Geneva - Ferrari Owners' Club

Bringing together more than 250 exhibitors on a gross surface area of nearly 114,000 square metres, the Motor Show occupied once again all of Geneva Palexpo’s available surface area. About 950 brands from around 30 countries were presented. The allocated net exhibition area was approximately 77’000 square metres, although there was demand for over 84’000 square metres.

Following the two press days on which more than 5,000 media representatives from all over the world flocked to Palexpo, the Show was inaugurated on Thursday March 8 in the presence of, notably, Mrs. Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation. She was accompanied by many dignitaries from the worlds of politics, business and industry.

Around 700,000 visitors were expected from all five continents – generally 40% of them are foreigners from 80 countries – during the 11 days that the Show is open to the public.

Over 80 world and European premieres were announced in the vehicles sector alone, along with the presence of new exhibitors, including China’s Brilliance, KTM, Russo-Baltic, or the born-again brands Abarth and Donkervoort.

In keeping with the new trends already observed, pride of place was given to the development of technologies offering alternative energies. Dream cars and first models launching production series of important manufacturers were also present.

The accessories, spare parts and equipment sector alone is the industry’s largest annual exhibition in Switzerland and offered both the public at large and trade visitors a host of new products.

For the visitors, following the widening of the aisles and the introduction of electronic ticketing, a re-organization of the entrance hall allowed access to the cloakrooms, toilets and the brasserie one hour before the doors officially open, thereby reducing the queues. The public was able to go out and get a breath of fresh air in the Sarasin park without leaving the Show’s premises.

As the only international motor show that is held annually in Europe and on “neutral territory”, the Geneva motor show is known as one of the most representatives. The major manufacturers always unveil their major innovations at the show, in the presence of their CEOs. This year, about 140 World and European premieres have been announced in all sectors together (private motor cars; electric and alternative-propulsion cars; special bodywork for motor cars, design and engineering; converted cars (tuners); accessories and components for motor cars; Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM); workshop installations and miscellaneous products and services.

Ferrari displayed at Geneva both sides of its character to harmonious and complementary effect. The thoroughbred sporty side was represented by the F430 (black with black racing seats with red Alcantara centre part, Scuderia shields and Challenge wheels), and F430 Spider (red with cuoio leather with beige inserts, cuoio rollbars, Scuderia shields, Daytona seats), while two 612 Scagliettis represented its technologically advanced GT side. The two Scagliettis were in Geneva to showcase 10 colors selected from the Prancing Horse’s “historic” catalogue as well as interior trims that have raised Ferraris reputation for luxurious driver environments to new levels. The black 612 Scaglietti had Scuderia shields and modular wheels. The one painted Grigio Ingrid had no Scuderia shields and was equipped with polished wheels. In the middle of the stand, on a specially raised podium, sat a new 599 GTB Fiorano. The version on display at Geneva boasted an understated Grigio Silverstone livery (gunmetal gray). It was fitted with Scuderia shields, Daytona seats, silver stitching and challenge wheels.

The 10 historic colors unveiled by Ferrari at Geneva were originally used on models which have become famous amongst collectors for their particularly sophisticated liveries. After meticulous research in the company archives, Ferrari relaunched the following stunning and absolutely exclusive colors as part of a unique catalogue: Avorio, Vinaccia, Celeste, Avio, Azzurro, Blu Scozia, Verde Abetone, Grigio Ferro, Grigio Medio and Grigio Scuro.

The Geneva motor show also provided the backdrop to the launch by the Prancing Horse of Ferrari Financial Services in response to growing demand from its Italian and international clients for a range of integrated bespoke financial solutions designed to make Ferrari purchases as cost-effective and simple as possible.

2006 was an exceptionally successful year for the Ferrari factory. The 12.2% increase in revenue was due in great part to excellent performance in North America and Switzerland (with deliveries up 6% in both), Germany (+8%) and new and developing markets such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America, which generated a significant increase in sales volumes. The Chinese market also performed exceptionally well indeed with the number of cars delivered there doubling in just 12 months.

In Switzerland Ferrari delivered in 2006 a total of 287 cars which is 6% more than in 2005. The small country in the heart of Europe is Ferrari’s sixth largest market after the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and France. Importantly, however, it is also the largest in terms of cars sold per head of population. The factory also displayed a Formula One type 248 F1 ex-Felipe Massa in Geneva. Luca Cordero di Monzemolo and Amedeo Felisa were present during the press days. On the stand of tire supplier Bridgestone, another Formula One Ferrari, from 2004, was shown.

During the press days only, Louis Vuitton of Paris showed a painstakingly restored Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider with chassis number 2561 GT. This rare car, owned by New York real estate magnate Peter S. Kalikow, was restored by David Carte in Virginia. It is painted Alfa Romeo Blue Inverno and fitted with a beautiful red leather interior. It is also one of the few California Spiders with factory hardtop and has a radio console. This automobile masterpiece was selected for the Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award for vintage cars, a prize being awarded by a jury of international specialists such as Leonardo Fioravanti, Christoph Bangle, Fabrizio Giugiaro, Shiro Nakamura, Robert Peugeot and Patrick Le Quement. The owner’s son, Nicholas Kalikow, was present in Geneva to receive the prestigious award.

612 Scaglietti F1

"Grigio Ingrid" 612 Scaglietti F1

599 GTB Fiorano