In spite of worldwide financial and economic turmoil, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has delivered another historically very strong year in 2008. The Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer increased unit sales from 2406 to 2430. This means a growth of 1%.

Weaknesses in major traditional markets where more than offset by growth in other markets as well as in new and emerging markets.

The US market saw a decrease of 20.3% with 741 units sold instead of 930 the year before. The US share of worldwide sales decreased from 38.7 to 30.5%. In Europe, sales remained stable. While traditional markets like Germany and the UK showed relatively small single digit decreases, sales in the Italian homeland of the brand of longstanding tradition increased by 10% to 230 units sold. This sales growth pushed Italy into the position of second largest market in the world. Good performances were also recorded in France, which showed growth rates of 27%.

The strongest growth rates were achieved in the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern Asian core markets. The Middle Eastern region 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 with an increase of 157%. Additionally, Hong Kong and South Korea showed high triple digit growth rates of 120 and more than 100%. The worldwide share of the Middle Eastern and Far Asian sales increased from 15.0 to 21.8%.

?In the light of worldwide economic insecurities and sluggish car markets, 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 attractiveness of our luxury brand in so many facets that we are ready to take on whatever challenges the future might bring us?, said Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

With the youngest and most attractive product line-up in the company?s 46-year old history, with one new model launched every year, with the consistent expansion into new markets of the highest potential like the Middle East and Asia, Automobili Lamborghini has managed to show a strong above-market growth rate in recent years.

The company?s development marks one of the most respected turn-around projects in the automotive and luxury industries. Amongst other factors like a very positive brand image development the workforce has strongly increased in only four years.

Long before approaching 2009, the company has taken decisive steps to be well prepared for volatility in demand. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it is agreed to also encompass the option to change work time into training and qualification projects.

Lamborghini does not abandon its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, as there will be ongoing expansion of the brand presence on a worldwide scale. The company sticks to its development of one new model each year. The latest example of this confidence is the announcement of the new Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder LP 560-4. Lamborghini is confident to become the most profitable luxury sportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer in its segment.

Merry christmas / Joyeux Noël

En cette période de fin d'année, je vous souhaite à toutes et tous ainsi qu'à vos proches

Un Joyeux Noël
buon Natale
bouòni Calèna
gleckika Wïanachta
frohe Weihnachten
meri kurisumasu
merry Christmas
miilaad majiid
bloavezh mat



et je vous présente mes Meilleurs Voeux de Santé, Bonheur, Paix et Prospérité pour l'Année 2009

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will deliver another record year's results in 2008. Official sales figures will be communicated on the occasion of Lamborghini´s appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2009.

Even as a low volume luxury car manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini is not unaffected by the present downturn in economic activities in the wake of the global financial crisis. However, the company is in a favourable strategic position due to its identity as a luxury brand of longstanding tradition. One of its core brand values is exclusivity, which is maintained through tight management of volumes and a strict policy of maintaining a strong forward order bank. This exclusivity is of essential relevance to both dealers and customers and is pivotal for the appeal of the brand.

Lamborghini has the most attractive product line-up in the company´s 45 year history. With at least one new product launched every year, and the continued development of the dealer network to maximise market penetration, Automobili Lamborghini has produced a year on year record performance in terms of turnover, profit and volumes for the last four years, together with a rare double digit profit margin. The company´s development marks one of the most respected company turn-around programmes in the automotive and luxury industries.

Long before 2009, the company took decisive steps to address potential market volatility. Production flexibility is made possible by cooperative concepts developed with the union representatives. Besides flexible working hours, it provides the opportunity to create training and qualification programmes during work hours. There will be no layoffs, but an extension of the Christmas holiday for eight days has been confirmed.

Lamborghini will not divert from its long-term strategy. Investment into R&D will not be reduced, and there will be ongoing expansion of its brand presence on a world-wide scale, with more new products and further expansion of its dealer network. The company will continue its strategy of announcing at least one new product each year. The latest examples of this are the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe for which deliveries commenced summer 2008, and the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder unveiled in November 2008 with market launch in spring 2009. Lamborghini continues its stated objectives of becoming the most profitable supersportscar manufacturer, the most attractive employer and the most attractive brand in its market.

MAHAG-Group will open up their new showroom in Munich today. The partnership of the two companies ? Automobili Lamborghini and MAHAG - gives a brand new presence of the Italian brand of longstanding tradition to Munich. The new showroom is located at the widespread MAHAG premises on the Albrechtstrasse. It sets new dimensions in respect to aesthetics, design and brand impression.

?For the automotive location Munich as well as for the MAHAG Group this investment means another considerable upgrading and we are delighted, to be able to represent this fascinating brand towards our customers?, underlines MAHAG General Manager Thomas Werthmann on the occasion of the opening ceremony in the new showroom of Lamborghini Munich. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said: ?Right behind North America and Italy, Germany is the most important single market for our company. As one of the most attractive business and society locations throughout Europe, Munich metropolitan area plays a pivotal role for the further success of Lamborghini. The strong partnership with MAHAG Group makes for the best preconditions for sustained success in this important region.?

The building was created as a carefully implement renovation in the tradition of modern architectural classics of an existing construction on the MAHAG premises. As the General Manager of Lamborghini Munich, Carsten Kortüm, points out: ?The new showroom is more than a car sales operation. It was our declared target, to invent a cohesive scenery, in which our visitors can live the brand universe of Lamborghini in all its facets. Especially the importance of design at Lamborghini is mirrored in the structure of the building.?

The showroom has room for up to three exhibition cars, a bar area with Italian flair, an exclusive lounge for customer consultations and a high-end workshop.

Contact: Lamborghini München, Albrechtstr.16, München: Carsten Kortüm Tel. 0049-89-52039-500

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 has been voted ?SportsCar of the Year? by German magazine AutoBild SportsCars. Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, accepted the award for the best sports car of the year at the Essen Motor Show?s ?Race Night?.

August this year already saw the Gallardo LP 560-4 voted SportsCar of the Month by the magazine?s jury, and it has now gone on to win the battle for the accolade of ?SportsCar 2008?. As well as the magazine?s editors, the jury also included professional racing drivers and engineers from German vehicle testing agency TÜV Rhineland.

?We are delighted with this success in winning one of the most coveted awards in the German automotive sector,? commented Stephan Winkelmann. ?This honour confirms the outstanding competitive position held by the Gallardo LP 560-4 on the world stage, and reasserts the extremely positive reception it is enjoying among its customers.?

Launched in spring 2008, the new Gallardo LP 560-4 once again significantly raised the bar for super sports cars. With its new engine, permanent all-wheel drive and all-new chassis, its performance and handling have taken yet another leap forward. At the same time, the powerful elegance of the LP 560-4 displays a consistent progression of the unique Lamborghini design language.