Lamborghini to launch China branch in 2009

Shanghai, October 31 (Gasgoo.com) Italian supercar maker Lamborghini will launch a Chinese branch in Beijing in 2009, Xinhua news agency reported Thursday.

"The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to exploring 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," CEO Stephan Winkelmann said at an event in Beijing yesterday.

He continued added that though China has experienced some temporary impact from the crisis of the global credit market, the country is well positioned to overcome these difficult situations and has the strongest potential to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world in the long term.

Lamborghini hopes to eventually sell roughly the same number of vehicles between the three major continental regions: North America, Europe and Asia. In 2007 it sold 28 cars in China, but this year sales are expected to top 80 units.

Currently, Lamborghini has three dealerships in mainland China (in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing) and one in Hong Kong. As part of an aggressive expansion plan for the country, two more showrooms in Chengdu and Qingdao are set to open shortly, with more to follow.