Lamborghini Doesn't See Recovery Until 2011; Sales Down 30%

Most people are pretty confident that the U.S market and global economy will begin to finally rebound and show some signs of life at the end of this year. Economists, auto makers, even the U.S government are forecasting that. Not that their record has been particularly good. But, I digress.

Unlike the others though, Lamborghini is taking a much more pessimistic viewpoint. At an company event in Paris today, Lamborghini chief executive Stephan Winkelmann commented on sales for the year and his view for the future.

After coming off a record year 2008 for both sales and profits, it looks like the economic situation is finally catching up to Lamborghini. Sales for 2009 so far are down by 30%. Even at a 40% overall sales decline for the year, Winkelmann expects the supercar maker to remain profitable, which is good news.

However, he doesn't expect the market to recover until 2011. Ouch, that's quite some time. He says he is "fully prepared" (whatever that means) to face another tough year in 2010 just like that one. I could see a recovery beginning early to mid next year, but certainly hope that's doesn't turn out to be the case. I doubt with all the measures being put into force that it will turn out that way, but you never can be sure.