Lamborghini Profits, Sales Up In 2008

Looks like another high-end sports car manufacturer had a good year in 2008, despite the strong headwinds. Lamborghini has come out of 2008 in excellent shape considering. There was a similar situation with Rolls-Royce and it's 2008 report. Surprising, but true!

Overall sales, profits, etc are all up. The United States saw a drop of 20.3% to 741 units, from 930 the year before (2007). Given the U.S is Lamborghini's largest market and that is a significant hit to global numbers, you would think overall sales would be down.

Not so though; traditional markets Germany and the United Kingdom saw small increases while emerging markets like Asia and the Middle East saw strong growth. In addition, Lamborghini saw growth in it's home market of Italy, with sales up 10% from 209 to 230 units, moving Italy into Number 2 in worldwide sales markets for Lamborghini.

These increases offset the U.S losses and managed to help eke out a small sales increase for the brand. The total sales figure is up 2.5% from 2406 to 2430 cars.

Like I said earlier, profit also increased as well. I'd imagine it has something to do with cost cutting done by the company as well as higher profit models that Lamborghini sold, like the Reventon. Profit for 2008 was 60 million euros, $79.6 million, up 27.4%. You would think the company would manage a higher profit per vehicle, but I guess not.

The Gallardo is keeping things going for sales in the most important markets, as it's Lamborghini's highest selling model. As you'd expect, the company isn't expecting any new records for 2009. Like everyone else, they'd just like to ride this one out with the least harm done as possible.