Lamborghini is not just a symbol of luxury but also a powerful money-making machine in the automotive industry. But who owns this prestigious brand, and how much profit have they made from it? Let’s explore Lamborghini’s revenue and business strategy in detail.
1. Who owns Lamborghini?
Lamborghini is currently owned by the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen was founded in 1937 during the Third Reich with the goal of producing affordable cars for the German population. After World War II, thanks to the management of British Army officer Ivan Hirst, Volkswagen was revived and thrived, becoming particularly famous for the legendary Beetle model.
Although Lamborghini is now part of Volkswagen, the supercar brand has a turbulent history with multiple ownership changes. Lamborghini was founded in 1963 by Ferruccio Lamborghini, an Italian entrepreneur with a deep passion for automobiles. His initial goal was to produce high-end touring cars to compete with Ferrari. The launch of the Lamborghini Miura in 1966 quickly elevated the brand to new heights, making it an icon in the sports car world.
However, in 1974, Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to leave the company and sold his ownership to Georges-Henri Rossetti and René Leimer. By 1978, Lamborghini faced bankruptcy and was taken over by brothers Jean Claude and Patrick Mimran, who heavily invested in the company and steered it through financial difficulties.
After seven years under the Mimran family’s control, Lamborghini changed hands again in 1987 when Chrysler Corporation acquired it for $25 million. However, in 1994, Chrysler decided to sell Lamborghini to two investment groups from Malaysia and Indonesia—Mycom Setdco and V’Power Corporation.
The most significant turning point for Lamborghini came in 1998 when Volkswagen Group officially acquired the brand and placed it under the direct management of Audi AG. Since then, Lamborghini has grown tremendously, becoming one of the most renowned supercar brands in the world.
2. A look into its ownership history
- 1963: Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Automobili Lamborghini in Italy.
- 1966: Lamborghini Miura debuted, becoming an iconic model and shaping the future of supercars.
- 1974: Ferruccio Lamborghini sold the company to Georges-Henri Rossetti and René Leimer.
- 1978: Lamborghini declared bankruptcy.
- 1980: The Mimran family acquired the company and began restructuring.
- 1987: Chrysler Corporation purchased Lamborghini for $25 million.
- 1994: Chrysler sold Lamborghini to investment groups Mycom Setdco (Malaysia) and V’Power (Indonesia).
- 1998: Volkswagen Group acquired Lamborghini and assigned its management to Audi.
Since becoming part of Volkswagen, Lamborghini has experienced remarkable growth, introducing legendary supercars such as the Aventador, Huracán, and, most recently, the Revuelto. The fusion of German engineering with Italian design excellence has solidified Lamborghini’s position as a top-tier supercar brand globally.
3. The evolution of Lamborghini
Lamborghini does not publicly disclose detailed revenue figures, but estimates indicate that in 2022, the luxury automaker generated approximately $2.6 billion in revenue, with an impressive operating profit of $666 million.
The company set a sales record in 2022, delivering 9,233 vehicles worldwide—marking a 22% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, operating profit also surged by 56%, highlighting Lamborghini’s effective business strategy and the strong demand for its vehicles.
With this growth momentum, Lamborghini continues to solidify its position in the luxury supercar segment. Beyond manufacturing high-performance cars, the brand has demonstrated a well-structured business approach, leveraging its brand value to maximize profitability.
4. How much revenue does the Lamborghini brand generate?
A significant portion of Lamborghini’s revenue comes from car sales, particularly its high-performance supercars. However, the company does not solely rely on selling vehicles—it strategically diversifies its income streams to maximize profitability:
- Vehicle Customization: Customers can personalize their Lamborghinis with unique color options, premium interiors, and high-end materials, significantly increasing the price of each car.
- Brand Licensing: Lamborghini collaborates with other luxury brands, licensing its name for products such as watches, fashion items, perfumes, and model toys—bringing in substantial revenue.
- Limited-Edition Models: Exclusive releases like the Lamborghini Centenario or Sian not only enhance brand value but also generate massive revenue due to their rarity and exclusivity.
- After-Sales Services: Official maintenance and servicing packages contribute to Lamborghini’s revenue structure, ensuring optimal vehicle performance and long-term customer loyalty.
Under Volkswagen Group’s ownership, Lamborghini continues to expand its market reach and optimize profitability. With strong revenue growth and a smart business strategy, the brand remains a dominant force in the supercar industry. The future looks even more promising as Lamborghini pursues product expansion and technological innovation.
