Abenomics – the economic policy of Japanese premier Abe – rewards the rich. And the rich reward Italian luxury. Thus, while the wages of the poorest families continue to fall, the lucky few who, among other things, benefited from the Nikkei boom between late 2012 and early 2013, start shopping. And the tricolor racing cars seem to be one of the most requested gadgets.
Ferrari sales exploded after Japan implemented Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic policies. Word of Giuseppe Cattaneo, head of the Far East for the Italian car manufacturer, passing through Tokyo to present the new "458 speciali".
In the first six months of 2013, sales in the Japanese archipelago increased by 28%. And they could reach +30% by the end of the year.
Last month, Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini, had noticed a return with great fanfare of Japan in the list of new orders. Over the first nine months of the year, the brand had seen sales grow by 13%. During the same period, Maserati had scored a +16%, reaching 278 units.
These data confirm the information released by the luxury giants, which ensure that 2013 will be remembered as a memorable year for the sector, despite the rise in prices due to the fall of the yen. For analysts, the increase in consumption by the richest families is essentially linked to the rapid surge in the Nikkei, between December 2012 and May 2013. The index, at the time, had grown by 80% and had fattened the fortunes of few families who held shares. For the poorest, the effects of Abenomics are still not seen. Their salaries continue to fall and the depreciation of the yen has pushed up electricity bills and basic necessities.
