Ferrari Restarts Production

After the longest closing in its history due to the Covid-19 pandemic, production will build up gradually to resume fully on Friday, May 8, in alignment with Italian government regulations.
The Company has spared no effort to prepare for this moment by setting up “Back on Track” program, which reflects the deep commitment to its people first and foremost. It includes the introduction of several new practices which are aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of all of the employees such as new rules for sharing common areas and reorganizing its areas, as well as voluntary serological tests which have already started happening in the last few weeks.

Before starting production, Ferrari has also decided to carry out training sessions for workers to explain the new precautionary and safety measures put in place. The training sessions were organized last week.

Ferrari, Lamborghini Start Producing Medical Equipment in Fight Against COVID-19

Lamborghini and Ferrari, two rival Italian supercar brands have switched their efforts to produce life-saving respirators and ventilators as part of its efforts against COVID-19.

Ferrari has started to produce respirator valves and fittings for protective masks at its Maranello plant using thermoplastic components. These valves are made to fit diving or snorkel masks either to assist patients suffering from respiratory failure or help protect healthcare workers against any risk of infection.

Meanwhile, Lamborghini has been using its 3D printing laboratory to design and produce ventilators to the tune of 18 units per day. These ventilators are produced side-by-side with face shields at the Sant’Agata manufacturing plant using HP multi-jet fusion printers.

In the next few days, Ferrari plans to manufacture several hundred items, while Lamborghini’s efforts are on top of their surgical mask production where their interior artisans have been churning out 1,000 face masks a day.

Ferrari Halts Production as Well

Aside from Automobili Lamborghini, Ferrari as well as Fiat Chrysler and Brembo have also announced plans to suspend their operations following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy.

For Ferrari, they said the closure will affect its two manufacturing facilities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as the shortage of parts. The Italian supercar maker tried to ensure production continuity, but had to stop after experiencing its first serious supply chain issue.

All non-manufacturing activity will continue through “smart working.”

Meanwhile, Fiat Chrysler is also temporarily halting operations and slowing down production rates to comply with government requirements.

Brembo is forced to shut its plants in Italy for a week due to their “objective inability to operate with continuity.” Both of Brembo’s plants are located in the northern Lombardy region which is the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Italy.

Tire maker Pirelli is also cutting its production after a worker at its northern Italy plant tested positive for COVID-19.

Ferrari Museum Opens Exhibit Dedicated to Its Grand Tourers

In celebration of Enzo Ferrari’s birthday, a new exhibition has been opened at the museum that bears his name in Modena, Italy. Entitled “Ferrari Grand Tour, a journey through beauty and passion,” celebrates the Italian carmaker’s most elegant grand tourers, all of which happen to be truly global in their appeal.

Featuring Ferrari’s Grand Tourers both past and present, the journey takes visitors through five different cities: Paris, London, New York, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi using a mix of audiovisual presentations.

The Paris arch opens the area devoted to Europe, where Ferraris such as a 1954 Ferrari 375M and 330GT 2+2 are displayed. Moving to the United States, there’s the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. To the Far East, represented by Shanghai, there’s a 2006 599 GTB Fiorano, and a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti; while finally, in Abu Dhabi, there’s the Ferrari FF.

Of course, the journey ends in Maranello where the Grand Tour caps off the display with the all-new Ferrari Roma—the latest Grand Tourer in the Italian carmaker’s stable. Developed by Ferrari’s Maranello Style Centre, it’s a contemporary take on the sophisticated chic of the “Dolce Vita” of the 1950s and 60s.

Ferrari Appoints New Distributor for the Philippines

There is a new Ferrari distributor for the Philippines. After a formal signing last October 15, Ferrari has appointed Motostrada, Inc. as the exclusive general distributor and dealer of Ferrari sportscars, spare parts, service, accessories, and merchandise in the Philippines.

Leading Ferrari in the Philippines is Dennis Uy. A businessman and diplomat from Davao City, Uy is the founder of UDENNA Corporation, which has stakes in more than 50 different companies across various industries.

“It is our pleasure to be appointed as the general distributor of Ferrari S.p.A. in the Philippines and have the privilege to be the stewards of the strongest automotive brand in the world” said Dennis Uy, Motostrada Inc. Chairman.

Uy also added that they look forward to providing exemplary service to Ferrari owners in the Philippines, who have come to expect only the best from the Italian car manufacturer.

“There is a reason why Ferrari sports cars are so popular in the Philippines and we are committed to offering the complete Ferrari experience to each and every one of our customers. Extremely beautiful sports cars, coupled with strong after sales support and backed by a dedicated team, we’ll ensure that we will truly impress the most discriminating car lovers. We are excited to bring Ferrari to more Filipino motorists,” said Ginia Domingo, Motostrada president.

Through the years, Ferrari has remained a favorite among the most discerning car enthusiasts in the country, thanks to its impressive performance, aesthetic design and exemplary customer service.

“It is important to find the right partner that understands the local market and can offer the level of service, professionalism and performance that will deliver to the inimitable Ferrari standard.  We have full confidence that Motostrada will be able to meet the rising needs of Filipino customers and to consistently provide the best dealer experience.  We look forward to a successful and fruitful future together” said Dieter Knechtel, CEO of Far & Middle East.

