General Motors is staying afloat with government intervention.  Chrysler, too.  Ford is standing on its own, but it isn't profitable - it's alive thanks to billions in loans from outside sources.  Toyota reported its first ever yearly loss.  Nissan recently claimed a $3 billion loss, and appealed to the Japanese government for support.

Can any carmaker make money in this economy?

Well, yes.  But only one catering to the super-rich with extravagant performance cars that are completely impractical for everyday use.

Motor Trend reports, "Ferrari, arguably the world's most famous sports car brand, recently posted a 339 million euro ($437.7 million) profit for 2008 and saw a vehicle sales increase of 2 percent globally during the same time as well."  The Italian supercar builder sold 6,587 cars in 2008 - 122 more than the previous year.  1,700 of the cars were sold in recession-weary America.  In fact, Ferrari's U.S. sales jumped 26 percent - a greater increase than the brand saw in any other market.

Autoblog points out, however, that "Chairman Luca di Montezemolo acknowledged that, ‘The economic climate in 2009, still remains very uncertain as the crisis takes its toll across the globe and it is hard to say how the situation will develop from here.'"  So perhaps 2009 will not be as good for Ferrari.  But with a beautiful new Ferrari California Grand Tourer on the way, there may still be a way for the brand to coax a few dollars from those who still have millions.

Motor Authority points out, however, that "the brand's non-car related activities" in 2008 grew "by 28%, which also contributed to the strong bottom-line figures.  E-Commerce saw a veritable banner year with revenues up 65% over 2007." 

Perhaps the real key to success as a supercar manufacturer is the sale of branded jackets and hats?

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