Ferrari

DESCRIPTION

Recognized by its rearing-horse logo, sports carmaker Ferrari is up to speed, and then some. The Italian company sells about 5,600 high-performance sports cars a year, starting at about $140,000 a pop. Models include the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB Fiorano, and the F430. The FXX prototype is aimed at eventually bringing about 20 of Ferrari's most valued customers as close to a true racing experience as possible. In late 2006 Fiat S.p.A. bought back the 29% stake owned by Italian bank Mediobanca. The move brought Fiat's stake in Ferrari to 85%. Piero Ferrari, son of Ferrari's founder, owns 10% of the company. Mubadala Development Co. of The United Arab Emirates owns 5%.

BOSE

DESCRIPTION

Bose has been making noise in the audio products business for some time. The firm is one of the world's leading manufacturers of speakers for the home entertainment, automotive, and pro audio markets. It makes a variety of consumer models for stereo systems and home theaters, including its compact Wave radio system. For sound professionals, Bose offers loudspeakers and amplifiers, as well as products designed for musicians. Bose sells its products at 100-plus factory and showcase stores and through affiliated retailers. The company is using its expertise to branch out into other markets. Founder Amar Bose, a former professor of electrical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, owns the company.