Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
By golly, this is a dramatic turn of events over at the Prancing Horse. We've reported just the other day that Ferrari S.p.A. numero uno Luca di Montezemolo is considering to step down from his position after an argument with Fiat S.p.A. CEO Sergio Marchionne. This piece of info has been confirmed today by Luca in a statement published on Ferrari's media website.
Titled "This is the end of an era" and beginning with "I leave after 23 unforgettable years," those of you that know how things work at Ferrari also know that these words are covering a lukewarm situation. Montezemolo wanted to keep Ferrari's annual sales capped at 7,000 vehicles to ensure the exclusivity of cars wearing the iconic Prancing Horse badge, but Marchionne said no, suggesting to up yearly sales by 3,000 vehicles.
10,000 Fezzas per year is exclusive enough of a proposition for us mortals, but more demanding people, those that can actually afford a Ferrari, aren't sharing our view. It's also unnecessary to hike sales considering that Maserati enjoys worldwide success these days. In addition to the aforementioned, upping the sales limit of new Ferraris would translate to 3 or 4 percent more operating profit for the entire Fiat Group, which isn't enough reason to compromise the group's most important carmaker.
To be completely frank, this author isn't a fan of modern Ferrari. In my opinion, the 355 and its glorious 5-valve per cylinder V8 engine and wicked styling was the last "proper" Ferrari, whatever proper means in my subjectivity. But if you put your objective glasses, it's clear as day that those 23 years, including the modern era, of Montezemolo rule at Ferrari were the best period ever for the most revered name in the industry in terms of financial results, sales figures, tech and other advancements. Furthermore, let's not forget that Luca di Montezemolo put Ferrari back in the Formula 1 game and he was appointed the assistant of Enzo Ferrari in the early 1970s, so this guy really knows what Ferrari is all about.
Marchionne, on the other hand, is more of a cold businessman type of guy. Remember what the Fiat S.p.A. chief executive officer declared time after time about rejuvenating the Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands? Well, that didn't really happened. As for the Fiat brand, thank God for the 500 'cos the rest of the lineup is not enough to restart the Italian brand's heart. Check the press release we attached below to find out everything Luca di Montezemolo has declared in today's resignation announcement.
10,000 Fezzas per year is exclusive enough of a proposition for us mortals, but more demanding people, those that can actually afford a Ferrari, aren't sharing our view. It's also unnecessary to hike sales considering that Maserati enjoys worldwide success these days. In addition to the aforementioned, upping the sales limit of new Ferraris would translate to 3 or 4 percent more operating profit for the entire Fiat Group, which isn't enough reason to compromise the group's most important carmaker.
To be completely frank, this author isn't a fan of modern Ferrari. In my opinion, the 355 and its glorious 5-valve per cylinder V8 engine and wicked styling was the last "proper" Ferrari, whatever proper means in my subjectivity. But if you put your objective glasses, it's clear as day that those 23 years, including the modern era, of Montezemolo rule at Ferrari were the best period ever for the most revered name in the industry in terms of financial results, sales figures, tech and other advancements. Furthermore, let's not forget that Luca di Montezemolo put Ferrari back in the Formula 1 game and he was appointed the assistant of Enzo Ferrari in the early 1970s, so this guy really knows what Ferrari is all about.
Marchionne, on the other hand, is more of a cold businessman type of guy. Remember what the Fiat S.p.A. chief executive officer declared time after time about rejuvenating the Alfa Romeo and Lancia brands? Well, that didn't really happened. As for the Fiat brand, thank God for the 500 'cos the rest of the lineup is not enough to restart the Italian brand's heart. Check the press release we attached below to find out everything Luca di Montezemolo has declared in today's resignation announcement.
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