Lamborghini News

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By Judy Peterson
Los Gatos Weekly-Times
Article Launched: 08/19/2008 03:07:12 PM PDT

The Silicon Valley Auto Group rolled out the red carpet for an Aug. 8 visit by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.
Besides Winkelmann's appearance, a cocktail party held at the dealership at 301 N. Santa Cruz Ave. featured the unveiling of the new Gallardo LP560-4. But at $201,000, the Gallardo is not the most expensive car on the floor.
That honor falls to the $1.5 million Reventon. It is a stealth-like vehicle that is the color of an F22 fighter jet.
Winkelmann praised the dealership's location because of its visibility at the corner of North Santa Cruz and Bachman avenues.
"On the one hand it's the perfect location because everybody passes by," he said. "But the service department is five to 10 minutes away, so we'll probably get a better location in a couple of years."
Winkelmann expects to sell 30 to 40 cars a year out of the Los Gatos showroom. Worldwide, the company sold 2,406 vehicles in 2007. He said that because so few Lamborghinis are sold, the company does not leave much of a carbon footprint.
"Our impact on the global environment is zero," Winkelmann said. Already, Lamborghini has reduced emissions by 18 percent, and it is committed to doing more. "Just to give you an example, our commitment is to reduce emissions by 40 percent by 2015," Winkelmann said. "But we want to stick with our DNA, and the DNA is the sound of the engine accelerating."
He said the average Lamborghini is driven about 5,000 miles a year, and owners keep them in great shape. "They understand the reality of upkeep," he said adding, that this also helps keep the cars from being polluters.
As sales manager Ted Taormina roared down Highway 9 at 110 mph, he pointed out that the Gallardo's carbon ceramic brakes are an $18,000 option developed by NASA for the space shuttle.
The Los Gatos showroom is one of two in Northern California.
"California is the most important market all over the world, and Los Gatos and Silicon Valley are very high-end markets," Winkelmann said.
But if you can't afford one of the cars, there are little luxuries in the showroom that are affordable. For $67 you can decorate your Christmas tree with three Lamborghini orange-colored bulbs.

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Tuesday September 2, 9:00 am ET
MSC.Software's Simulation Solutions Portfolio Empowers Engineering Designers At Lamborghini to Simulate More Reliably
SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MSC.Software (NasdaqGS:MSCS - News), the leading global provider of enterprise simulation solutions, including simulation software and services, today announced that Italian world-leading sports car manufacturer Lamborghini Automobili S.p.A. has selected MSC.Software's simulation solutions including the Adams automotive product suite to enhance their product development process. The new software capability will bring enhanced reliability into the Lamborghini simulation process and allow designers to increase the number of virtual prototypes to be performed, especially in the early phases of the development cycle. By doing this, engineers are able to simulate more reliably and reduce the need for physical prototypes. The Simulation Technologies will be licensed under MSC.Software's flexible Masterkey licensing system.
Lamborghini cars are known worldwide for their stunning performance in terms of vehicle handling and engine power delivery. In order to achieve such outstanding results, the research and development team in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, where the Lamborghini Headquarters are located, must take advantage of best-in-class virtual prototyping software solutions to predict system performances in the early design stage. To realize this scenario, Lamborghini has now enabled their technical team full access to the broad range of Simulation Technology products from MSC.Software.
``The Masterkey licensing system allows us to access the full MSC.Software product portfolio, in particular, the Adams automotive product suite, such as Adams/Car and Adams/Driveline. These products will help Lamborghini in building virtual prototypes related to our future models, and to test them before building the real prototype,'' said Fabrizio Montagnani, Coordinator of Suspension Engineering and vehicle dynamic simulations, Lamborghini Research & Development Group. ``We will also be able to test our virtual prototype vehicles in different working conditions, to try different design solutions and to exchange sub-models with our suppliers using a standard simulation platform.''
``I am proud that a world-respected company such as Lamborghini has chosen MSC.Software's simulation solutions to further enhance the performance of their sports cars,'' said Amir Mobayen, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales, MSC.Software. ``Lamborghini builds cars that combine the pleasure of driving with a skilled understanding of modern technologies and engineering innovation. High-performance automotive manufacturers like Lamborghini produce a limited number of exclusive designs, and a reliable and highly cost-effective use of simulation is critical to their commercial success. Thanks to the flexibility offered by our MasterKey licensing system, such companies can meet their demands for constant innovation and faster product development cycles, as well as ensure high product quality.''

