17.05.2003 LAMBORGHINI CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY AS EXPANSION PLANS GATHER PACE
| The company set up in 1963
by Ferruccio Lamborghini, and which in the intervening years has produced
famous sportscars such as the Miura, Countach, Espada and Diablo, has embarked
on its 40th anniversary year.
The anniversary year kicked off with the presentation of the Murcielago 'Barchetta' open-top concept at the Detroit Motor Show, which the company has confirmed will go into production 'shortly'. This was followed by the Ferrari 360-rivalling Gallardo, which debuted in March at the Geneva Motor Show, and gave the Audi-owned company its second model line for the first time in over a decade. After selling 424 Murcielago's last year, and with Gallardo production beginning later this month, Lamborghini are targeting selling 1,000 cars this year of which around 600 will be the new model. From 2004 production will be aimed at 1,500-1,700 vehicles annually, with a mix of 1,300 Gallardos and 400 Murcielagos being sold in 20 countries worldwide. At Sant'Agata, Lamborghini's Bolognese HQ, the new museum has been completed. The 'Historic Archive' project has been initiated. This project aims to recover, protect and collect the bibliography that has accumulated over the years, while another idea the 'Registro Lamborghini' will conduct a census of the almost 10,000 cars that are still in existence. expansion A new modern two story aluminium and glass building will be inaugurated at the end of the summer which will house the new Customer Care Centre, the Marine Engine Department, Style Centre and a new Restoration Centre for historic vehicles. The Customer Care Centre will allow clients direct access to the factory for a vehicle check up while the Marine Engine sector will continue to build and supply engines used in winning Class 1 Offshore Powerboats. The highlight of the building however will be the 1,200m² Centro Style facility. Headed by 38-year-old Belgian Audi designer Luc Donckerwolke who styled both the Murcielago and Gallardo, it will be a full functioning design studio. Aiming to be a 'concept studio' for creators and stylists, it will focus on culture, innovation and aesthetic sensibility. Gallardo assembly line The Gallardo chassis, constructed and painted by Audi at Neckarsulm in Germany, will be shipped to Bologna and assembled on a dedicated new line which has been built since August last year. The line will have the capacity to build 8 cars per day. It will consist of four parts, making up a total of 22 stations, as well as several pre-assembly stations for doors, suspension, dashboard and other parts. The test area is shared with the Murcielago. At full capacity 63 people will be engaged, 43 on the assembly line and 20 on pre-assembly stations. |
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