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LAUNCH 10 | Boating Industry | February 2015 www.BoatingIndustry.com Marine's core product, they have reached the conclusion to discontinue the production of Nis- san Marine boats and outboards worldwide. "The decision by Nissan Marine in no way affects the sales and production of the Tohatsu brand," said Hiroshi Wakabayashi, TAC president. "We are deeply committed to the North American market, and our parent company, Tohatsu Corporation, will continue to strongly support the Tohatsu brand worldwide." MERCURY MARINE INTRODUCES SEAPRO ENGINES Mercury Marine has announced the global introduction of its new 75 – 150hp SeaPro Four- Stroke engines, designed to provide increased durability and longer engine life in commercial applications without sacrificing power. The 150hp SeaPro is currently available and the 75, 90 and 115hp SeaPro engines will be available globally in early March. "Mercury's newest mid-range FourStroke outboard engines have already developed a repu- tation as the best four-stroke outboards for commercial applications in their categories," said Marty Bass, vice president of Mercury category management. "With SeaPro we have taken theses engines to the next level of reliability and durability with outstanding performance. That translates to increased 'up-time' and better business performance for commercial operators." PLATINUM EQUITY SELLING FISHING HOLDINGS BRANDS Platinum Equity has reached a deal to sell Fishing Holdings, LLC, to Bass Pro Group, LLC. The Arkansas-based manufacturer of the Ranger Boats, Stratos and Triton brands will now become part of the Bass Pro Shops family. "We're excited about the association with these iconic brands. Ranger Boats founder For- rest Wood has been a longtime friend and someone who has made a tremendous impact on our industry. We look forward to building on such a rich history," said Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris in a statement. Morris said the brands will continue to operate from their Flippin, Ark., head- quarters under the leadership of existing local management. Platinum Equity acquired Ranger and Stratos out of the Genmar bankruptcy in February 2010, along with other brands that made up Rec Boat Holdings. The Rec Boat Holdings brands, including Four Winns, Glastron, Wellcraft and Scarab, were sold to Bénéteau Group in June. Platinum acquired Triton from Brunswick in July 2010. JANET BARNARD NAMED PRESIDENT OF MANHEIM NORTH AMERICA Janet Barnard, who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer, has taken on the role as president of Manheim North America. Benchmark your performance against these five marine dealer key performance indicators, offered through Boating Industry's partnership with Spader Business Management, to stay focused on what's important to your success. Sales Volume 12.1% $7,735,6682 through Nov. 2013 $8,672,781 through Nov. 2014 New Boat Inventory 21.5% $2,575,998 through Nov. 2013 $3,130,341 through Nov. 2014 11.8% $415,857 through Nov. 2013 $464,860 through Nov. 2014 KPIs Net Profit Used Boat Inventory 4.2% $540,215 through Nov. 2013 $562,988 through Nov. 2014 43.4% 4.1% 3.0% 13.8% 18.5% 17.2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Total personnel Total advertising Total floor plan interest Total semi- fixed Total fixed Total net operating profit % of Gross Margin Total personnel Total advertising Total floorplan interest Total semi-fixed Total fixed Total net operating profit INDUSTRY NEWS Continued from page 9