The ceremony was attended by Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari Asia Pacific Region manager Marco Mattiacci, driver Kimi Räikkönen and several other members of the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.
Amedeo Felisa reminded those present of the importance to Ferrari of the APAC market which delivered record results in 2008 with over 1,000 cars sold. Ferrari is, in fact, market leader in its segment with a 46% market share. China, where Ferrari has been present since 2004 through its joint venture with China Poly Technology Co., is the Company’s second largest APAC market with 212 cars sold, double-figure annual growth and the 500-owner ceiling reached in 2008. The Chinese dealership network also spans 10 cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing and Nanjing.
The Company has focused particular attention on customer care in China resulting in the founding of the first Ferrari China Owners’ Club, a meeting and exchange platform for Ferrari clients, and the introduction of Pilota, the first Ferrari driving course to be staged in the country. A second driving course is already planned for Tokyo in Japan in the coming months. Other client services offered are: the Concierge Service, which allows clients communicate directly with Ferrari to enjoy a selection of exclusive services, and the Road Assistance Program, which provides fast, direct road-side assistance.
The Ferrari California has attracted huge interest in Asia. The car, which is the latest addition to our high performance 8-cylinder range, sets a new standard in terms of technological innovation and design. Thanks to its track-derived DNA and leading-edge innovation, the Ferrari California will more than fulfil the expectations of even our most discerning clients, offering exceptional driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel as well as extreme versatility of use and in-car comfort. The first Ferrari Californias were delivered in Europe in the early weeks of 2009 while deliveries to countries outside of Europe will commence in June.