- Lamborghini sales were down 38 percent in 2009.
- The Italian automaker posted a net loss last year of $48 million.
- Lamborghini will announce at least one new product a year.
SANT'AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — The global economic downturn hit luxury-car makers especially hard in 2009 — and no company more than Volkswagen's Automobili Lamborghini unit, which said worldwide vehicle deliveries plummeted 38 percent, triggering a 41 percent decline in revenue.
Unit sales dropped from a record 2,430 cars in 2008 to 1,515 in 2009. Revenues fell from $654 million in 2008 to $384 million in 2009. The company posted a net loss last year of $48 million, compared with a record pretax profit of $79 million the previous year.
Stating the obvious, Lamborghini said the global recession "caused a sharp decline in demand" for its products, "especially in Europe and the United States."
The company said that it continues to invest in future products, hiking R&D spending by 32 percent in 2009, while strengthening its global brand presence and dealer network.
Lamborghini said it will continue to announce at least one new product a year, including the recent Geneva unveiling of the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, which goes on sale shortly in Europe.
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: "Even in a difficult year like 2009, we managed to maintain the rhythm in developing new products. We increased our core investment plans, thus confirming our commitment to a medium- and long-term growth strategy."
Inside Line says: Look for only modest recovery this year at Lambo. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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preets says:
07:52 AM, 03/13/2010
:)
iskch says:
08:17 AM, 03/12/2010
I think Lambo needs to review the old LM2 ?? The SUV model they made in the 80's (don't remember very well the model designation). Anyway, build one that follows the old lines from the previous SUV and drop the V12 Diesel Monster that Audi installed on the Q7 for Europe. That way they can look a little bit more fuel efficient than the old screeming V12.
Building a cheaper sport model? Ferrari didn't do it (maybe close to the California price range?) Good question.
deadviper says:
02:53 AM, 03/12/2010
So break off a mass market brand from the parent company and let them compete in the 30k-80k space. That way we don't dilute the brand identity and we get volume sales.
tszk says:
12:42 AM, 03/12/2010
lambo did had a suv back in the old days maybe they should bring it back... or they can do what other supercar company is doing throw out a 4 door supercar sedan...
notabigdeal says:
06:41 PM, 03/11/2010
perhaps lambo needs an SUV? kkkkkkkk V10 AWD Lambo off-roader! In all seriousness though... perhaps expand the line up with another car... something GT and drivable in real life....def not cheap... lambo's exclusivity is its lifeline... may generate short term cash but in the long run probably will ruin it.
agnh says:
04:14 PM, 03/11/2010
Actually Jeremy_c, I believe what "saved" Porsche was, the first time around, the 924/944 in the late 70's early 80's and then most recently the Cayenne.
With apologies to Lambo, I don't believe the answer will come from a new product every year. There are only so many customers for the supercar market and, especially in a global recession, you risk quickly drying up the pool. If I bought a Lambo
Hephalump-Dumpaloon Superleggera last year, what are the odds that I will be trading it in for a Balboni with racing stripe edition this year?
cr_driver says:
03:41 PM, 03/11/2010
$50k for a lamborghini? That would not be a lamborghini at all.!!!!!
Even $80k is too darn cheap!
They aren`t competing with nissans LOL
hybris says:
03:09 PM, 03/11/2010
I can take that as maybe a tier above the "Lambo Miata".
jeremy_c says:
02:57 PM, 03/11/2010
Maybe they should do a entry level Lambo at the $80K range like the old Jalpa. That strategy saved Porsche.
hybris says:
02:56 PM, 03/11/2010
Just putting a idea out here but what if Lambo built something along the lines of a Lambo Miata a cheap (compared with a normal Lambo) slightly higher volume car to become the meat and potatoes of the company and help reach a wider audience.
est starting price $40K-70 maybe 80 depending on engine packages, leather, track packs etc.
Am I making any sense?