NEW ERA STARTS FOR FERRARI DOWN UNDER

European Automotive Imports, a subsidiary of leading Australasian car importer, Ateco Automotive, assumes responsibility for the distribution of Ferrari and Maserati Down Under today (Oct 1).

"This is nothing less than a dream come true," says Neville Crichton, head of Ateco Automotive. "Ferrari and Maserati represent the very pinnacle of automotive achievement in so many areas and they are nothing less than legends."

"To be their representative is a unique honour. But at the same time, it is also a tremendous responsibility and we are pledged to lift the quality of service we offer to customers and to ensure that the local ownership experience fully matches the qualities of these remarkable cars," says Mr Crichton.

In addition to controling national distribution of Ferrari and Maserati, the company will also be responsible for the retail business in Sydney and New South Wales. Accordingly, the company will open a new Ferrari and Maserati dealership, Italia Motori, in William Street, Sydney on October 6.

A purpose-built all-new dealership just to the south of Sydney's CBD will debut in late 2006.

These dealerships will be complemented by a service and parts department in Artarmon. In the longer term, European Automotive Imports is looking to open a further sales outlet on Sydney's North Shore.

Across Australia and New Zealand the new importer says it is already working with its dealer group on significant new dealerships and major upgrades to existing facilities.

While Ferrari sales are supply constrained according to European Automotive Imports, the company is aiming for around a 30 per cent growth across it and Maserati in 2006. Ferrari sold 69 cars in the region last year.