Hordes of enthusiastic spectators lined the streets of Southern China’s Guangzhou province during the closing events of an 11 month celebration that marked Ferrari’s 20th anniversary since making their presence known in China and what better way than to mark the celebrations with Ferrari’s head-honcho making an appearance – Luca di Montezemolo, during the 2012 Guangzhou Auto Show.
At the ceremony, Montezemolo reiterated the importance of the Chinese market for the Italian company by saying: “We consider our first 20 years presence in this nation as just a start. I am very pleased with the results we have attained so far and I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard and who share our dreams and our passion. With the warmth and affection we feel surrounding Ferrari in China I am sure we will continue to grow together.”
In recent times, China has become a force to be reckoned, by becoming Ferrari’s second largest market, including Germany as sales for anything with a “Prancing Horse” badge has reached over 700 units though 25 dealerships across the Chinese country.
During the afternoon, Guangzhou’s streets turned into a parade that saw over 130 Ferrari mark the occasion with the enthusiasm of spectators, clients and fans alike – all appearing to cheer on the parade which showcased a new version of the 458 Italia specifically produced for the Chinese market (possessing Chinese elements and finished in a special Rosso Marco Polo) in limited numbers.
The cars paraded from the local Ferrari showroom as far as the Haixinsha stadium, which hosted the highly successful 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, where 18,000 people filled the venue to watch a display that concluded with an exhibition of the 2012 International GT Open championship-winning 458 GT2 driven by Gianmaria Bruni who took the Drivers’ title.
The celebrations continued with the illumination of the Canton Tower, the city’s main landmark, in red for the occasion while 500 clients took part in the gala evening inside.
“It has been a marvellous day of celebrations,” commented Luca di Montezemolo, “with many enthusiasts, a lot of young people and the city full of Ferrari flags. This has been the best demonstration yet of what the Prancing Horse represents in China – not just from a commercial point of view, but above all else for the Chinese people’s passion for Ferrari.”
