08.01.2004 IN DETROIT AN UPBEAT LAMBORGHINI REVEAL RECORD SALES FIGURES FOR 2003

At their press conference in Detroit, an upbeat Lamborghini revealed that 2003 was a record year for the Italian sportscar maker, with 1,305 cars being turned out of the Sant d'Agata factory.

The marque, now under Audi ownership, had targeted a production figure 1,000 for last year as the second model, the 5.0-litre V10 mid-size Gallardo, launched in Geneva in March, came on stream to join the established Murcielago.

The previous record, in 1991 at 675 cars, equates to less than half last years total, while the 2003 figure is 309% up on 2002's total of 422 cars built. The rise is attributable to the introduction of the Gallardo which totalled 890 units, well up from a target of 600. The total was completed by the Murcielago, which at 415 units was slightly up on a target of 400, partly helped by demand for the limited edition 40th Anniversary edition.

Lamborghini will introduce the open topped Murcielago roadster, first seen in Detroit last year, at March's Geneva Motor Show. The new model, which is expected to account for half Murcielago sales will be called the Barchetta. Together with the two present models, a target of 1,800 cars has been set for the coming year.