Ferrari has recently undertaken its largest expansion in decades with the launch of its new facility, the “E-building,” in Maranello. This state-of-the-art assembly plant, designed by renowned Italian architect Mario Cucinella, was erected in a mere two years at an investment of approximately $214 million. The facility will not only produce Ferrari’s anticipated electric vehicles but also has the capacity for assembling hybrid and traditional internal combustion engine models. This marks the first time Ferrari will develop its own electric motors and batteries in-house.
With this expansion, Ferrari aims to potentially boost its production from the current capacity of 14,000 vehicles annually to over 20,000. This increase will also make room for more bespoke, high-margin vehicles in the existing facilities.
The E-building will commence its operations with the assembly of the Purosangue SUV and the SF90 hybrid hypercar in the upcoming year. These will be followed by Ferrari’s debut electric vehicle in 2025, with rumors of another EV model under development.
The factory site itself has historical significance, originating from the iconic red-and-ochre gates of 4 Via Abetone where Enzo Ferrari’s first car debuted in 1947. The site has grown from a modest cluster of buildings to a substantial campus, with the latest expansion involving the demolition of outdated industrial structures to make way for the new building, increasing the total area by about a quarter.
This high-tech plant encompasses two floors designed for optimal production efficiency and worker comfort, featuring extensive white finishes and large glass walls that offer picturesque views of the Emilian hills. Advanced self-navigating “cobots” assist in moving vehicles between stations, and adjustable platforms allow workers to position vehicles at the most ergonomic settings for assembly.
The significance of this new facility was underscored by the presence of notable figures at its inauguration, including Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and John Elkann, Ferrari president and grandson of Fiat’s iconic leader Gianni Agnelli, who acquired Ferrari in 1969. Piero Ferrari, Enzo’s son and vice chairman of the company, was also present.
While CEO Vigna was reserved about the exact increase in production capacity, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the brand’s exclusivity to sustain its pricing strategy and residual value. He highlighted the strong demand for Ferrari’s vehicles, noting that even a substantial production increase is unlikely to affect their desirability.
Ferrari’s move towards electric vehicles is seen as a strategic yet cautious shift, acknowledging the diverse opinions of potential and current customers towards EVs. Vigna reassured that Ferrari’s commitment to providing various propulsion options remains steadfast, particularly as global markets move towards banning purely combustion-powered vehicles.
Despite curiosity about the new Ferrari EV details, Vigna maintained a discrete stance, humorously noting that not even the Italian president would receive a preview, underscoring that it will distinctly be a Ferrari, albeit with four wheels.