Elandra Yachts Reports Strong US Sales
L to R: Elandra’s Tom Barry-Cotter, Grant Senior and Luke Durman (Photo: Elandra Yachts)
Elandra Yachts is on course for fast-tracked sales to the U.S. in 2016 as interest from overseas buyers peaks on the back of an optimistic export market.
The Australian luxury boat brand has released bolstered American sales targets of up to 70 per cent, with the combined effect of the plunging Australian currency and particularly buoyant economic conditions in the US providing a boost for exporters.
As the Australian dollar fell below 70 US cents in the first month of the New Year, managing director of Elandra Yachts Luke Durman said conditions were ripe for the company to flourish, with Elandra’s US sales representatives flooded with enquiries since its recent launch.
“The US market has been central to our plans for international growth from the beginning, but with the Aussie dollar in decline and the American economy so strong right now, we made the decision to capitalise on these factors by bringing forward our goal to establish a presence in America,” Durman said.
“We now have representation in Florida, a location that is strategically important ahead of our showing on the east coast boat show circuit this year, while we are also building a network of select US dealers as our reputation grows as a premium brand representing outstanding value for money for a product of such high-calibre.”
Elandra’s first sale to the US of the brand’s signature 53 model is scheduled for delivery mid-2016. The impressive 53 will also be displayed at this year’s iconic Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, while the much-anticipated new 49 sports yacht model is US-bound as well.
President of Elandra Yacht Sales in the Americas Mike Usina said he had fielded growing interest in prospective buyers eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new vessels.
Usina said Elandra’s boats, which featured a generous beam and internal volume, were well suited to American buyers’ preference for spacious, fuel-efficient motoryachts designed for long-range cruising.
As financial analysts predict the Australian currency will continue to weaken through the first quarter of the year, Elandra continues its period of rapid growth, with focus on the US, Australian and New Zealand markets.
The company has committed $3.5 million to research and development in 2016 and 2017, against a backdrop of a broader recovery within the Australian boating industry.
