Italian luxury-car maker Ferrari sold nearly 300 sports cars in China in 2010, a 50-percent increase over 2009 sales and a record since it entered the Chinese market six years ago. The phenomenal sales figure makes China one of the top five international markets for Ferrari, when the sales figures for Hong Kong and Taiwan are added.

China's passion for the Prancing Horse will take center stage January 14 in Shanghai when Ferrari introduces its 999th client at a special celebration marking its banner year. The number nine is significant in China, as it is considered lucky and represents longevity.

Ferrari credits the sales increase to several key investments it has made in recent years. It culminated in 2010 with the introduction of special initiatives and events such as the display of the HY-KERS laboratory vehicle at the Shanghai World Expo and the launch of the 599 GTO at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, Ferrari's first-ever world premiere in China. One of such initiatives involve Chinese artist Lu Hao, who created a unique body paint for a 599 GTB that mimics the old Chinese dynasty Ge Kiln Porcelain and was sold at auction in Beijing for 1.2 million euro. The photos of this special 599 GTB is shown in this blog entry.

To further demonstrate its commitment to this strategic market, the automaker announced that it will increase the number of dealerships in China from the current 10 and will start the first Asian championship in the Ferrari Challenge single-make racing series in 2011.