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NEW DELHI: Iconic Italian sports car maker Lamborghini has big expectations from India and has identified it as a “big market for the future”. In India since 2006, the company is now working on expansion plans and is confident that the rapid economic growth and new-emerging billionaires would make India one of its strong markets in the coming years.
“India is a big market for the future for Lamborghini. It is a big country and the attitude of buyers is now changing and they are becoming more open to buying ultra luxury high-style brands like ours,” says Enrico Maffeo, global director of sales and customer service for Lamborghini, told TOI.
Lamorghini, famous for its raging bull logo, sells the Gallardo and the Murcielago sports cars in India that are also available in their various variants like the lightweight Gallardo Superleggera and the convertible Gallardo Spyder, all of which retail for a hefty Rs 3 crore-plus.
Maffeo, a regular visitor to India, said high price was not much of a deterrent for their target customers who choose a Lamborghini for its exquisite design, high-profile branding and uncompromising performance. The company, which currently retails in India through its only dealership Exclusive Motors of Delhi, hopes to sell ten of its famed cars here this year. “Our business is not that much about volume. It is more of brands and desirability. Our plan is to create brand awareness, and the sales will follow,” he said.
Maffeo said as the company expands in India, Lamborghini would also increase its distribution network here. “We plan to have a new dealership in Mumbai next year and follow it up with one in Hyderabad in 2010,” he said.
But just when it looks to expand and grow in India, it also faces competition from rival like Ferrari. Alarmingly, Ferrari may get assistance from domestic heavyweight Tata Motors, the joint venture partner of Ferrari owner Fiat, when it decides to come to India. Maffeo said any new brand had to go step-by-step in any market. “And don’t forget. We are part of the Volkswagon group that already has presence in India through brands like Volkswagon, Skoda, Audi and Bentley.”
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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/B...ow/3515441.cms

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Automobili Lamborghini will this evening formally open its new first showroom in Istanbul, Turkey, as part of its global dealership network expansion and development programme. The showroom is located in the prestigious area of Ortaköy, at the Bosforus (Muallim Naci Cad. No.26, Ortaköy), while the service is located in Dogus Power Center (Maslak Mah. G-45, AhiEvren Polaris Cad. No.4 Sisli Maslak, Istanbul).

Lamborghini Istanbul is part of Dogus Otomotive Group, which started operating as Lamborghini’s official partner in Turkey in 2007, and which operates not only in luxury car distribution but is also a leader in other business areas.

“Turkey is part of Lamborghini’s global dealership network expansion and development programme. It’s certainly an important market for our brand, thanks to its strategic position between Europe and Asia,” said President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann, who will attend the official opening of the dealership.

“Our partner in Turkey, Dogus Otomotive, provides not only the focus and understanding of luxury automotive retailing that we demand from all our partners, but also the innate understanding of our markets and customers, their needs and expectations.”

“We are really proud to have created this exceptional Lamborghini facility in Istanbul” said Mr Ali Bilaloğlu, Ceo of Dogus Otomotive. “We look forward to developing our partnership with Lamborghini and the signbificant potential in our market. We plan to sell around 10 Lamborghini by the end of this year and we expect to grow further delivering between 15/20 cars next year“ .

Also shown at the Istanbul Motorshow and at the opening event, which will take place this evening at the showroom, is the new Lamborghini Gallardo Coupé LP 560-4, unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March 2008. The new car has, as its name implies, increased power to 560 hp, plus increased acceleration from 0-100 Km/h in 3.7 seconds and a top end speed of 325 Km/h. The new Gallardo LP 560-4 has been recently introduced into the Turkish markets and has immediately received a very positive response.

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LAMBORGHINI UNVEILS NEW LOGISTICS CENTRE IN SANT’AGATA BOLOGNESE
Automobili Lamborghini has officially opened the doors of its new logistics centre at its Sant’Agata Bolognese facility. The centre will handle storage and distribution for all the manufacturer’s main markets and will play an important role in the sustained development of the company’s infrastructure.

The new centre was opened by Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, and Jean-Fleury Garel, CEO of Gazeley, one of Europe’s largest logistics property companies responsible for managing the project.

The new Logistics centre, with a surface of 11.000 square meters, is situated within the business zone and replaces the existing centre located in Anzola Emilia, about 20 kilometres away.

Characteristics of the new facility

The new facility, which stands 10 meters high with space for about 14,052 pallets, will be used both as a warehouse for car production and components and spare parts, as well as for Lamborghini’s merchandise range. Thanks to the height of the building and to innovative warehousing structures, storage capacity has been increased twofold, ensuring the accommodation of future business growth.

