Zodiac of North America, Inc. Sees Sales More Than Double at 2008 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

Though foot traffic was down at the Show, the number of qualified buyers were up and led sales beyond levels of the last four years

Annapolis, MD (PRWEB) November 8, 2008 -- Zodiac of North America, Inc. (http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com), the world's leading manufacturer of inflatable boats and rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs), reported sales from the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show as 2.4 times last year's total, and the highest since 2003.

"The trend of sales growth in our RIB product line continues," Howard French, Vice President, Zodiac of North America, commented. "The fuel advantage our products offer over traditional center consoles is causing new customers to consider us, then the ride quality they experience seems to be what leads them to choose a Zodiac. This is growing our business as a primary boat."

Sales volume centered on their 11' to 15.5' Yachtline Deluxe RIBs, though sales among Jet boats, and Cadet inflatable lines were also brisk. Zodiac redesigned their floor plan this year, presenting more fuel efficient RIBs than in the past, and launched a new microsite, SaveFuelKeepBoating.com. The site provides fuel comparison data so boaters can consider fuel efficiency before making a purchase. As visitation to the site increases, traffic to show booths and dealer showrooms follow.

"We're also encouraged by reports that the 80' and larger boat market is still holding its own, and that relates to us as our mid-sized tenders are essential support vessels for these types of boats. We remain cautiously optimistic for the year," French concluded.

About Zodiac of North America, Inc.

Zodiac of North America Inc. is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Zodiac Marine and Pool, a Carlyle Group portfolio company. Zodiac is the inventor and world-leading manufacturer of inflatable boats and RIBs, with headquarters in Stevensville, MD, a U.S. factory in Summerville, SC, and service offices in San Diego, CA, South Bend, IN, Portland, OR, and Van Buren, AR. Zodiac is the only manufacturer to offer a training academy (zodiacacademy.com), service certification for dealers, a global network of service centers, and a robust North American network of dealers. Zodiac is CE and NMMA certified. Additional information on Zodiac can be found on the World Wide Web at www.zodiacyachtline.com; www.zodiacpro15.com ; and www.zodiacprojets.com.

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