Lamborghini this morning announced record sales figures for the first six months of this year, with 1,343 of the 'Raging Bull' sports car models finding customers during this period while its revenues also rose significantly and were up by more than 50 percent to 222 million euros. The V12-engined super sports car model, the Murciélago, in particular performed well - it saw its sales almost doubling year-on-year.

The impressive figures were revealed when Lamborghini's automotive parent company Audi Group released its interim report for the first sixth months of 2007 which saw the German carmaker increasing its gross profit year on year by 40.2 percent to 2,436 (1,738) million euros and officially confirming its commitment to a Brussels-built A1 model in 2009.

Audi bought the four decade old Italian sports car maker, Lamborghini, at the end of the last century and after making significant investments sales have steadily climbed. It broke the 1,000 units per year sales barrier in 2002, and last year it hit another milestone when it reached sales of 2,087 cars, a company record. It turned its first pre-tax profit in 2005 (4.4 million euros) and last year announced a quadrupling of these earnings of 18.1 million euros. Global dealership numbers went up by more than 10 percent last year as it pushed to strengthen its presence in mature markets such as the US and UK and at the same time broke into emerging new markets including Russia, China, Brazil and India.

This morning Lamborghini has announced healthy sales of 1,343 of its Sant’Agata Bolognese-built sports car models during the first half of the year, up 48.9 percent up on the 902 units total it sold during the same period of 2006. "The increase in the number of the Lamborghini Murciélago and Gallardo models built was particularly impressive," said the Audi Group interim report.

The 5.0-litre V10-powered Gallardo model accounted for 1,052 sales during the first six months, significantly up from the 749 units that were sold during the same period last year. The 'mid-size' Gallardo was boosted by much greater than expected demand for the new lightweight Superleggera model and continuing interest in the Spyder version, the latter which accounted for the bulk of sales. The bigger Murciélago sports car saw its sales almost doubling to 291 units during the first six months of this year, from 153 during the first six months of 2006, thanks to demand for its ferocious 640bhp 6.5-litre V12-engined LP640 version which is now available on the market in both Coupé and Spyder format.

The Italian super sports car manufacturer increased its vehicle revenues by 53.1 percent to 222 million euros; from 145 million euros during the first half of 2006. Parent company Audi was pleased with the performance of its Italian concern saying: "the Lamborghini brand also made noteworthy progress." Staff levels at Lamborghini also continued to climb, from 722 (at 30.06.2006) to 941 at the end of last month.

Just keep producing Lambos :mrgreen:

"...time broke into emerging new markets including Russia, China, Brazil and India."
Brazil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen:

for those who would like to know Lamborghini has just announced that supermodel Nadine Gerhardt will present the Lamborghini line of automobiles at the Frankfort auto show, which opens this September.

Fifth Annual ItalianCarFest to Honor Lamborghini at Premier Italian Car Gathering
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GRAPEVINE, Texas, Aug. 7, 2007 -- ItalianCarFest Weekend '07, the largest celebration of Italian cars in the Southwest, will honor Lamborghini, host the final round of the national Best Spider Challenge and welcome a secret Lamborghini factory honored guest on September 21-23, 2007, in Grapevine, Texas. On Saturday, 160 spectacular automobiles and approximately 30 two-wheeled vehicles will be displayed along the shore of Lake Grapevine at Oak Grove Park. The fifth annual event is produced by the Italian Car Club of the Southwest, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting their passion for Italian autos while contributing to selected charities.

"We're returning to the shores of Lake Grapevine with our most exciting show yet," said ItalianCarFest chairman, Bob Dezzany. "The show attracts vintage and contemporary masterpieces from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, DeTomaso, Alfa, FIAT and others. Visitors from across North America are drawn to North Texas to enjoy these irresistible pieces of machinery and this year's show will be spectacular."

Lamborghini will be honored while 1968-1985 Fiat Spiders will be the featured models. One of the most recognizable and highly coveted vehicles in Italy's rich automotive history, Lamborghinis have captured the hearts of the crowds during the ItalianCarFest since its inception in 2003. As a special treat, a red 1967 Lamborghini Miura will be displayed, recently recognized by Automobile Magazine as one of the most beautiful automobiles ever built. The Spider display will be highlighted by the crowning of the top Fiat/Pininfarina Spider in North America during the final round of the Best Spider Challenge.

