KEY POINTS:
Supercar Italian company Ferrari is well placed to ride out the international downturn in the automotive industry, says its chairman Luca di Montezemolo.
"We have good clients and good strategy," he said at the launch of the new V8-powered California at the Paris motor show.
"We have 25 Ferrari outlets around the world and we are about to open another one in London.
"First production (2500 cars) of the California for 2009 and 2010 is already sold out.
"We are doing research in many directions. We are very happy with where we are."
Montezemolo said he believed the Wall Street monetary crisis was close to an end.
"We will see a different world after this. More feet will be on the ground, there will be more interest in consolidation and security and less on speculation and finance."
He said the California was a very important car, showcasing Ferrari's latest technology.
"It has a new gearbox, new engine, new shape, new suspension ... it's a car that looks ahead, even though it has an historic name."
