Amazing Sales Record in
China (Shanghai) International Boat Show 2009
China International (Shanghai) Boat Show (CIBS) concluded its 14th edition with amazingly high sales despite the global economy downturn. CIBS 2009 presented 380 brands to 14,276 visitors and buyers from over 47 countries and regions. At the fairground more than 200 real boats were displayed, of which over half were 25 feet or above. CIBS 2009 took up a total of over 30,000 sqm of exhibition space and on-water display, marking a milestone in the history of this reputable event.
Major exhibitors including Ferretti Group, Azimut, Princess, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Brunswick, Sunseeker and Regal were satisfied with the sales and orders they received on-site.
- Exhibiting real boats for the first time, the British brand Princess sold its 42-feet yacht right on the first day of the show, at over RMB 7 million; followed by two other yachts of the same brand, one 58-feet and one 95-feet at RMB 15 million and RMB 50 million respectively;
- Brunswick, a top seller as always, posted up “sold-out” notice on its display yachts very early. On the first day, two Brunswick boats were sold out at RMB 5.85 million and RMB 3.4 million. The former was a Meridian 391 which was first released in China. Another nine potential buyers were confirmed with positive discussion.
- Ferretti Group signed booking contracts for its first red-rabbit colour 70-feet yacht and one 120-feet custom-made yacht. Five different clients were in discussion on Riva’s 56 to115-feet series. CRN, the largest custom-made brand of the group, also found a Chinese buyer for its 50-meter yacht;
- Luxury yacht brand Regal from the United States sold its Regal 4080 at RMB 4.26 million, and established contact with several potential buyers;
- Beneteau, the largest sailboat brand in Europe, successfully sold out its Oceanis 50 displayed on-site at over RMB 3 million (before tax);
- British luxury yacht brand Sunseeker sold a 70-feet yacht, at RMB 25 million (after tax);
- The French brand Jeanneau was definitely the “beloved” by domestic clubs at CIBS 2009. Purchasing contracts for six yachts were signed on-site with clients including Nine Dragons Admirals Yacht Club, Taihu Shanshui International Club & Marina and etc.;
- Lying at the marina of official on-water display area, the Italian brand Azimut also received three purchasing intentions, all above RMB 10 million
Various types of small-size yacht brands from home and abroad recorded favorable sales results and were extremely popular among public visitors who had the chance to try the fun of on-water leisure sports.
According to statistics from the show organizer, buyers attending CIBS 2009 were mainly private users and clubs. More than half were from Jiangsu & Zhejiang area and Zhujiang Delta Area. Besides, a number of wealthy purchasers came from in-land regions such as Inner Mongolia and Chengdu, showing another strong purchasing power from northern and western areas, apart from buyers coming from the coastal cities. The French brand RTM of kayak manufacturer Rotomod sold over 200 boats on its first presence in CIBS, among which 150 were purchased in group order by a villa developer in Ning Xia area.
“Visitors were from 47 countries and regions worldwide. Overseas visitors decreased slightly while domestic visitors grew notably in both quantity and quality,” said Ms Helena Gao, Senior Project Director of Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co., Ltd., one of the show organizers. “China market is comparatively stable in the global economic downturn, showing strong purchasing power, as well as a promising future for development and recovery. Most important of all, CIBS had the first-ever official on-water display area, attracting a solid number of potential luxury yacht buyers and providing exquisite test drives on the downtown Huangpu River.”
In view of the current economic conditions, the positive and encouraging results of CIBS 2009 give more confidence to overseas brands to spend more efforts on the Chinese luxury boat and boating equipment market. After seven years of continuous participation at the exhibition, the Italian Pavilion has booked more space for next year. “The rising yacht market in China is very attractive with vast developing potential to us. At the World Expo in Shanghai next year, the Italian Pavilion will display an Italian-design yacht on the Huangpu River,” said a representative of the pavilion. The French Federation of Nautical Industry, which had been participating in CIBS for five years in a row also gave full recognition of the radiation of this Shanghai boat show to the Asian region. A representative particularly mentioned the first-time official on-water display: “I am surprised to see such a brilliant on-water display in downtown Shanghai, and I trust it was a cheering start of a new era.” The Japanese Boat Association which had their debut participation this year also confirmed to book exhibition space for the Japanese pavilion next year.
Mr. Zhao Qizheng, Chairman of the Subcommittee of Foreign Affairs of the Eleventh CPPCC National Committee suggested during his visit to CIBS 2009 that the industry association should play a more dominant role in promoting China’s yacht brands, and maintain active communication with related government departments.
In additional to trade business and yacht display, a series of interactive events at CIBS 2009 also attracted the attention of visitors. Many family visitors with young children joined sailor-knot making game and watched OP boat rigging demonstration. The 2nd Shanghai Boat Show Charity Regatta successfully gathered 35 sailboats competing on Dianshan Lake, which makes the regatta the largest un-official sailboat competition event in China. All of the money raised at this regatta will be donated to the domestic recovery program for children with autism.
Mr. Yang Xinfa, Founder of CIBS, Chairman of China Boat Industry & Trade Association and Secretary General of Shanghai Association of Shipbuilding Industry, said: “With the enhancement in infrastructure and legislation, the foundation of China’s yacht industry is even more solid. I believe that with the increasing support of the government, the boat and ship industries of China will continue to prosper despite the unfavorable conditions of the global economy.”
The 15th edition of China (Shanghai) International Boat Show will be held from April 8-11, 2010.
CIBS is honoured to present an annual industry event that is:
※ one of Asia's most comprehensive boat and yacht exhibitions and conferences
※ the only member in China of the IFBSO
※ audited by BPA Worldwide in 2008
※ certified by the US Department of Commerce