"Nothing symbolizes the beauty and performance of Italian machinery quite like a Lamborghini," noted Italian Car Club of the Southwest president, Jerry Lee Phillips. "Texans have always been enamored by the 'raging bull' supercars and the panache they bring to our lives. The new Best Spider Challenge is a testament to the growth and reverence of ItlalianCarFest. Thanks to participation from FIAT America, Fiat Enthusiasts Northwest, Fiat-Lancia Unlimited and Fiats of Southern California, Italian car lovers across the country will be awaiting the results of our contest."

ItalianCarFest Weekend '07 will kick off with a Friday evening reception at the magnificent Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. ICF participants and sponsors will be welcomed by Miss Texas and enjoy hors d'oeuvres, vino and refreshments with fellow aficionados. The main event of the weekend, the Saturday Concours, will be held on Lake Grapevine at Oak Grove Park from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

"A new addition to this year's show is our exclusive ICF Gita al' Ombre Pranzo," added Dezzany. "For an additional cost with advance reservations, visitors will be guided through the Saturday concours in a covered vehicle and enjoy a catered lunch aboard Lonestar Lady, our two-story luxury boat opened to sponsors and car show participants. The tour will also include a private meet and greet with our special guest from Lamborghini."

One of the highlights of the Concours will be a Winners Circle that will include a magnificent display of 2006 Best of Class winners. An elegant, custom designed art glass piece from the Blenko Glass Company will be bestowed on the winner of this class, designated Best of the Best. The Best of Class, Best of Show and Best of the Best winners will parade their cars to the awards area.

That evening, ICF entrants and sponsors will enjoy a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by dinner. The honored guest from Lamborghini will deliver a presentation on the company's history and its design heritage. The event will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort after the Italian car show on Lake Grapevine.

On Sunday, Lamborghini Dallas and Boardwalk Maserati will host a track event at brand new Eagle's Canyon Raceway near Slidell, Texas. The track will be opened to all marques and include 30-minute driving sessions with professional instruction and critique, access to a private driver's clubhouse and lunch.

About the ItalianCarFest

Founded by the Italian Car Club of the Southwest, ItalianCarFest is becoming one of the most prestigious automotive events in North America. Attracting rare contemporary and vintage Italian collector cars, ICF annually attracts thousands of spectators. From Ferraris to DeTomasos, the ICF celebrates a rich automotive culture and passion for sports cars. Information is available at http://www.italiancarfest.com/.

Lamborghini Announces 2008 Model Year Enhancements
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Automobili Lamborghini has announced its 2008 model year Gallardo and Murciélago LP640 models.

The Lamborghini Murciélago will now come with a three-year warranty, in line with the three-year warranty already offered in the UK on Lamborghini Gallardo models. The unlimited mileage warranty will now be standard across all markets, reflecting the high level of manufacturing qualities found in Lamborghini cars.

The Gallardo MY08 now offers the following additional standard equipment: onboard computer, heated mirrors, and USB connection under the front bonnet in place of the CD loader as a no-cost option.

The list of Gallardo optional equipment has also been enhanced. A new soft-top colour – beige – will become available for the Gallardo Spyder, plus i-Pod preparation/connection can be provided in the glove compartment.

Within the interiors options range, the special Q-citura upholstery stitching has now become an option across the Gallardo range, following the success of this stitching in the seat centres, door panels and dashboard of the Murciélago LP640 and the Gallardo Nera limited edition.

For the Murciélago LP640, the MY08 is anticipated with i-Pod preparation or a USB interface as new options, with CD loader still available as standard equipment but also available with a satellite navigation system.

Other options offered include the steering wheel in perforated leather across all models, and two new choices of dark blue and grey colours for the soft-top of the Murciélago LP640 Roadster.

Other options for the LP640 include an additional set of winter tyres, and enhancement of the carbon kit with the carbon weave on the lower part of the steering wheel and on the gear levers (e-gear version).

