obstacles that included two hurricanes, higher fuel prices and a legal challenge by a competitor that alleged dumping, a case that Yamaha ultimately won. Yamaha's profit generated from the sale of outboard motors in 2005 rose more than 40 percent over the previous year. In addition, all three of Yamaha’s boat companies, – Skeeter, G3 and Century – showed a profit for the year.
Yamaha Marine Group claims a 1/3 market share for all outboard motors in the United States, with even greater share in the high-horsepower segments dominated by 4-stroke engines.
“Our 2005 results are not only great news for us, but for our dealers and OEM partners,” said Dyskow, “This is our seventh consecutive year of growth, and the resulting profitability is what now allows us to invest in the future and maintain our collective success. Creating a more autonomous structure will let us manage all the functions that impact the boaters’ experience.”
The company has created a dedicated, headquarters-based customer service group. Previously, that function had been handled within Yamaha’s larger corporate structure and did not have line responsibility to the marine unit. Early last month, Yamaha created a dedicated marine rigging and parts group, a function that had also formerly operated outside of the marine unit’s structure. With the new structure in place, Yamaha will concentrate on supplying complete power systems to its OEM and retail customers, rather than just outboards.
In addition, Yamaha said it is expanding its production and distribution resources as part of a comprehensive effort to handle increased business and better support its customers by shortening transit times.
