Lucrative contract in wind for Blokart

A small Bay of Plenty company that developed and sells land yachts says it is close to landing a lucrative marketing contract with European car maker Volvo.

Volvo wants to improve its sporty image and has been searching for a product to align with its latest model recreational vehicles.

Now it looks like Papamoa-based Blokart International's land yachts could be the image Volvo wants.

Managing director Paul Beckett said if the deal went ahead, hundreds and possibly thousands of Blokart land yachts would be supplied to Volvo car dealers' showrooms overseas for an extensive marketing campaign.

Volvo would promote Blokart with its new V50 five-door stationwagon, due to be launched later this year, he said.

Blokart produces about 200 land yachts a month, and has sold nearly 4000 since it was established in June 2000.

About 60 per cent of the yachts - which weigh about 27kg - are exported to Europe, Britain, Canada and the United States.

Blokart has recently appointed distributors in Japan and Australia.

- NZPA