Volkswagen Group-owned Lamborghini reported a record pretax profit $36.1 million (26.4 million euros) in the first six months of 2007, outshining the entire 2006 record profit of $24.7 million (18.1 million euros). Lamborghini delivered 1,239 cars during the period, a 30% increase over last year, while total turnover rose by 61% to $346 million (253 million euros).

In a statement issued on July 27, Lamborghini said that "the company came one step closer to its target of being the most profitable super sports car manufacturer in the world" although it certainly faces fierce competition in terms of profitability, particularly, from Porsche. According to Autonews.com, Lamborghini cited "improved brand recognition, an expansion of its dealer network and a young and attractive model range ... including the Gallardo Spyder and the Murcielago LP640" as the key developments contributing to the record profit.
Today Forbes reported that Lamborghini will expand in eastern Europe and Asia as these new markets, according to Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann "have the potential to replace the US and western Europe as our biggest market." Winkelmann expects China to be "one of Lamborghini's five biggest markets three or four years from now."

Press Release
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A opens second generation dealership in Copenhagen
Friday 31 August, Lamborghini Copenhagen inaugurates its new Showroom
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. is continuing the expansion and improvement of its brand and sales network, inaugurating a new showroom in Denmark on 31 August this year. Lamborghini Copenhagen, operated by MLA/AS, has been an official partner of Automobili Lamborghini since October 2003. The new showroom, fitted to Lamborghini’s exact and distinctive corporate standards, is based at Banevingen 9 in Copenhagen, close to the city centre and opposite the former dealership location.
“We are not only expanding our dealer network but at the same time reaffirming the extremely strong brand identity for Lamborghini, on and off-street, through the opening of new showrooms that correspond to our exacting corporate standards,” affirmed Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “Our showroom environment and the service received is as much part of the Lamborghini experience and pleasure of ownership as the car itself. This is an important aspect of communicating our marque to new audiences, and thus constantly increasing Lamborghini’s international brand recognition as well as its aspirational and market value,” so Stephan Winkelmann.
"We are proud to have the opportunity to further develop our representation of Lamborghini, as the sole dealer for Denmark, with this new showroom, and we looking forward to continuing the success of the brand” commented Michael Lassen, the CEO of Lamborghini Copenhagen. “
To further reinforce the success of Automobili Lamborghini, the world network of dealers is undergoing continuous expansion. Today Lamborghini Dealers number 105, compared to the 65 in 2004.
In 2006 Automobili Lamborghini sold 2,087 sports cars the world over, registering growth of more than 30% compared to the previous year. High demand continues in 2007 and beyond for both Gallardo and Murciélago models and especially the recently presented Gallardo Superleggera, providing another positive outlook for Automobili Lamborghini this year. In the first six months of 2007, Automobili Lamborghini has achieved another sales record, with 1239 supersports cars sold, which represents a growth of 30% compared to the same period of 2006 (952).
Sant’ Agata Bolognese/ Copenhagen 31st August 2007

Italian sports car manufacturer confirms positive trend
Automobili Lamborghini Sets New Record
in the First Half of 2007
- 30% improvement in deliveries around the world
- 61% growth of turnover
- with a 283% leap, the profit reaches 26,4 Million
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has once again beaten a record in the company’s history in the first six months of FY 2007, still in progress (31/12/2007). All of the major indicators – sales, turnover and net profit – have gone up considerably.
This automaker, rich in tradition, located in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, made approximately 30% more international deliveries in this period, equivalent to 1,239 (952) vehicles.
The company also set new records in turnover and net profit. Turnover rose exponentially, by almost 100 million (61.5%), settling at 253.1 (156.7) million.
In terms of profit, the company came even closer to its goal of becoming the most profitable sports car manufacturer. At 26,4 million, its net profit has already clearly passed its record-breaking figure of the entire financial year of 2006, which totalled 18.1 million. The profit increase is 19.5 million for the period. This is an increase of 283 per cent, growing to a total profit of 26.4 million in the first six months of 2007, compared to 6.9 million profit in the first half of 2006.
All of the chief indicators have surpassed both forecasts and market segment growth.
Four major growth and profitability factors arose during the period in question. In the first place, the latest and even more alluring generation of cars with the introduction of another model, the Gallardo Superleggera. Secondly, persistent concentration on expanding its network of dealerships, and the brand’s higher attractiveness amongst customers and in public opinion. Lastly, the professional capability of the Lamborghini’s employees who are motivated by a strong sense of belonging and passion.
President and CEO of the automobile manufacturing company, Stephan Winkelmann, offered a few comments. “Our global growth strategy is starting to bear fruit. Nevertheless, we must not forget that in spite of our increasing and unreserved concentration on profitability, growth and the international presence of our brand, the challenges we will have to face are growing at the same pace. We are well positioned, and following the excellent first half of the year that just ended, we know we are following the right path in order to post another record-breaking year in the company’s history”.
To further reinforce the success of Automobili Lamborghini, the world network of dealers will undergo continuous expansion. Today Lamborghini dealers number 105, compared to 65 there were in 2004.
And the strong demand in 2007 for the Lamborghini Gallardo and Murciélago models - and particularly for the new Gallardo Superleggera that was recently introduced – is one basic element leading to the half-year’s record-breaking result. Sales already cover the entire production up until the first half of 2008.

