The automotive market is changing fast, and Chinese automakers are now establishing themselves as key players. A reality that even some of Italy's most emblematic automotive figures openly acknowledge. This is particularly true of Tonino Lamborghini, son of the founder of the famous supercar brand, who was quick to praise the impressive progress made by Chinese manufacturers... to the point of considering buying one.
These statements were made at the Automotoretró show in Parma, an event dedicated to traditional, luxury and sporty vehicles. On this occasion, Tonino Lamborghini took part in a conference alongside engineer Giampaolo Dallara and content creator Noah Cooks F1, to discuss the evolution of the automotive market, new technologies and the rise of Chinese brands.
«Highly advanced cars»
When asked about the massive arrival of Chinese automakers on the European market, Tonino Lamborghini offered a candid analysis. In his view, the days when Chinese brands simply copied Western manufacturers are over.
«Today, Chinese automakers are making very respectable, technologically advanced cars. It used to be said that at first they copied, but now they produce ever more beautiful and competitive models», he declared.
For the son of Lamborghini's founder, these cars combine several major advantages: prices that are often lower than their European rivals, and particularly advanced technology. A combination that goes a long way to explaining their rapid progress on the international market.
In the face of such progress, Tonino Lamborghini made no secret of his admiration: «I take my hat off to them.
Tonino Lamborghini could buy a Chinese hybrid
The Italian businessman went even further, revealing that he himself was considering becoming a customer of a Chinese manufacturer.
In his opinion, even if these brands don't yet have the prestige and image of the major European brands, they more than make up for this lack with their technical qualities and competitive pricing.
«They don't yet have the reputation of European brands, but they've got quality, price and technology on their side,» he explains, before adding: «I'll probably go for a Chinese hybrid.
However, Tonino Lamborghini was keen to qualify the discourse often associated with electrified vehicles. He believes that the real ecological impact of these cars remains debatable if we consider the entire production and life cycle of the vehicle.
«Let's not pretend they're really “green”. Today, that's not the case», he asserted, while acknowledging that this was more his personal conviction than an analysis based on precise data.
The future of the automobile according to Dallara
At the same conference, Giampaolo Dallara extended his thoughts to the future of the automobile and the changing relationship with the car.
According to the founder of the Italian engineering company, future generations may well adopt a totally different approach to mobility.
«I'm not enthusiastic about the idea, but I think my grandchildren will be traveling in electric cars, maybe autonomous, and probably won't even own them,» he explained.
For him, the future could be marked by a separation between two very distinct uses for the automobile. On the one hand, daily mobility could be provided by autonomous, shared vehicles, potentially produced in China. On the other, enthusiasts would continue to own traditional cars, used for pleasure and leisure.
One thing remains certain for Dallara: even in a future dominated by new forms of mobility, supercars will always have their place.
English 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
Portuguese 
German 
Japanese 
Turkish 
Dutch