05.06.2004 THE Ferrari Maserati Group opened its first Chinese showroom today in the swank and trendy section of Shanghai called Tomorrow Square

World-renowned sports and race car maker, Ferrari Maserati Group, opened its new showroom today in the swank and trendy section of Shanghai called Tomorrow Square, at the ground floor of the JW Marriott by Nanjing West Road.

The opening ceremony kicked-off at 12pm with the presence of Mr. Jean Todt, General Manager of Ferrari and Director of the Racing Department, including the F1 Team, and Mr. Martin Leach, CEO of Maserati.

A parade of around 70 Ferrari and Maserati cars coming from all over China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and other countries of Asia marched through the roads of Shanghai and along the infamous Shanghai Bund before joining the official Grand Opening. The group included top Ferrari models such as two magnificent Ferrari Enzos.

The special ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mr Todt, Mr Leach, Mr Lee, Chairman of Italian Motors, Mr Menegatti Italian Ambassador and other selected guests.

“I am particularly proud to be here with our partners for the opening of the first showroom and for the announcement of the new Chinese joint venture between Ferrari Maserati Group, Poly Group and Wo Kee Hong, through one of their controlled company Italian Motors, current importer of Ferrari and Maserati in Hong Kong”, said Mr. Todt. “This also represents a very important event for the Ferrari Maserati Group, considering the recent development of the Chinese market, additional opportunities will open up in the upcoming years”.

“We are very happy to be there for this momentous event in Shanghai. Shanghai’s increasingly sophisticated life style demands and the natural beauty of the city are synonymous with the brand values of Ferrari and Maserati. It is the perfect launching pad for us in China,” said Mr Richard Lee, Chairman of the joint venture.

Italian Motors made its entry in China as the official importer in 1993, 150 Ferrari and Maserati units have been sold in china since then. With the new showroom in Shanghai, the first official point of sale of Ferrari and Maserati Group in China, Ferrari and it’s partners plan on starting an expansion programme that will see a National sales network with outlets for sales and service to follow in Nanjing, Dalian, Hangzhou, Chendu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Guangzhou and Shenzen.

In the evening the Ferrari Maserati Group will also hold the première of the new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at Shanghai Exhibition Center, with more than 800 guests among VIPs and authorities. This is the first time Ferrari ever launched a new model with such a big event, emphasizing the importance of the Mainland Chinese market for the Group.

The 612 Scaglietti designed by Pininfarina, offers both comfort and speed combining for the first time the V12 engine and an all-aluminium body with a top speed of 320 Km/h and with an acceleration from 0-100 km/hour in less than 4,2 seconds.