Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/671713
LAUNCH www.BoatingIndustry.com May 2016 | Boating Industry | 11 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 55.3% $820,866 through Feb 2015 $1,274,986 through Feb 2016 New Boat Inventory 10.8% $3,616,459 through Feb 2015 $4,008,263 through Feb 2016 4.3% $408,769 through Feb 2015 $426,149 through Feb 2016 KPIs Net Profit Used Boat Inventory 51.9% -$102,201 through Feb 2015 -$49,120 through Feb 2016 52.9% 11.1% 5.2% 16.6% 26.6% -12.2% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 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 VOLVO PENTA ACQUIRES MAJORITY STAKE IN HUMPHREE Volvo Penta has signed an agreement to become the major shareholder of marine technology provider Humphree. The company said having a majority share in Humphree will further accelerate the next step in Volvo Penta's journey to become a full marine system supplier. Volvo Penta will gain the abil- ity to extend its range of boat dynamics solutions with new trim and stabilization functions, and Humphree will be able to access a greater client base via Volvo Penta's international network of dealer and service centers, the company said. Swedish-based Humphree is a manufacturer of technology-based systems for low speed, me- dium speed and high performance vessels. It supplies interceptors, optimizing trim systems, which reduce pitch and roll, steering alternatives to waterjet bucket deflection, sub-cavitating and base- ventilated stabilizing fins, and hydrodynamic services. In recent years, Volvo Penta has used Humphree as a supplier for its Interceptor System (IS). An upgrade to the IS will be launched this year. "We are delighted to announce that we have acquired majority ownership in Humphree," said Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta. "Both companies are leaders within their respective segments in the marine industry, which has resulted from having a passion for developing and manufacturing high quality, innovative systems. This, of course, benefits the end user. This deal marks a new chapter in offering the best marine application solutions for customers, and we look forward to a new and exciting working relationship." STUDY: CONSUMER KNOWLEDGE OF ETHANOL BLENDS LACKING Awareness and knowledge of how to use high ethanol fuel blends remains relatively unchanged among consumers over the last few years, according to a recent national poll conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). While the research was conducted by the outdoor power equipment industry, it has applica- tions for the boating industry as well. According to poll results, price continues to drive decisions at the pump and consumers do not pay much attention to pump warning labels. OPEI conducted similar research in 2013 and 2015. The 2016 poll results show that almost two-thirds (64 percent) of American adults age 18+ who own outdoor power equipment say they either are not sure (42 percent) or do not pay any attention (22 percent) to what type of fuel they are using. In 2015, almost half (45 percent) were not sure what type of fuel they used and one in five (20 percent) did not pay any attention to the type of fuel used. Gasoline containing greater than 10 percent ethanol (E10) can damage or destroy outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, utility vehicles and other small engine equipment such as motorcycle, snowmobile and boat engines, according to most engine manufacturers. The poll, conducted in March of this year, shows 66 percent of Americans will use the least expensive grade of gasoline whenever possible, versus 63 percent in 2015 and 71 percent in 2013. In addition, 60 percent of Americans assume that any gas that is sold at a gas station must be safe for all of their vehicles or power equipment versus 57 percent in 2015 and 64 percent in 2013. IBEX 2016 EXPO HALL SELLS OUT The expo hall for this year's International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), is sold out, show organizers have announced. IBEX 2016 is Oct. 4-6 at the Tampa Convention Center. The event will host over 550 exhibiting companies, of which 100 are new for 2016, on two Continued on page 12