Sales to Eastern Europe continue to grow (+23%) while deliveries to the rest of Europe were in line with the results achieved last year.
Sales to the Middle East and South Africa continue to grow, with 366 cars delivered, an increase of 12% on the previous year's figure.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Ferrari delivered 1,089 cars to end clients. Japan remains the primary market in terms of sales volumes with 433 cars delivered to end clients in 2008, an increase of 15%, while we exceeded 200 cars delivered in China for the first time, an increase of 20% on 2007 to 212.
On a further positive note, Ferrari returned a trading profit of 339 million euro in 2008, an increase of 27% on previous year's figure.The Prancing Horse's licensing activities also enjoyed strong growth with revenues up by 35% in 2008 and the figures from the 25 Ferrari Stores worldwide were very positive with overall revenues increasing by 16%.
Ferrari also boosted its internet and www.ferrari.com activities in 2008. E-commerce grew by over 65% while a series of special events, including the launch of the Ferrari California and the unveiling of the new F60 single-seater, drew millions of hits from all over the world. During 2008, Ferrari continued its investment into new car development, setting aside the equivalent of 18% of the Company's revenues for R&D.
Ferrari also continued with its investments in safety in the workplace in 2008. It spent in excess of 4 million euro on structural work and specialist training, achieving major improvements in all areas of the company. Particularly significant in this process was the new "near-misses" alert system which actively involved company's employees. Defibrillators were also installed throughout the Ferrari complex.
2008 also saw the launch of an in-house energy production plan. A newly unveiled photovoltaic plant and a trigeneration plant due to be completed within the next few months, will mean that Ferrari will meet all of its own energy requirements within the next year.
In terms of its workforce, as of December 31st 2008, Ferrari employed around 3,000 people, a little under half of whom are office staff.Continuing its emphasis on people-focused activities, Ferrari also launched its Scuola dei Mestieri in 2008. This new programme is designed to provide training inside the plant which is not normally available outside Ferrari in specialist skills to allow our employees to enhance both their career prospects and professional development and improve their mobility within the company.
Ferrari also broadened the range of employee services in 2008. These now include special mortgage deals of up to 100% for first and second homes and renovations, banking facilities with very attractive conditions and discounts on school books for trainees and school children. There is also a preventative health plan featuring specialist visits, physicals for all employees and their children and free gym usage.