Ferrari sales and profits surge to record highs

Italian supercar and Formula 1 racing firm Ferrari has reported record sales and profits for the first six months of 2012.

The company made 100m euros ($128m; £80m) net profit, up 10% on the same period a year earlier.

With 3,664 cars delivered to dealers during the period, revenues rose 11.9% to 1.2bn euros.

Sales and profits remain strong, so 2012 could be another record year, chief executive Amedeo Felisa predicts.

In 2011, Ferrari sold 7,195 cars, also a record, up 9.5% when compared with 2010.

"Probably this year we will have, again, a record in terms of volume and we will have a record in terms of economic results for the company," Mr Felisa told BBC News in an interview.

New models

Ferrari sales have been bolstered by a broader range of cars launched in recent years.

"If you compare the situation at Ferrari five years ago, we have reshaped the range of products," Mr Felisa said.

They include relatively recently-launched models such as the California and the FF, which offer everyday comforts and practicality and thus appeal to a new type of customers.

Its latest model, the F12berlinetta, goes on sale this month and is expected to drive sales further among customers more interested in extreme high-speed performance.

Ferrari also offers two other sportscars, the 458 Italia and the 458 Spider.

Global growth

The carmaker has also enjoyed strong sales growth in new markets in Asia - China in particular, and in Russia, the Middle East, and South America.

"Today, of the total we manufacture we sell 7% within Italy, 93% around the world," said Mr Felisa.

Ferrari currently sells its cars in 60 countries.

"We continue to look for new markets," Mr Felisa said.