Illinois

Torqeedo Acquired by DEUTZ

Independent engine manufacturer DEUTZ announced it has acquired Torqeedo, provider of electric drive systems for watercraft. As an independent subsidiary of DEUTZ AG, Torqeedo will continue product development under its established Torqeedo brand and with its current leadership. Founded 12 years ago in Starnberg, Germany, and supported by venture capital so far, DEUTZ said the acquisition marks a new phase in its development. “As part of DEUTZ, Torqeedo will realize substantial opportunities in the areas of industrialization, supply chain management, sales and service.

Image: Accon Marine

Accon Signs New Rep Group

To increase its sales force, Accon Marine brings on a new rep group, Cressy Marketing, which will cover Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois for the stainless steel hardware manufacturer. "We are pleased to join forces with such a well-established company committed to innovation and growth in the marine industry," said Jim Cressy, partner at Cressy Marketing. "Cressy Marketing is a great addition to our team," added Bernd Czipri. "Their industry knowledge and experience will help grow our business in this territory.

Photo: Torqeedo

Solar-powered Canoe Travels the Entire Mississippi

After a long journey that started in 2012, the CalypSol crew reached Baton Rouge, Louisiana at 3:25 pm on June 11, completing 1,100 miles to become the first solar powered canoe voyage down the Mississippi. This was the third and longest segment of the trip that took Raymond Christe and Jean-Claude Barras from Memphis, Tennessee to Baton Rouge. A Torqeedo Travel 503 electric outboard helped power their long-distance expedition. For the last leg, they launched their craft at the Mud Island Marina in Memphis on May 26.

AJ Halavacs: Photo ZF Marine

ZF Marine’s Halavacs Dies at 59

AJ Halavacs, Pleasure Craft Product Line Manager, North and Central America at ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar LLC, the North American arm of ZF Friedrichshafen AG Marine Propulsion Systems, has died after fighting illness for a number of years. He was 59. “It’s a devastating loss to our team and to the industry” said Wolfgang Schmid, Director, Industrial Technology, Head of Marine Propulsion Systems Region North and Central America. “The consummate salesman, AJ had a gregarious personality not soon forgotten. It seemed that there wasn’t a person in this business that didn’t know AJ.

C&C Yachts Adds New Dealer

C&C Yachts announced that Karma Yacht Sales (KYS), based in Chicago, will be the newest addition to their growing dealer network. KYS will cover the Western Great Lakes region including the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and Tennessee. "C&C Yachts chose Karma to represent their boats due to their outstanding success and reputation as a dealer together with their ability to develop and grow One Design classes" said Barry Carroll of C&C Yachts. C&C garnered much attention in their recent launch of the C&C 30.