State of the art logistics

Automobili Lamborghini has developed its logistics activities by investing in both infrastructure and technology to ensure competitiveness, with a particular emphasis on optimizing the efficiency of its commercial organization, in line with the company’s positive performance of recent years. Access to a centre which features the very latest in logistics and storage techniques, thanks to its partner Jungheinrich, will improve internal processes. In parallel, material preparation and processing times have been reduced by 50% thanks to the partnership with Schnellecke Italia.

Operations at the centre are fully automated. Instant data transmission ensures the functionality of logistics integration processes while ensuring constant control of data flow, which reflect the manufacturer's high standards, procedural policies and service objectives. The new logistics centre is also characterized by a comfortable working environment, while controls and other features required to facilitate operations are simple and streamlined.

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Automobili Lamborghini enhances management team with strategic appointments

Automobili Lamborghini has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two new directors, joining President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Ranieri Niccoli (40), born in Bologna (Italy), joins the board as the new industrial director. During his career he has spent time in production with enterprises including Fiat Auto. He has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the university of Rome. Niccoli has written a number of published engineering papers and also spent time with the European Space Agency.

Federico Foschini (36), born in Ravenna (Italy), joins the board as Project Management Director, having worked within Lamborghini’s purchasing department since 1999 and one year (2007–2008) within the Project Management for Audi AG. Foschini holds a degree in Engineering Management from the university of Bologna.

Niccoli and Foschini take their places on the managerial board of Automobili Lamborghini headed by CEO Winkelmann, alongside Salvatore Cieri Finance; Dominik H. Hoberg Communication and Merchandising; Manfred Fitzgerald Brand & Design; Maurizio Reggiani R&D; Ingo Budde Quality; Johannes Schmitz-Valckenberg Purchasing; Enrico Maffeo Sales and After Sales; and Umberto Tossini Human Resources & Organisation.

In the photo: President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, centre, with the Automobili Lamborghini management team.:

From left to right: Enrico Maffeo, Ingo Budde, Umberto Tossini, Ranieri Niccoli, Dominik H. Hoberg, Federico Foschini, Maurizio Reggiani, Salvatore Cieri, Johannes Schmitz-Valckenberg and Manfred Fitzgerald.

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30/10/2008 Automobili Lamborghini establishes new branch in People´s Republic of China

As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.

Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.

The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: “China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing ‘savoir-vivre’ in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini’s future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale.”

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% (28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli’s career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years’ assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market. Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

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I wonder if it will ever come to Mexico, we have Ferrari, Maseratti, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, why cant Lamborghini establish here?????

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Lamborghini O.C., largest dealer of exotic cars, closes
Automaker blames poor management, not economy, for demise.
By JOHN GITTELSOHN
The Orange County Register

The world's largest Lamborghini dealer, Lamborghini Orange County, has closed and owners aren't saying why.

"I can't talk about anything," said Vik Keuylian, owner of the Santa Ana-based dealership.

Keuylian previously said he sold about 10 percent of all 2,400 Lamborghinis made in the world each year. Lamborghini announced plans to move its North American headquarters to Santa Monica, in part, to be close to its largest dealership.

Automobili Lamborghini America said the dealer closed because of its own mistakes, not the economy.

"The financial stress Lamborghini Orange County is experiencing is due to several unfortunate business decisions made by management at Lamborghini Orange County, independently of Automobili Lamborghini," said Pietro Frigerio, chief operating officer of Lamborghini America.

"Many companies have felt an impact by the current economic situation, but the economy is not the reason for Lamborghini Orange County's financial situation. Though, the economy has exacerbated the situation."

In an interview this spring, when other auto dealers were suffering from the economic downturn, Keuylian said he continued to prosper.

"This April was better than April '07,” Keuylian told the Register. “Other dealers are turning down cars and we’re picking them up and selling them at a profit.”

A spokeswoman for Volkswagen, which owns Lamborghini, would not answer a question about whether the company had pulled the line of credit Keuylian needed to keep cars on his showroom floor.

"While we don't comment about our business relationships with our dealerships, Volkswagen's credit business continues to remain strong," said Jill Bratina, a spokeswoman for Volkswagen Group of America.

At least nine Orange County auto dealers – selling Chevrolets, Chryslers, Dodges, Nissans, Saturns and other brands – have closed since January, brought down by sluggish sales and tight credit.

But Lamborghini Orange County is the most glamorous of the bunch. Customers included NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman. The Keuylians threw promotional parties with celebrities such as Elton John and Sharon Stone. They helicoptered actors Eric Roberts and Luke Perry from Los Angeles to Orange County for a company party in April.

