Ferrari: The Advancement Of Chinese Cars Is Astounding. However, They Lack A soul

Ferrari acknowledges the rapid technological progress of Chinese automakers but maintains that these brands lack the essential driving emotion and performance dynamics required to compete with Ferrari’s iconic heritage.

The global marketing director at Ferrari, Emanuele Carando, who often travels to China for work and tests the latest vehicles, is well acquainted with the offerings of the manufacturers there. In an interview with the Australian magazine GoAuto, he praised the progress that Chinese companies have made but also pointed out the key area in which they are still lagging.

“We think they’re making incredible progress in terms of performance. However, I think they’re still a bit behind when it comes to driving emotion. It’s not hard to develop a car that’s fast on the straights. However, to develop a car that’s incredibly precise when cornering, that stays stable, doesn’t lean and gives you confidence and emotion… that’s what we’re trying to achieve. You know you’re driving a Ferrari, and not just when you’re going fast,” Carando said.

Ferrari acknowledges the rapid growth of Chinese automakers but maintains that its superior driving dynamics and heritage remain unrivaled, viewing its own vehicles as distinct from the mass-produced models coming out of China.

“I think the overall package is very different to what Ferrari does. They develop cars that are a kind of consumer goods. Every month, a new model comes out, and your previous car becomes obsolete,” he explained. Ferrari models, on the other hand, have a significantly longer lifespan, and the heritage of the brand is a great advantage that Chinese firms do not have.

Despite the confident attitude, sales results show that Ferrari is in a vulnerable position in the world’s largest car market. The company sold only 584 vehicles in China in 2025, which is less than half of the 1,221 cars delivered in 2023.

Despite China sales challenges, Ferrari maintained global momentum with 13,640 vehicles delivered in 2025. While Q1 2026 global sales dipped slightly to 3,436 units, the company is already securing international deposits for its new Luce model.

• Read More: The Ferrari Luce Has Recorded Tremendous Sales In China