Super rich in China and Middle East came super car makers afloat
China Car Times rarely sees Lambo’s around the PRC, but Ferraris have become a regular sight. Boston.com elaborates: ww
Ferrari, Lamborghini and other luxury carmakers say they’re faring better than mass-market producers as sales to the super-rich in China and the Middle East sustain demand even as world auto sales fall the most in at least a decade.Ferrari sales in China rose 25 percent to 200 cars in the first nine months, Chief Executive Officer Amadero Felisa said in an interview at the Paris Motor Show. Lamborghini’s Chinese orders jumped 60 percent to 45 cars and sales in the Middle East grew 52 percent. The US showed a 5 percent decline.”The Middle East and China are where demand is stronger,” Lamborghini Chairman Stephan Winkelmann said yesterday in an interview at the Paris show. “Network expansion is one of our main objectives, taking into account where new wealth islands are and making sure demand always outstrips our offer.”Ferrari’s success in emerging markets means the maker of the 205 mile per hour 599 GTB Fiorano is headed for a record profit this year, Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said. The Maranello, Italy-based company is now the fastest-growing unit of parent Fiat SpA, with sales up 21 percent in the second quarter and trading profit jumping 50 percent to 105 million euros ($145 million). Volkswagen AG’s Lamborghini, whose cheapest Gallardo model starts at 150,000 euros, aims to lift deliveries 5 percent this year. Global auto sales may fall 0.9 percent, according to JD Power & Associates.Annual economic growth of more than 10 percent for 10 straight quarters in China has boosted the ranks of the newly wealthy. Ferrari’s sales to East Asia will account for about a quarter of total deliveries next year, matching the US for the first time, CEO Felisa said. The company’s busiest Asian outlet, and ranked fourth overall, is in Macao, the only place in China where casinos are legal. The busiest dealership is in Las Vegas.
Out of interest, what super cars have our readers spotted around the PRC? We regulary see Porsche, Ferraris, but hardly any Lambo’s. Other luxury brands such as Bentley, and Rolls Royce are often seen cruising the streets.
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At the Shanghai Circuit I know of a couple containers standing around with a couple of ferraris in them. They belong to some guy who likes to have some fun with his business partners thr from time to time. I also saw an orange Lambo Spyder driving around Shanghai at night a couple of times. Furthermore I know a Guy who owns a Gallardo Superleggera. He keeps it at the Tianma Curcuit. Last time I talked to him he didn’t have it registered but told me that he was going to soon.
And come to think of it: I saw a 430 last Saturday morning in front of a nightclub here in Shanghai.
And a friends neighbour from owns a Pagani Zonda, a Maserati (don’t know which one) and a Porsche GT3 RS. They’re all registered and he actually drives them. He keeps them in the underground parking garage.
And the Hiltonmanager here in Shanghai owns a Maybach (or was it a Rolls?!). Keeps it in the hotels undergroundparking as well.
Also I saw a Porsche 928 (nothing fancy, but i bet the last one in China) at the old Shanghai Porsche Centre here in Shanghai. It was pretty messed up but one of the workers told me that the owner is acutally trying to restore it … we’ll see.
Then I know of a Porsche 944 standing in Hainan. Bet also one, if not THE last ones around.
And not too expensive, but very very exclusive: A Merc 190 Evo (If it wasn’t fake, i just saw it pass by).
Isn’t Lambo that guy that returned from Vietnam misunderstood by a nation and then persecuted by a small town, Pacific Northwest Sheriff?
Oh, I forgot! Does a Beamer M3 CSL count? There is one in my compound …
I saw a Lambo over the holiday parked in front of some hotel on the way to the Beijing railway station. But I do see more Ferrais around town – I saw one just last night right near here driving by the big clubs on gongti xilu.
BTW Ash, I’m glad to see that you’re still in China (QD still?) and that the car business is treating you well.