The Orange County dealership at 2441 S. Pullman St. in Santa Ana is now padlocked. The lot previously brimming with orange and lime 12-cylinder, $600,000 Murcielagos and Gallardos customized by designer Versace – is vacant.

No sign explains the closure or tells customers where to go for repairs or how to pick up cars on order.

The answering machine on a phone at Lamborghini Calabasas, also owned by Keuylian, said it was not accepting messages. A recently opened Lamborghini showroom on West Coast Highway in Newport Beach also has closed. And Keuylian's plans for a lavish new showroom there never materialized.

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Nooo. That's a bad news. Hehe. My local Lambo dealer's gone.

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No near?

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Celebrate Christmas in black and white, Lamborghini style
Sant’Agata Bolognese, 14th November 2008 - If celebrating Christmas ‘fast’ is
your style, then Lamborghini’s range of 2008 baubles, bears, candles and cushions
are now available, in the special matt black and white colours launched this year
on its new 202 mph (325 km/h) Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4.
The box-set of three baubles in lightweight ceramic is available with one Nero
Noctis black and two Mono Cerus white in each box: both colours available to order
on the Gallardo LP 560-4. Box-sets of one black, one white, slow-burning candles
are offered, and the 13-inch Lamborghini shield-embroidered cushions in the two
colours complete the collection.
When it’s time to slow Christmas down, or for younger Lamborghini fans at
Christmas, cuddle up to the Lamborghini polar bear, who sports a black sweater
and the Lamborghini logo.
In addition to the celebratory ‘black and white’ Christmas selection, Lamborghini
has a range of calendars and Christmas cards available to order, as well as the
complete Collezione Automobili Lamborghini, which ranges from pencils and pens,
t shirts sweatshirts and caps to exclusive luggage, priced from 2 Euro to over
2000 Euro.
The Collezione Automobili Lamborghini range is available on-line
http://store.lamborghini.com available from authorised Lamborghini dealers and
in the Lamborghini flagshipstore at Sant’Agata Bolognese.
Prices
Box-set three baubles: 56 Euro (without tax)
Box-set two candles: 44 Euro (without tax)
Cushion: 32 Euro (without tax)
Polar bear large: 26 Euro (without tax)
Polar bear small: 44 Euro (without tax)

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Sant’Agata Bolognese, 21st November 2008 - The Collezione Automobili Lamborghini offers more than exclusive fashions and accessories – in every piece of this distinctive collection is the spirit of the world’s most desirable super sports car. The new Lamborghini online store (www.lamborghinistore.com) brings this unique shopping experience to your home. Furthermore, the Collezione Automobili Lamborghini has been expanded with three new fashion lines for winter 2008/2009.
The Lamborghini brand offers extreme and uncompromising experiences – for a life outside of the conventional boundaries, that goes far beyond the super sports cars and their engines. Every single piece of the Collezione Automobili Lamborghini is also part of a world of exclusivity and glamour. With its sporty chic, this distinctive collection of fashion and accessories embodies the spirit of the brand; it is extreme, uncompromising and, above all, unmistakably Italian.
The pieces are very clearly “born in Sant’Agata Bolognese” and offer fashion highlights for every age group – the only thing that matters is the passion for the “bull”. The individual pieces are designed and produced in co-operation with some of Italy’s top fashion houses and to the very highest standards.
All-new design for online store
The articles from the collection – which include i.e. polo shirts, sweatshirts, trousers, jackets and accessories for him and her, ranging in price from two to 2,000 Euro – can be selected and purchased in the boutique at Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, in selected boutiques worldwide or at any Lamborghini dealership.
The online store www.lamborghinistore.com has been completely redesigned. It provides an exceptionally convenient shopping experience from anywhere, and at any time. In co-operation with the best shipping services, the online store also ensures speedy delivery – worldwide, with virtually no exceptions.
Three new fashion lines complete the collection
The range has been expanded by three new lines for the 2008/2009 winter season. The Linea Tricolore emphasizes the brand’s “Italianità”, with its design inspired by modern military aeronautics – just like the design of the current super sports car.
The Linea Lambo Soul Vintage expresses a modern interpretation of styles from the 60s and 70s – the era that witnessed the birth and development of the Lamborghini brand. Cool colours, large logos and carefully selected contrasts lend particular appeal to this line. And lastly, the co-operation with the Hydrogen label has been expanded, with the elements of the third line inspired by college style.

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Munich / Sant´Agata Bolognese, 10th December 2008 - 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
www.lamborghini-muenchen.com