High import duty is a big challenge: Sebastien Henry, Automobili Lamborghini SpA

Lamborghini has launched its much awaited sports car Huracan LP610-4 at Rs 3.43 crore (ex-showroom New Delhi), replacing Gallardo-the most successful model the Italian sports carmaker ever made.

Having already garnered 3,000 bookings globally, Lamborghini is banking on Huracan for a record year in 2015, says Sebastien Henry, head of South East Asia and Pacific at Automobili Lamborghini SpA.

Henry told ET that the India launch of Huracan could not have come at a better time, as the sentiment has turned positive and enquiries have seen a 50% jump in the last few months. Edited excerpts:
How critical is Huracan for Lamborghini's success and at what rate do you expect the market to grow?

We are already growing. We sell about 20 units annually, which is not big. With the launch of Huracan, we will stretch our lead. Sports car enthusiasts have already expressed their interest to drive this car and we have the momentum with us. This year is a year of transition, the year 2015 will be most important. We will be going ahead full steam with all our three dealers. We expect a record year for Lamborghini in India and we expect the momentum to continue in 2016.

What about the sentiment with the formation of new government?

With the formation of new government, doubts have dissipated and that is bringing in good momentum, which should result in more sales. For us it co-incides with the Huracan launch. This is the right time to launch the car in India and we are confident of good times ahead.

Annually, only 100 super sports cars are sold. Are you surprised by the small number despite the country having a large number of millionaires?

We are convinced of the future potential of India and that's why we have a commitment by way of national sales company. Though sales in India are lower than some of the other countries, we have still gone ahead and set up a local base, confident of future potential.The market in India is significant, yet we think it could be bigger if the retail prices are comparable to some of the global markets. High import duty is a big challenge, however the road infrastructure is improving.

How has the setting up of a sales company helped Lamborghini?

The dedicated team has helped us in understanding the potential of the market geographically and demographically. It helped us take a more informed decision and identify good dealer partners, who are reliable and represented the brand as mandated. Another critical aspect the local team has helped us in formulating drives and events which are customised to the Indian buyer's requirement.