The introduction of the Gallardo has proved a boon for Audi-owned Automobili Lamborghini. The bull brand has posted its first profit since its acquisition by the VW unit in 1998, largely due to the less-expensive V-10-powered model. They're also expanding their dealer network, planning five new stores in the US, two in Germany, two in Italy, and one in Russia. Last month, they opened their first shop In Kuala Lumpur, which is ironic, seeing as the company was formerly owned by a Maylaysian investment group. However, all is not wine and roses at Lambo. The more "practical" Gallardo is often driven many more miles in a year than its big brother, the Murcielago, requiring more dealer service staff to keep the cars in tune. All in all, though, we'd say this is a happy pain for the house that Ferruccio built.
-Davey G. Johnson
Lamborghini boss faces new challenge; customers' needs changing as brand sales grow [AutoWeek]
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German Motorsports Company to Take Over Murcielago R-GT Racecar Program [Internal]