When it comes to supercars, Lamborghini is one of the first names that comes to mind. These cars symbolize luxury, power and Italian design. But many still wonder: who actually makes lamborghinis, and in what country are these masterpieces collected? The answer seems obvious - Italy, but over the decades of the brand's existence, its history of ownership and production has become a real labyrinth with unexpected twists.

In this article we will figure out who owns Lamborghini today, where its factories are located, and why the question of the country of origin may have legal and technical nuances. You will learn how a small Italian workshop turned into a global giant under the wing of a German concern, but at the same time retained its unique identity. We will also dispel popular myths - for example, that Lamborghinis are supposedly assembled in Germany or China.

If you are planning to buy used or new Lamborghini, this information will help you avoid deception when preparing documents, checking the VIN code or assessing market value. After all, the country of production directly affects customs duties, warranty service and even insurance.

Who owns Lamborghini today: ownership structure

Let's start with the main thing: Lamborghini has not been an independent Italian company for a long time. Today the brand belongs Volkswagen Group through its subsidiary structure Audi AG. This fact surprises many - how did a German concern specializing in mass-produced cars end up at the head of one of the most exclusive supercar manufacturers?

Historically Lamborghini passed through the hands of several owners:

  • 🔹 1963–1980 — founder Ferruccio Lamborghini (Italian entrepreneur, tractor manufacturer).
  • 🔹 1980–1987 - bankruptcy and transfer to family control Mimran (France/Switzerland).
  • 🔹 1987–1998 - purchase by an American corporation Chrysler (yes, the same ones who did Dodge Viper).
  • 🔹 1998–present — acquisition Volkswagen Group through Audi.

Since 1998 Audi completely in control Lamborghini, but the brand retains autonomy in design, engineering and marketing. The German concern has invested billions in the modernization of factories, the development of hybrid technologies (for example, for the model Reventón) and expansion of the model range. However, all key decisions - from design to component suppliers - are still made in Italy.

⚠️ Attention: When buying used Lamborghini check ownership history via CarVertical or Autocheck. Cars manufactured before 1998 (before purchase Audi), may have problems with spare parts and service.

Where are Lamborghinis assembled: factories and production geography

Despite German ownership, All production Lamborghini models are assembled exclusively in Italy. The main and only plant of the brand is located in the city Sant'Agata Bolognese (province of Bologna). This small town with a population of less than 10 thousand people has become a mecca for supercar fans.

Factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese was still open Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963. Today it is a high-tech complex with an area of more than 80,000 m², where models such as:

  • 🚗 Aventador (including versions SVJ and Ultimae).
  • 🚗 Huracán (including STO and Tecnica).
  • 🚗 Urus (the brand's first SUV, released in 2018).
  • 🚗 Revuelto (hybrid flagship debuting in 2023).

Interesting fact: the plant Lamborghini does not have conveyors in the traditional sense. Each car is assembled by hand by a team of 4-6 craftsmen, and the process takes from 2 to 4 weeks. For example, body Revuelto consists of more than 600 carbon parts, each of which is individually adjusted.

📊 How do you feel about Lamborghini being owned by Volkswagen?
Positive - German technology has improved quality
Negative - Italian authenticity is lost
I don't care, the main thing is design and power
Didn't know about this before the article
Model Production start year Assembly location Features
Aventador 2011 Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy V12, hand-built carbon fiber body
Huracán 2014 Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy V10, aluminum monocoque
Urus 2018 Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy SUV, the brand's first production turbo engine
Revuelto 2023 Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy Hybrid V12 + 3 electric motors, 1015 hp.
⚠️ Attention: There are fakes on the market Lamborghini, collected in China or the UAE (for example, copies Urus based on Toyota Land Cruiser). All original cars have a VIN starting with ZHW (Italy). Check through the official service Lamborghini VIN Decoder.

Myths about the country of origin: why some people think that Lamborghinis are German or Chinese

Despite the obvious facts, there are widespread myths on the Internet that Lamborghini supposedly collected outside of Italy. Let's look at the most popular misconceptions:

Myth 1: “Lamborghinis are now German because they belong to Volkswagen.”

Reality: Audi (brand owner) has really implemented its technologies - for example, an all-wheel drive system quattro in Urus or electronic assistants in Revuelto. However, all cars are still designed and assembled in Italy. German influence is only evident in engineering and logistics.

Myth 2: "The Urus is assembled in Slovakia at the Audi plant"

This is partial truth. Engines for Urus (4.0 TFSI V8) actually produced at the factory Audi in Gyor (Hungary), and gearboxes - in Slovakia. However The final assembly of the car, including engine installation, body work and testing, takes place exclusively in Sant'Agata Bolognese.

Myth 3: “China produces Lamborghinis for the local market”

This is an absolute lie. Lamborghini does not have assembly facilities in China, despite the huge demand in this country (China is the second largest market for the brand after the USA). All cars are imported from Italy. However, in China there are illegal "handicraft" workshops that remake Toyota or Nissan under Lamborghini - such cars are often passed off as “official Asian versions”.

How to distinguish an original Urus from a Chinese fake?

Original Urus has:

1. VIN starting with ZHW (Italy).

2. Bull logo on all wheel caps (often absent on fakes).

3. Leather interior with embroidered logo on the headrests.

4. Supercharged V8 engine (copies usually have naturally aspirated V6 or V8 from Lexus).

5. Price from 200,000 € (fakes cost 30,000–50,000 €).

How does the country of production affect the cost and operation of Lamborghini?

