Ferrari Executive: Chinese EVs Show Major Performance Gains, But Lag in Driving Emotion

Emmanuel Calando, Ferrari’s Global Marketing Director, stated that Chinese automakers have made significant progress in vehicle performance but still exhibit clear shortcomings in delivering an emotional driving experience. He noted that achieving high-speed straight-line performance is relatively straightforward, whereas mastering precise handling through corners—maintaining stable body posture, effectively suppressing pitch and roll, and simultaneously evoking an emotional connection with the driver—is far more challenging. This, he emphasized, remains at the core of Ferrari’s longstanding focus. Calando frequently travels to China to test-drive local premium vehicles and has developed a deep understanding of the country’s automotive industry. While acknowledging the rapid advancements made by Chinese carmakers in recent years, he believes none have yet launched a product that matches Ferrari in terms of cornering dynamics and driving excitement. At the same time, he conceded that the rapid iteration cycles and strong technological specifications offered by Chinese manufacturers are pushing Ferrari to continuously refine its own products to maintain its leadership in handling and driving dynamics. Calando stressed that Chinese automakers often adopt a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)-like product strategy, rolling out frequent model updates that quickly render existing vehicles obsolete in users’ hands. This stands in stark contrast to Ferrari’s emphasis on long-term value and a unique driving experience. Consequently, Ferrari does not view most Chinese premium models as direct competitors. According to data, Ferrari delivered 584 vehicles in the Chinese market in 2025, down by more than half from 1,221 units in 2023.