Ferrari speeds up as sales hit record 7,000

Sports car maker Ferrari is aiming for record sales of around 7,000 cars this year, despite the global slowdown, chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said yesterday.

Speaking at the Frankfurt motor show, he said sales were up from 6,500 last year and the group aimed to maintain the 7,000 level in 2012, thanks to solid growth in the Far East and robust sales in the United States.

“At the end of next year Greater China – China, Taiwan and Hong Kong – will be our second-biggest market, overtaking Germany,” Montezemolo said.

“The growth is driven by new markets: Far East, Middle East and the great success in the United States.”

In India, where Fiat-owned Ferrari launched in April, Montezemolo did not expect big results as early as next year. “We look to the future with realistic optimism, even if we are aware of the economic situation,” he added.

He stressed there were no plans to float, which analysts said could help Fiat cut its debt.