Azimut|Benetti Group at the Cannes Yachting Festival

Azimut|Benetti Group at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2015

The traditional show at Cannes (8-13 September 2015) opens the boat show season for the Azimut|Benetti Group which will be the undisputed stars with 16 models including three world debut appearances. A more robust development strategy with new investments in products, technological innovation and manufacturing processes. The brand identity will be renewed in terms of design and Italian luxury: every point of contact with clients will be an elegant sophisticated experience.

Highlights:

 Financial strength. 100% Italian ownership. Production value worth €650m (2013-2014), + 10% vs. the previous fiscal year. No outstanding debt and net debt + € 2m. 265 Azimut Yachts delivered last season and 50 Benetti superyachts under construction.

 Innovation and investment. Innovation lies at the heart of the strategy concerning new technologies and new vessels. The company is pursuing its €105m investment plan for 2014-2017, involving new models in all ranges and new infrastructure.

 New marketing strategy. Strengthening of the worldwide network of dealers (+ 15 dealers in the year just ended); new brand image with a new advertising campaign and a new stand designed by the internationally renowned architect Michele De Lucchi, designer of Pavilion Zero at Expo2015.

For the Azimut|Benetti Group, the 2015/2016 nautical season opens with significant news aimed at strengthening growth strategies and development of all the markets of reference.

SIGNS FROM THE MARKETS: MIDDLE EAST GOOD WHICH COMPENSATES FOR THE DIP IN THE CHINESE MARKET. CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA ALSO POSITIVE EUROPE IMPROVING, ESPECIALLY THE MEDITERRANEAN MARKET.

With a value of production of over 650 million euros, an increase of about 10% over last year, 265 yachts delivered and a healthy financial position, the sales forecast for the 2014-2015 season shows a positive trend which can be interpreted as sign of a partial recovery of the market.

The market scenario is very complex and dynamic for the Group which, during these times of relative instability, has nonetheless worked to strengthen its dealership network all around the world while increasingly working towards having a direct presence in each territory. The aim is to protect and nurture markets, not with a multi-brand distributor, but with exclusive distribution of the Azimut Yachts brand in partnership with the best operators available in these territories. This therefore means markets that are directly and professionally nurtured by experts with local knowledge, customer services provided by Group staff and brand exclusivity.

In Europe, the 2014/2015 season closed with an increase in market share which, in this area, represents a third of total volumes. There was an increase in the sales of new models from the up to 50 feet category.
Central and North America were the markets of reference for the Group with significant growth in Latin America.
A slight drop in the Asia Pacific area which reflects the recent economic downturn in China. This remains however a territory in which the Group has a firm hold and keeps its position of absolute leadership of the market.

There has been a very interesting upturn in the Middle East which has been to the benefit of a new and highly efficient distribution network. In Brazil, sales are going well but are slightly penalised by devaluation of the local currency.
All in all, an excellent season for Benetti with 18 signed contracts of which 5 were for Custom builds over 50 metres. This also demonstrates the effectiveness of the sales strategy and the superb production capacity of the Italian Megayacht shipyard.

NEW INVESTMENTS AIMED AT TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AND IMPLEMENTING PROCESSES FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY

The ambitious investment plan will, in line with Group philosophy, continue to renew both products and production processes which are essential for the development of state-of-the-art boats and quality. Product will therefore be at the centre of innovation processes with significant investments aimed at improving comfort and performance.

The key issue in the innovation of the Azimut brand name will be the extensive use of carbon fibre which offers a substantial reduction of weight (up to 30% for the very latest Azimut Fly 72).
The second key issue will be research aimed at finding the best possible combination between hulls and propulsion units.

The Azimut 55S and 77S were designed to house triple IPS drives which, in addition to reducing fuel consumption and improving performance, allow better use of space and therefore facilitate improved comfort (garage and larger cabins).

The second generation of Dual mode – Double Chine hulls for the Magellano 66, provide better comfort at different speeds and decrease fuel consumption at low speed.