Italy as a manufacturing country leaves its mark not only on the image Lamborghini, but also on the practical side of owning a car. Here are the key points to consider:

1. Customs duties and taxes

Since Lamborghini imported to Russia from Italy, they are subject to EAEU duties:

- For new cars - 48% from cost (for engines with volume >3 l).

- For used ones (over 3 years old) - 3.5 € per 1 cm³ engine volume + 25–35% from the cost.

For comparison, if the car were assembled in Germany, the duties would be lower (for example, for Porsche33%).

2. Warranty service

Official guarantee Lamborghini in Russia it is valid only for service in authorized centers (there are only 3 of them: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg). In this case, spare parts are supplied directly from Italy, which increases the repair time to 2-3 months. For example, replacing a turbine with Urus may take up to 60 days due to logistics.

3. Insurance

Insurance companies include Lamborghini to the category of "Italian-made supercars", which automatically increases CASCO tariffs by 30–50% compared to German counterparts (for example, Porsche 911). The reason is the high cost of spare parts and repairs.

📄 Ownership history (at least 3 reports: CarVertical, Autocheck, official dealer)

🔧 Service book with marks of service in Italy

💰 Availability of import duties in the PTS (otherwise the risk of confiscation)

🔋 Hybrid system status (for Revuelto and Sián)

🛂 Checking VIN via Lamborghini Official Website-->

Exclusive models and limited editions: where are they made?

In addition to production models, Lamborghini produces unique cars in limited editions. These machines are often assembled by hand in special workshops, and their price can exceed 5 million €. Here are the most famous examples:

Lamborghini Centenario (2016)

Released in honor of the 100th anniversary Ferruccio Lamborghini. A total of 40 examples were produced (20 coupes + 20 roadsters). Assembled in the same workshop in Sant'Agata Bolognese, but with the involvement of craftsmen from Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur for interior decoration. The V12 engine (770 hp) accelerated the car to 100 km/h in 2.8 s.

Lamborghini Sián (2020)

The brand's first serial hybrid. The electrical part (supercapacitors instead of batteries) was developed in partnership with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The body was handcrafted from carbon fiber using techniques borrowed from Boeing (yes, the same aircraft manufacturer!). A total of 63 copies were produced.

Lamborghini Veneno (2013)

One of the most expensive production cars in the world (price - €3.9 million). Created on the basis Aventador, but with a completely redesigned body made of Carbon Skin (carbon fiber with polymer coating). All 3 coupes and 9 roadsters were sold before the official premiere.

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If you found it on the secondary market Lamborghini limited edition (eg Reventón or Sesto Elemento), be sure to request a certificate of authenticity from the factory. These models are often counterfeited by repainting the serial ones. Aventador or Huracán.

How to check the country of manufacture by VIN code

To avoid fraudulent purchases Lamborghini, you must be able to decipher VIN code. It consists of 17 characters, where the first 3 indicate the manufacturer and country:

For Lamborghini VIN always starts with:

  • 🔢 ZHW — Italy (all models produced after 1980).
  • 🔢 ZAR — Italy (rare copies before 1980).

Decryption examples:

  • 📌 ZHWBU2ZF5CLA00123Lamborghini Aventador, assembled in Italy.
  • 📌 ZHWUR5ZU3JLA04567Lamborghini Urus, Italian assembly.

If VIN starts with other letters (for example, W for Germany or L for China), this is either a fake or an unofficially assembled car. You can check the VIN through:

  • 🌐 Official website Lamborghini (www.lamborghini.com/vin-decoder).
  • 🌐 Services CarVertical or AutoDNA.
⚠️ Attention: In 2020–2022, cases of VIN substitution on used cars were recorded Lamborghini in Dubai and Hong Kong. Fraudsters changed license plates on cars after accidents or drownings. Always check the VIN on the body (under the hood and on the driver's pillar) with the number on the title.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Lamborghini manufacturer

Question: Is it true that Lamborghini engines are made by Audi?

Partially yes. V8 engine for Urus developed on the basis of a motor Audi (4.0 TFSI), but was significantly modified: boost was increased, the lubrication system was changed, and a dry sump was added. The V10 and V12 engines are developed exclusively in Italy.

Question: Is it possible to order a Lamborghini with a custom build?

Yes, the brand offers the program Ad Personam, where you can choose unique exterior colors, interior trim (including exotic materials like Forged Composites - carbon fiber with metal threads) and even personal nameplates. The cost of such customization starts from 50 000 €.

Question: Why aren't Lamborghinis assembled in Germany if Volkswagen owns them?

Italian production is part of the brand identity Lamborghini. Transferring assembly to Germany would lead to a loss of prestige and an increase in logistics costs (for example, carbon fiber parts for bodies are produced in Italy at the company Automobili Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory).

Question: How much does it cost to visit the Lamborghini factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese?

The plant offers tours by appointment. Cost:

- Standard tour - 70 € (includes museum and production line).

- VIP tour - 300 € (access to the assembly shop Revuelto and tasting of Italian wines).

You can sign up on the website www.lamborghini.com/museum.

Question: What are the most reliable Lamborghini models to buy on the secondary market?

According to statistics from service centers, the least problems are demonstrated by:

1. Huracán LP 580-2 (2015–2019) - rear-wheel drive version with naturally aspirated V10.

2. Gallardo LP 560-4 (2008–2013) - last generation before the change of ownership to Audi.

3. Urus (2018–present) - thanks to the German V8 base.

Avoid early Aventador (2011–2014) due to box issues ISR.