Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/264625
www.BoatingIndustry.com www.BoatingIndustry.com 18 | Boating Industry | March 2014 r on Huibers assumed the helm as president of Volvo Penta of the Americas in 2012. He is responsible for Volvo Penta leisure marine, commer- cial marine and industrial engine business throughout the Americas. He is also re- sponsible within Volvo Penta for the global marine leisure gas segment. Huibers has been with the Volvo Group more than 20 years. Prior to joining Volvo Penta, he served as president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks North America and has also held other executive positions within the Volvo Group, including Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Financial Services and the Mack Trucks division. We talked to Huibers about some of the challenges facing the industry and Volvo Penta's outlook for 2014. Boating Industry: The marine market continues to be challenging. How is this affecting the marine engines busi- ness and what are the solutions being employed at Volvo Penta to overcome these challenges? HUIBERS: Though we have seen chal- lenges within the market, Volvo Penta sales actually grew in 2013. In part, this is because some of our key OEM customers are gaining market share with innovative thinking, and we tend to be closely aligned with those progressive boat builders and their loyal dealers. We believe that innovation is the driver that will propel growth in the boating in- dustry. At Volvo Penta, we adhere to a phi- losophy of continuous innovation driven by a vision of making it easier for families to buy, own and operate a boat. This Easy Boating initiative guides our extensive R&D investment. When you look back, it's amazing how Volvo Penta President Ron Huibers says new innovations will drive growth in the sterndrive category. with Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Penta of the Americas P18x19-BI14MAR-CornerOfficeQ&A.indd 18 2/10/14 10:27 AM