Crunching Ferrari’s Global Numbers

Late-model sales almost match new car sales, which is why Ferrari works hard on its warranty-supported used-car program

by Michael Sheehan

Decades ago, when negotiating with bankers for our first seven-figure credit line, I was asked, “What is the annual global Ferrari market, in both dollars and cars?” While I’ve long since forgotten the figures for that period, it was an interesting exercise to calculate then, as it is today.

We start by breaking Ferrari sales into two categories, first the primary or “new car” market, controlled by Ferrari SpA through their allocations to dealers worldwide. For 2007, that number was about 6,400 new cars worldwide. We’ll use an average of the list prices, excluding the $100,000 premium attached to the 599s, and not get into the vagaries of currency exchange rates or the insane import taxes attached to some cars, such as the 105% import and luxury taxes on a new Ferrari sold into Brazil or the 85% into China. That averages out the 430/612/599 cars at close...