Currently reading: Ferrari to "preserve uniqueness" by limiting production numbers
Maranello sticks with its strategy of capping production and plans to roll out a new model every year

Ferrari will keep its production numbers capped at around 7000 vehicles per year in order to “preserve the brand’s uniqueness”, Fiat chief Sergio Marchionne has confirmed today.

Marchionne laid out the supercar brand’s plans for the next four years at the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) investor relations meeting in Michigan today. The production cap was instigated last year and announced by Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo in May 2013.

However, Marchionne left the door open for potential expansion to approximately 10,000 cars in the future to allow for growth of high-net-worth high-earning populations in emerging and non-traditional markets.

As a parting shot to his presentation today, Marchionne reiterated that “Ferrari is not for sale”, scotching speculation in the business world that the Fiat group could consider offloading its prized asset.

Ferrari’s current line-up of eight-cylinder machines comprises the 458 Italia, 458 Spider,458 Speciale and California T. The 12-cylinder cars are the F12 Berlinetta, FF and the new LaFerrari hypercar.

Ferrari’s plans for the next four years involve launching a new model every year. Each new model will have a four-year life-cycle, and will be followed by ‘M’ versions that remain on sale for a further four years.

Ferrari often uses the ‘M’ – for ‘modificado’ – designation when it is developing models that have been upgraded or heavily revised. For example, the Ferrari 360 had the internal denomination of F136. The model that succeeded it, the F430, bore the identifier F136M.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is currently in its fourth model year and could be ripe for refreshment under this strategy. Indeed, 458 Italia development mules – rumoured to feature a turbocharged engine in place of the current normally aspirated V8 – have already been spied.

Ferrari will also concentrate on “selective launch of special series targeting high-end customers”, according to Marchionne. This could hint at a hardcore version of LaFerrari designed solely for track use. 

Marchionne added that the Maranello-based company will focus investment in its Formula 1 motorsport division. It hasn’t won a championship since the 2008 constructors’ title.

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Mark Tisshaw

mark-tisshaw-autocar
Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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ShvsIrns 7 May 2014

F1

Since 2008 only one other team other than the current champions has won the title..
fadyady 6 May 2014

If only

Volkswagen (Audi/Porsche/Bentley/Lamborghini) watched and learnt
SJ19MB 6 May 2014

Ferrari Heritage

Ferrari are doing the exact opposite of Bentley,Rolls-Royce & Lamborghini & actually protecting their heritage rather than becoming ordinary!