2001 Ferrari Barchetta 5.5l V12 48v Automatic Rwd Convertible Premium on 2040-cars

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Luxury carmakers make way more than just cars

Whether it's as simple as Ferrari offering model cars or as opulent as Bugatti with an $84,000-belt buckle, practically every automaker does more than just sell cars to keep their brands visible. The profits from these ventures might not be enough to keep the lights on, but in such a competitive industry, any extra cash is welcome. For the automakers that get licensing just right, there is a ton of profit to be made. According to a recent story examining the practice by The New York Times, Ferrari makes around $2.6 billion from merchandising each year, and General Motors tops that at $3.5 billion. Beyond just a profit center, merchandising can also protect an automaker's name. Take Hummer for example. The GM division shut down years ago, but it has continued to produce licensed cologne on sale around the world. "Because we still have the active fragrance, we're protecting the brand if we ever decide to bring it back," Gene Reamer, a GM licensing senior manager, told the Times. The whole piece is a fascinating look into this often ignored, but quite lucrative facet of the auto business. Read it for yourself, here. Related Video: News Source: The New York TimesImage Credit: Luca Bruno / AP Photo Design/Style Earnings/Financials Marketing/Advertising Read This Ferrari GM Hummer branding

Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio updated for very limited production [w/video]

We first met the Pininfarina Sergio concept at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. And while we figured it'd just be a purely conceptual creation, the Italian design house, in collaboration with Ferrari, have worked to bring it into production, albeit with a very, very, very limited run. The road-going version of the car, now called the Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio, makes its debut here at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, with things like, you know, a windscreen, and other necessary elements for use on the road. The car is meant to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Pininfarina working with Ferrari, and only six examples will be produced for private customers. With the Prancing Horse tie-in, it'll come as no surprise to learn that the Sergio is based on the 458 Spider, though we aren't sure if we like the custom Pininfarina body work as much as the standard Ferrari on which its based. Still, it's a unique creation, and you can check it out for yourself in the gallery above. Featured Gallery Pininfarina Ferrari Sergio: Geneva 2015 View 15 Photos Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Geneva Motor Show Ferrari Convertible Performance Videos 2015 Geneva Motor Show pininfarina sergio

Ferrari launches 488 GTB configurator

Though it may not be as expensive as, say, a Pagani or Bugatti, the bottom line is that most of us will never be able to afford buying a new Ferrari. And most of those who can would probably get one already consigned to a dealer rather than wait on the list. But we can certainly dream. That's where configuration utilities come in, and Ferrari has just added the new 488 GTB to its online customization tool. The system demonstrates just how deeply customers can specify every detail on their new Prancing Horse, from the exterior paint and interior upholstery down to the tiniest detail. Ferrari's lets you choose the color of the brake calipers, the amount of carbon-fiber trim inside and out, the stitching on the leather seats, the color of the carpets and the seat belts. You can even play with the height of the sun in the sky to see how your choices would stand up to the changing light of day. Play around with it first-hand and you'll see, there's really no reason any two should ever have to roll out of Maranello alike. Related Video: