Stephan Winkelmann: 2008 is Lamborghini's most successful fiscal year in history

15.4.2009 / Bolognese (Italy)

The world-wide financial and automotive crisis made many car companies face serious trouble, such as General Motors, Opel, Karmann and many more. But some car manufacturers were able to withstand the negative impacts of this economic crisis – at least to certain extend. The Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini is one of those few companies.

So in spite of world-wide financial and economic turmoil, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. delivered another successful year in 2008. In all key business indicators such as deliveries and profits, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer exceeded the already remarkable previous year.

Turnover increased from Euro 467,1 Mio. to Euro 478,8 Mio in 2008 (+2,5%).
Pretax profits rose from Euro 47,1 Mio. to Euro 60,0 Mio, marking an exponential increase of 27,4%. The profit margin increased from 10,1% to 12,5%. The brand with the raging bull logo improved sales from 2406 to 2430 units.

Commenting on the results, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, said: “With this new record in deliveries and profits we have marked the most successful fiscal year in the history of our company. The worldwide economic climate, especially regarding luxury markets, has changed
dramatically. However, Lamborghini’s stronghold in global presence and brand appeal will enable us to steer Lamborghini through challenging times.�

On the sales side, weaknesses in major traditional regions were offset by growth in other areas as well as in new and emerging markets. The US market saw a decrease of 20,3% with 741 units sold compared to the 930 sold the year before.

The US share of world-wide sales decreased from 38,7% to 30,5%.
In Europe, sales remained stable. While traditional markets such as Germany and the UK showed relatively small single digit decreases, sales in the Italian brand’s homeland increased from 209 to 230 units (+10%). This sales growth pushed Italy into the position of second largest world market.

Strong growth rates were achieved in the Middle East and Far East Asian core markets. The Middle Eastern region – particularly the United Arab Emirates – achieved a sales increase of 66% from 100 to 166 units sold. In the Far East, China more than doubled its sales from 28 to 72 units sold. The Middle East and
Far East regions grew their contribution to Lamborghini’s total worldwide sales from 15% to 21,8%.

The 2008 success in deliveries and profits was due to the consistent expansion of brand presence and dealerships worldwide. More than that, the marque has the most attractive model line-up ever, augmented by the launch of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coup?©. Increasing brand and product
awareness as well as the innate and rising brand value are also key factors in the company’s success.

The company?´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries. “In the light of world-wide economic uncertainties, this new record year above all proves the sustainability of our business strategy. We know that there are tough times ahead now, but we have increased the value and appeal of our luxury brand and we are ready to take on the challenges the future might bring us. We are confident we will come out of this challenge stronger than we went into it,â€? said Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

But the outlook for 2009 is still a little bit uncertain according to Lamborghini. Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present economic downturn in the wake of the global financial crisis.

The goal is to lead the company through the difficult phase safely by applying the strictest discipline to managing investments and current costs, systematically adjusting production to reflect market developments. Before approaching 2009, the company took decisive steps to be well prepared
for volatility in demand.

Production flexibility is made possible by working within contractual agreements and with the full support of the trade unions. The company has also enhanced and improved its professional training and qualifying courses The company has announced short-time work for 300 of its 1000 employees in some weeks from February to May and does not rule out making further use of this tool.

Lamborghini said it remains with its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will continue. The company sticks to its commitment of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this confidence are the launch of the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder and the Murci?©lago LP 670-4
Superveloce. The new Spyder is the convertible version of the record-selling Gallardo LP 560-4 Coup?© and is now being launched in all markets. The Murci?©lago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, recently presented at the last Geneva motorshow, has already commanded a promising order bank and will reach first markets in the next weeks.

In the current 2009 year, Automobili Lamborghini is not in a position to make a full year forecast, but the overall target for the 2009 financial year is to attain an overall profit.

As far as the Middle East potential is concerned, I personally think that the Middle East and North Africa region can easily reach Lamborghini sales number of up to 800-1000 units if Automobili Lamborghini does the following: First, explore new markets in the Arab world and at the same time increase awareness of the brand excessively in the already existing as well as in the new markets. Secondly, Lamborghini must make use of all the new customs regulations in several Arab countries, which would make it much easier and cheaper for potential customers to buy and register a Lamborghini in those countries.

It is also a pity that the Lamborghini Driving Academy events are not promoted more effectively in the Middle East, because there are surely hundreds of interested sports car driver in the region who would book such a driving event immediately. I personally can only recommend this exquisite driving training.

Mohamed Sheta