Volkswagen of America found some prime East Coast property for its new headquarters in Virginia, but Lamborghini's moving in the opposite direction. Automotive News reports the VW supercar subsidiary is settling down in sunny Santa Monica, California.
This coincides with Automobili Lamborghini's decision to create an independent sales division for North America. Forty-one percent of Lamborghini's 2007 sales came from the continent, with Californian deliveries representing a third of that figure. With nearly 329 cars sold in the state last year, California outpaced Lamborghini sales in both Germany and the automaker's native Italy.
Lamborghini's CEO Stephan Winkelmann said within the company there was a debate about whether to locate on the east or west coast. Ultimately, California won because, as Winkelmann put it, it's "where future trends" and Lamborghini clientele are. A smart move, as it's unlikely Herndon, Virginia will become a prime market for Gallardo LP560-4s anytime soon.
Source: Automotive News