Cigarette ‘Phasing Out’ Factory-Direct Sales With Expanded Dealer Network
Announced in a press release earlier this week, Ultimate Marine of Orlando, Fla., is the latest addition to Cigarette Racing Team’s six-dealer network. That group currently includes Osage Beach, Mo.-headquartered Big Thunder Marine, Lip-Ship Performance and Top Gun Yachts in Miami, Chief Marine Group serving the Florida Keys and Wires Only in Los Angeles.
With six dealers currently in its network, Cigarette Racing Team is moving away from factory-direct sales. Photo from the 2022 Florida Powerboat Club Emerald Coast Powerboat Week Poker Run by Pete Boden/copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix
The ongoing expansion of its dealer network is moving the famed V-bottom sportboat and center console builder out of factory-direct sales, according to Alex Ruiz, the chief executive officer of the Opa-locka, Fla., company.
“We are phasing out factory-direct sales,” Ruiz explained during a telephone interview yesterday evening. “Clients will have to go through an authorized dealer to acquire a Cigarette, and if they contact the factory we will refer to them to the dealer in their area. It all revolves around providing the best customer experience and service, which is why it’s so important.
“We’ll be wrapping up dealer agreements in different areas domestically, as well as internationally in key places such as Monaco around the globe,” he added. “Cigarette is one big family, and our dealers are an extension of that family.”
Headed to Ultimate Marine, this Cigarette 41 Nighthawk currently is on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Photo courtesy/copyright Cigarette Racing Team
Though Ruiz added that Cigarette is developing several new models, he declined to provide specifics. He did confirm that the company is working on a 52-footer, reportedly inspired by the 59 Tirranna center console, and that the new offering is “still a couple of months away.”
“It possibly could debut at the Miami International Boat Show,” he said.
Said Ruiz, “Cigarette is one big family, and our dealers are an extension of that family.”
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