Continuous renovation of the range which, over the past year, has seen the launch of two new models in the up to 50 foot category now followed by the Magellano 66 and Azimut 72 in the 50 to 70 foot category where the Azimut brand leads the market. The new 66 Flybridge and Grande 112 will follow this season. The Grande 112 will sit flank two models of great commercial success in the top category: Azimut 80 and Azimut Grande 95RPH.

Needless to say, research leading to improved comfort and performance will also apply to Benetti models. The extensive use of carbon fibre for superstructures, hardtops and rollbars has given excellent results in terms of weight reduction.

The performance characteristics of the new Benetti Vivace 125’ are the result of the combination of the new Benetti Fast Displacement hull and the Azipod propulsion system.
In addition to numerous Custom models, Benetti also unveils the new Mediterraneo 116 project at Cannes.

THE YACHTS AT THE SHOW: A FLEET OF 16 YACHTS AND THREE WORLD DEBUTS. DEBUT APPEARANCE OF THE AZIMUT MAGELLANO 66, AZIMUT FLY 72 AND BENETTI VIVACE 125’ FAST DISPLACEMENT.

As regards product news, participation at the first boat show of the season is in great style. The Italian boatyard presents a fleet of 16 boats, two of which are Azimut Yachts models and one a Benetti making their debut appearances.

Azimut Magellano 66 shares the same characteristic Dual Mode hull as seen on previous models in the Magellano Collection but which has now reached its third generation which provides superb levels of comfort under all sea conditions. Surprising internal space and freedom to choose from the Navetta version with galley and piloting areas closed and independent or with the saloon/dining area open.

Azimut Fly 72 combines two state-of-the-art construction technologies. The hull and deck are made from infused GRP while the deckhouse and fly are in pure carbon fibre. Choosing this manufacturing method leads to a considerable reduction in weight, about 30% that can be then used to offer more deck space and larger internal spaces.
The Benetti Vivace 125’ Fast Displacement will be there for Benetti enthusiasts to see and enjoy. A widebody yacht with three decks plus a sundeck which will sit alongside the flagship of the Fast Displacement line, the Veloce 140’ from which it takes its inspiration as regards construction technology, style and layout of space.

The high performance hull is combined with the innovative Azipod propulsion system which allow speeds in excess of 24 knots.

Measuring 38.1 metres in length with a beam of 8.30 metres made from composite and carbon fibre in the shipyard at Viareggio.

NEW IMAGE WITH TOP ITALIAN DESIGN. THE NEW VISUAL IDENTITY OF THE AZIMUT STAND WILL AT THE HANDS OF THE ARCHITECT MICHELE DE LUCCHI WHILE THE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FOR BOTH BRANDS WILL FOCUS ON THE EXCELLENCE OF ITALIAN LUXURY.

Every point of contact with enthusiasts and boat owners will speak the language of luxury and Italian style.

The collaboration with the studio of Michele De Lucchi, one of the biggest architectural firms in Italy, underlines the determination of Azimut Yachts to position their company at the very highest level. De Lucchi’s projects to date include the Zero Pavilion at EXPO and iconic buildings such as the Milan Triennale, the “Palazzo delle Esposizioni” in Rome, the “Neues Museum Berlin” and the “Gallerie d’Italia” in Piazza della Scala in Milan.
Of no less importance are the furnishings and fittings which speak the language of Italian design with brand names such Artemide, Frau and Alias.

The entire brand identity of Azimut Yachts and Benetti has been renewed. Publicity campaigns, web sites, catalogues and images of yacht saloons aim to transfer the true values of Made in Italy to all points of contact with clients. The pride felt on entering and taking part in a world characterised by the style and excellence of ‘Made in Italy’ will become an unforgettable experience of contact with a brand name of an exceptional level. In addition to the stands for sector exhibitions, dealer showrooms, clubhouses and other luxury locations which represent the Group all around the world, will also benefit from a complete restyling.