Ferrari Wins International Engine of the Year 2019

At the 21st International Engine and Powertrain of the Year Awards 2019, Ferrari has won again, taking the overall title with its 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.

The engine, found in the Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, and 488 Pista won for the fourth year running, a feat never achieved by any other engine in the history of the awards. Aside from the overall honor, it also took home the Performance Engine of the Year award.

The finalists of the International Engine and Powertrain of the Year are:

• Ferrari 3.9-liter twin turbo V8 (Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider)
• Ferrari 3.9-liter twin turbo V8 (Ferrari Portofino GT4 Lusso T)
• Ford 1.0-liter 3-cylinder turbo (Ford Fiesta, EcoSport)
• Audi 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TSI (Audi TT, Q3, Q5, Volkswagen Golf GTI)
• Porsche 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder (Porsche 718 Boxster S, Cayman S)
• Mercedes-AMG 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 (Mercedes-AMG GT, GTS, Aston Martin Vantage, DB11)
• Jaguar Full-Electric Powertrain (Jaguar I-PACE)

This year, the awards committee changed the bracketing from capacity-based to power output categories to ensure a fairer judging of hybrid and electrified powertrains.

Ferrari Rolls Out Ferrari Premium Service Certification

After rolling out the Ferrari Approved pre-owned certification program, Ferrari Philippines will soon offer Ferrari Premium, an exclusive maintenance service that’s a step towards receiving the coveted Ferrari Classiche certification—a certification that testifies the authenticity of modern-day classic cars.

Ferrari Premium provides eligible cars (see list below) with a Certificate that testifies that all scheduled and preventive maintenance has been carried out on their car correctly, and that all recall and service campaigns for their car have been implemented.

To ensure cars are maintained to the correct standards, thus preserving their performance and safety, the Ferrari Premium program includes the substitution of parts subject to wear over time. The schedule includes a dedicated package of components at special prices, including the fuel, lubrication, hydraulic power steering and brake systems.

Clients with eligible cars that receive the Ferrari Premium Certificate will, on the 20th anniversary of the first registration of the car, also have privileged access to Ferrari Classiche certification, the program that testifies to the authenticity of those models that are now considered modern-day classics.

Ferrari Premium is the latest program that complements Ferrari’s exclusive after-sales services which are the most comprehensive and flexible of their kind.

Every new Ferrari comes with a standard 3-year warranty and 7 years of free maintenance. The full factory warranty can be extended for a further 24 months and, for vehicles aged from 6 to 15, owners can stipulate the New Power warranties which provide cover on main mechanical components. Owners who benefited from the 7-year Genuine Maintenance program can now extend the cover with Main Power, which also includes the New Power warranty, up to the car’s 15th year from first registration.

Ferrari cars eligible under the Ferrari Premium program are:

• 456 GT / GTA
• 456 M GT / GTA
• 550 Maranello 
• 550 Barchetta 
• 360 Modena (all versions) 
• 575 Maranello 
• 575 Superamerica
• 612 Scaglietti (all versions)
• F430 (all versions)
• 599 GTB Fiorano
• 599 SA Aperta
• 599 GTO
• Ferrari Enzo

Ferrari Philippines Rolls Out Ferrari Approved Certification Program

With more and more marketplace channels popping up, buying and selling has become easier and more accessible. So much so that practically anything can be purchased online—even cars. However, the question remains as to exactly how authentic that luxury vehicle you saw on your favorite online store is. A meet-up would usually answer that concern, but if you’re talking millions in value, getting down to the grit is the only solution.

This is what Autostrada Motore Inc. has to offer its discerning clientele. As the official importer and distributor of Ferrari in the Philippines, the company understands the aspiration and emotion that goes into purchasing a Ferrari—the same one that is evoked when it’s time to let go. Enter Ferrari Approved, the brand’s unique pre-owned certification program that is designed to provide maximum security and peace of mind to buyers inclined to purchasing a Ferrari that has been registered within the last 14 years.

To be deemed Ferrari Approved, the vehicle will undergo a 190-point technical inspection by authorized Ferrari technicians, all issued by Maranello itself. The checklist includes everything from the running gear, electrical systems, fluid check, condition of suspension, brakes, and steering systems, bodywork, and interior keep, among others. It concludes with an actual road test to ensure that performance is still in top shape. In case any defects emerge during the inspection process, repairs will be performed using only genuine Ferrari parts.

Once a vehicle is Ferrari Approved, the vehicle now enjoys a Ferrari warranty of 12 months, covering the cost of numerous spare parts and cost of principal repair works. It also comes with an unlimited mileage warranty of 2 years, covering cost of defects and reparation, including spare parts and repair works.

Ferrari believes that the program will not only add to customer satisfaction and loyalty, but it will also maintain higher residual values in the long run by keeping the vehicles and owners within the official Ferrari Dealer Network (read: less grey market dealings). In addition, the program aims to protect the global Ferrari brand by ensuring only the highest quality and service is offered to Ferrari clients.

In the Philippines, Ferrari Approved rolls out at the Ferrari showroom, under the official distributor, Autostrada Motore Inc. Lists of Approved vehicles may also be viewed at the dedicated Ferrari Approved website.

Words and Select Photos by Gen Tiu.