(February 10, 2011) MARANELLO, Italy — 2010 was an extremely positive year for Ferrari, with a number of figures exceeding those achieved in 2008 — Ferrari’s best year ever — according to Ferrari officials.

Ferrari sold 6,573 cars, a 5.4 per cent increase over 2009, and Ferrari’s highest sales figure ever.

This is mainly attributable to the extraordinary growth seen on emerging markets, especially in Asia, and the return of the United States market to record levels.

A new record was set in the U.S. with a 12.7 per cent growth selling 1,576 cars. North America as a region (including the United States and Canada) strengthened its position as the brand's main market accounting for 26 per cent of sales.

Net revenues for the year topped 1.9 billion Euros or $2.6 billion (plus 7.9 per cent).

Profitability was up too: Return on Sales reached 15.8 per cent, one of the best results in Ferrari’s history. This figure is far higher than the average for the automotive industry, and approaches that of the luxury goods sector.

Breaking sales down into geographic areas, China grew by 43.6 per cent with nearly 300 cars sold, setting a new record. If Hong Kong and Taiwan are added, and the so-called Greater China area is considered, the total rises to 478 cars (plus 23.8 per cent). This figure puts the Asian market in fourth place in terms of sales worldwide.

The Middle Eastern countries also performed extremely well with 349 cars were sold, maintaining the  level set last year, despite the still challenging economic conditions

The European markets, which have not experienced the long-awaited economic recovery, nevertheless remained substantially stable. In particular, the UK sold 467 cars, 58 more than in 2009. The signs coming from Eastern Europe were also positive. Though the region is still only marginal in terms of overall sales, it nevertheless recorded a growth of almost 5 per cent.