Audi has just released its 2004 Financial Report, which reveals that their Lamborghini brand had another record year, with production up 23.7 percent on the previous period.

For the first time since it was taken over by Audi, the Bologna sportscar maker boasted three models, once the Murcielago Roadster hit their showrooms in the USA later on in the year. Roll out across the rest of the world has got underway during the first quarter of 2005. This new model, which was first revealed at the 74th Geneva Salon, follows in a strong Lamborghini tradition, building as it does on famous predecessors which include the 350 GTS, Muira Roadster, and most recently the Diablo Roadster. 80 examples of this sleek new 'chop top' model were built last year.

For the record Lamborghini built 1,678 cars during 2004, a 23.7 percent rise on 2003 when 1,357 Murcielago and Gallardo models were produced. Last year saw 304 Murcielago Coupe, 1,294 Gallardo and 80 Murcielago Roadster models roll out of the Bologna factory.

Audi professed themselves to be highly satisfied with the Raging Bull marque's financial results, remarking that "Lamborghini has seen vigorous growth in production, revenue and sales and consequently further strengthening its outstanding competitive position in this market segment."

Also mentioned by Audi was the fact that Lamborghini's new in-house design facility finally opened last year at the marque's Sant'Agata base in Bologna. The new 'Centro Stile Lamborghini' is according to Audi "a design centre that represents the future of the brand."
 

"The building also houses facilities that have the purpose of upholding Lamborghini's heritage: the restoration workshop for historic vehicles, and the Service Centre which is able to service every Lamborghini ever built," the report concludes.

Vehicle sales totaled 1,592 units, 22 percent up on 2003's figure of 1,305 units. The USA accounted for 41 percent of sales, while 13 pct were shifted in Germany, just under 9 pct in the UK, and 8 pct were delivered to Japanese customers.

Lamborghini also moved into the rapidly growing Chinese market. They presented their first dealer, located in Beijing, at the June 2004 Beijing Motor Show, and by the end of the year a further two outlets, in Shanghai and Guangzhou, had also been opened. Finally, total revenue climbed 21.5 percent to 243 million euros, (as opposed to 200 million in 2003), while the higher production figures saw a rise in the number of employees, from 685 to 726.

Next week in Geneva Lamborghini will reveal a new Gallardo-based show car, dubbed 'Concept S', as well giving a European debut to the mildly upgraded 'Model 'Year 2005 versions of the Murcielago and Gallardo.