Lamborghini Selects Beru for TPMS

Prestigious car manufacturer chooses F1 technology for Gallardo and Murciélago


Automotive engineering specialists Beru F1 Systems has announced that it is supplying its award-winning digital tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) DigiTyre to Lamborghini for the Gallardo and Murciélago platforms. The safety feature, developed using Beru F1 Systems’ extensive motorsport experience, is standard fit on US Gallardo and Murciélago models to comply with the TREAD act. (The TREAD act makes it mandatory for passenger vehicles and light trucks sold in the USA to be fitted with a pressure monitoring system).

Specialist and niche vehicle manufacturers rightly demand robust and integrated solutions,” says BERU F1 Systems’ managing director John Bailey. “The higher speeds, higher cornering forces and demands experienced by performance cars rule out many solutions currently available. Our system is robust, light yet still retains all the integration features such as end of line testing and dealer diagnostics that OEMs require.”

End of road for Lamborghini case
An email over a Lamborghini sports car has sparked a lengthy courtroom battle between $2 Shop mogul Brian Salmon and a former franchise holder, likened by one top judge to "using a shotgun on a mouse".


The case reached the Court of Appeal in Wellington yesterday.

It considered an appeal against an earlier High Court decision that turened down a claim of defamation levelled at Lynette McKinnon over the email sent in 2005.

In it, Ms McKinnon, who was based in Hastings, questioned the ongoing use of a Lamborghini, which she said had done nothing to boost sales.

Mr Salmon, who opened the first $2 Shop in New Plymouth in 1994, had bought the Lamborghini in 2003 through his company $2 Shop Ltd, sending a letter to franchise holders saying it would be available for "some promotional purposes".

In her email, Ms McKinnon made other comments, which Mr Salmon said were incorrect and defamatory.

In response, Ms McKinnon had issued an apology to Mr Salmon.

However, that did not placate him, and in June last year the case went to the High Court.

Judge Christopher Allan ruled that the e-mail did not defame Mr Salmon.

"The fact that some franchisees might have regarded the purchase and subsequent deployment of the Lamborghini for marketing purposes as of limited commercial effectiveness does not render the e-mail defamatory."

Mr Salmon appealed against the decision to the Court of Appeal.

His lawyer, Julian Miles, said yesterday that Mr Salmon was a man of principle, and felt that comments in the e-mail had cast doubt on his honesty and integrity.

He did not seek damages, only a declaration and costs.

The $2 Shop concept has more than 40 stores throughout New Zealand and produces $32 million a year in group sales.

At yesterday's hearing, Justice Bruce Robertson said that, though Ms McKinnon may have been "incautious and imprudent" in sending the email, "it was all cleared up in a great hurry".

He described letters sent to Ms McKinnon as "over the top" in tone.

"It was really a big boy taking on a little one in a way I haven't seen in a long time."

Justice William Young likened the case to "using a shotgun on a mouse".

Outside court, Ms McKinnon, who now lives in Australia, said she was glad the case was over. "It was 2½ years over one email."

The Court of Appeal has reserved its decision.