TBPNews #53 - January 15, 2004
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In this issue: 
1) Suzuki creates cycles/marine division
2) Mercury challenges Japanese on pricing
3) Yamaha Marine Responds
4) 2004 Melton Gold Cup - POSTPONED
5) Mercury Racing offers team rebates
6) 'Hot Boat' magazine - Save 51%! 
7) 'Engine Builders Handbook' - SPECIAL!
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1) Suzuki creates cycles/marine division

American Suzuki Motor Corp. has created separate operating units for automobiles and motorcycles/marine.  The change is part of a five-year growth plan aimed at tripling the companys U.S. auto business by 2007. The realignment decentralizes and strengthens certain elements of Suzukis U.S. operations in order to offer the support, resources, independence and flexibility necessary to meet that growth plan, the company said.  Under the new structure, Suzuki is now split into three operating units  automotive, motorcycle/marine, and corporate operations. Mac Kato, Suzukis assistant for the last two years on the motorcycle/ATV side, becomes president of motorcycle/marine operations. 
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2) Mercury challenges Japanese on pricing

Mercury Marine has petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission, claiming Japanese manufacturers of outboard engines have violated U.S. anti-dumping laws.  No specific companies are named  the common practice in such proceedings.

Our analysis shows that for some time Japanese manufacturers have been selling their outboard engines in the United States at prices well below what they sell for in Japan, Patrick C. Mackey, president of Mercury Marine, said in a statement. This predatory practice substantially damages U.S. manufacturers and is not permitted under U.S. law.  Mercury says that if Japanese manufacturers are found in violation of the law, the U.S. government could impose duties on Japanese-manufactured outboards sold in the United States.

The Tariff Act of 1930 allows U.S. industries to petition the government for relief from imports that are sold in the United States at less than fair value, according to information provided on the trade commissions Web site. The petition must focus on the product or industry itself, not specific companies.
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3) Yamaha Marine Responds

Mercury Marines accusation that Japanese outboard makers are violating U.S. anti-dumping laws has generated a strong response from one of its chief rivals, as well as from the industrys largest boatbuilder.  There is no basis for the allegations, said Phil Dyskow, president of Yamaha Marine Group, suggesting Mercury filed the complaint to cover up its own shortcomings.

The Mercury charge is ridiculous, says Irwin Jacobs, chairman of Genmar Holdings Inc.  Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., the only other major U.S. outboard engine manufacturer, says it is monitoring the situation closely.  Jacobs says Honda Marine, another Japanese engine maker, also has some of the most expensive engines on the market.  Dyskow and Jacobs expressed confusion, claiming Mercury currently relies on Yamaha and Tohatsu, both Japanese companies, for its 4-stroke engines. In fact, said Dyskow, after Yamaha, Brunswick may be the largest importer of engines or crucial engine assemblies from Japan.

It is ridiculous for Brunswick to claim injury from imports when it is reliant on the very same imports it claims are being dumped to meet demand under the Mercury brand in the fastest growing segment of the market, 4-stroke engines, said the Yamaha president. Theyre biting the hand that feeds them.

However, both Dyskow and Jacobs speculate that with Mercury about to release its much-publicized Project X 4-stroke engine, the accusations could be an attempt to disrupt the supply of 4-strokes in this country, and to increase prices in the long term if the petition succeeds.
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4) 2004 Melton Gold Cup - POSTPONED

The 2004 Melton Gold Cup for powerboat racing has been postponed until further notice, due to a lack of water at Exford Weir, Melton. After many other avenues were looked at, unfortunately no other venues could be secured that would have been suitable to conduct this years Gold Cup at.

For further updates on if and when the Melton Gold Cup event will be conducted, please keep checking back to the APBA website.
http://www.ausapba.com/news_index.htm
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5) Mercury Racing offers team rebates

Mercury Racing of Fond du Lac, Wis., today announced a customer loyalty program that offers qualified racing teams as much as $24,000 in rebates on its engines.

The program, which features limited-time special pricing and promotional rebates on HP525 EFI sterndrives, applies to qualified race teams who compete in qualified race classes. Mercury Racing reserves the right to determine qualified races and classes. The special pricing promotion runs Jan. 15 to March 1. Quantities are limited to class engine configuration. Proof of an existing or new race boat from a participating race team or OEM boatbuilder is required for purchase, Mercury Racing says. Qualified race teams which purchase HP525 EFI sterndrives during the specified period are eligible for rebates on complete engine packages or just engines on a per qualified race basis. 

Teams will get a $1,000 rebate per HP525 EFI/Bravo engine package or engine per qualified race, and a $1,500 rebate per HP525 EFI/dry-sump Six drive engine package per qualified race. The maximum rebate is $16,000 per boat with the EFI/Bravo engines or packages, and $24,000 per boat with the dry-sump Six packages, based on a maximum of eight qualified races. 
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6) 'Hot Boat' magazine - Save 51%! 

We have obtained great deals on Powerboat magazine subscriptions. This month we have a great deal on the popular 'Hot Boat' magazine. 

Hot Boat is prop and jet driven boat enthusiasts bible. Each issue featuring tests, technical and product reviews, adventure travel, outboard and drag racing coverage, high performance tips, and outboard RPM tricks.  11 issues Published: Seasonal; Cover Rate: $54.89; 
Our Rate: $27.00 (Save 51%)
http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/boating%20magazines%20discounts.html 
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7) 'Engine Builders Handbook' - SPECIAL!
We have a special offer!  'Engine Builders Handbook'  - The engine builders companion! Inside youll find tips, techniques, and procedures that can be applied to all types of engine building, including musclecars, classics, hot rods, powerboats or all-out race cars. Sections covered include: blueprinting, machining, reconditioning short blocks, degreeing camshafts, reconditioning cylinder heads, valvetrain assembly, measuring tools and engine assembly. Sftbd., 8 1/2x 11, 170 pgs., 100+ b&w ill.;Regular Price: Our Price $18.95
http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/boating%20books%20discounts.html
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See you next time!

/Jimboat

