Here's a profile of Stephan Winkelmann, head of Italian supercar builder, Lamborghini. It comes from The Times and shows us how Winkelmann has put together a pretty solid business plan to help keep Lamborghini out of the sort of financial trouble that has seemingly always been a part of the company's reality. When Audi took control of Lamborghini at the end of 2004, Winkelmann took some time to think it over before agreeing to take the reins. Although the budget seemed modest, Lamborghini had to remain extreme, in his mind. So while the cars themselves have had to use some shared parts with their corporate brethren, they still have that certain Lambo flair. The company also added signature items to their catalog - clothing, merchandise, and accessories - that have helped spread the name.Just before Winkelmann stepped in, the company had finally surpassed 1,000 units sold in 2003, but it wasn't until 2004/2005 that they saw any kind of profit. Last year, they passed 2,000 vehicles sold worldwide and reported earnings of €18.1 million. That's a far cry from the 1970s and 1980s, when selling 250 cars a year seemed fine. Looks like the Superleggera and LP640 Roadster have made '07 a pretty good year so far, too. And there is more to come. "We're getting serious," Winkelmann says. "We are not just a toy producer for men. We are a quality car company and the results will speak for themselves." Read the whole story to see more details about Winkelmann's plan for the company. Hint: It doesn't include a third (or fourth) model.
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