SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — Global sales of Lamborghinis last year grew only modestly, from 2,406 to 2,430 units. But that was enough to push revenues to $633 million and pre-tax profits to a record $79 million.
President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann observed: "With this new record in deliveries and profits, we have marked the most successful fiscal year in the history of our company.¿ Lamborghini's stronghold in global presence and brand appeal will enable us to steer [it] through challenging times."
The 27 percent rise in profits was fueled in part by strong growth in the Middle East, where sales jumped 66 percent, and in China, which saw sales more than double. The two regions now account for nearly 22 percent of Lamborghini's worldwide sales.
The situation was reversed in the U.S., as sales plunged 20 percent, from 930 to 741 units. The American market now accounts for just over 30 percent of the brand's global sales, compared with nearly 40 percent in 2007.
Winkelmann said the company, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, continues to maintain "the strictest discipline to management investments and costs" in an uncertain economic climate, including implementing shorter work weeks this spring at the factory.
He said Lamborghini intends to continue launching at least one new product a year. This year's introduction is the Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, which will begin reaching customers later this spring.
Inside Line says: Good German that he is, Winkelmann's stated goal for 2009 is "to attain an overall profit." — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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