Lamborghini is the only sport car brand can rival the prestige status of Ferrari. In many ways, it is even more exotic than Ferrari in the eyes of car lovers, thanks to the loss-making supercars it produced throughout its 40 years history - Miura, Countach, Diablo and Murcielago. Lamborghini has proven itself as the biggest headache to Enzo Ferrari because there is hardly a flagship Ferrari without a Bull to compete with.
Financial instability used to limit the success of Lamborghini. However, since acquired by Audi in 1998, it has been growing stronger and stronger. Thanks to Audi's qualtiy standard, new generation of Lamborghinis no longer suffer quality problems like their predecessors. The cars are also made easier to live with. Simultaneously, the exotic character remains untouched. Therefore sales of Murcielago improved considerably from Diablo.
The addition of the second line, the Gallardo, allows Lamborghini to target at a larger volume market against Ferrari 360 Modena / F430. Now annual sales is pointing towards the 2000 units mark. Lamborghini is ready to challenge Ferrari, not just in terms of reputation but also sales performance.
Article from: http://www.autozine.org/Manufacturer/Italy.htm
