A Ferrari to go

Waiting lists for new Ferraris might be growing Down Under the Ferrari Approved used car program is keeping the supercar dream alive for a growing number of Aussies.

In fact, according to Ferrari Australasia chief, Herbert Appleroth, the freshened certified used car program is gaining momentum and driving significant new customer engagement for the brand.

Ferrari Approved is the factory's local official certification program. Cars covered by the scheme are certified via a 190-point inspection by Ferrari technicians. The process also includes verification of identity and Australian compliance; detail of the vehicle's full maintenance history; "restoration" of the interior and exterior; and 12 months' Ferrari warranty and roadside assistance.

Around 35 certified Ferrari Approved cars are currently on offer across the brand's local dealer network. That's equivalent to around 30 per cent of Ferrari's local annual new car registrations. Cars warranted under the program can be up to 12 years old.

"That’s [the Ferrari Approved program] going very, very successfully. And we’ve tripled the pre-owned sales official network over the last four years. And I have great desires to make it even more so," Appleroth told motoring.com.au

"As we’ve done in Japan, I want every car [Ferrari] which meets our standards to only be sold via the official networks," the local boss opined.

According to Appleroth, approved used Ferrari sales are a key KPI (key performance indicator) for authorised dealers. He says Ferrari Australasia's target ratio for approved used to new sales is one to one, however, currently the local network is over-performing.

"We’ve given them a target of over one to one. And actually in Australia it’s one of the highest ratios in the world -- right now it’s nearly two to one.

"I don’t know any other manufacturer in Australia which targets their dealers on pre-owned cars -- because as a manufacturer... there’s no income generation. But for us, it’s our brand [we're developing]," Appleroth explained.

Appleroth says Ferrari Approved has other benefits for the brand – including better customer engagement.

"What it [the used car program] also does is forces our network to keep a close relationship with the clients; knowing when they’re just about [to change cars]… Even if they’re not wanting to trade it on a new Ferrari, actually the used car is of more value, than actually a new car order," he stated.

"[We] measure every time they [Ferrari dealers] contact a customer; to make sure they’re inviting them to the events. [That] they’re involving them with the information; they’re getting them to the dealership, even if it’s just for coffee. But at least they are building that relationship," he explained.