The GREAT Debate: Is Maserati In TROUBLE?

In recent years we've been following Maserati's renaissance. For years the iconic Italian sports car manufacturer underwent some seriously tough times and it seemed as though it was about to be done for in the 1980s and 1990s. Then, it had a bit of a comeback and it returned to the US market.

While I would argue the products aren't best-in-breed, they are good picks if all you care about is standing out from the pack, emotion and sound. Buyers based in the New York Tri-State region and SoCal can't seem to get enough of the GranTurismo and newer Ghibli. But, sales of the Ghibli have started to show signs of slowing down. 

Next up is the all-new Levante luxury sport-utility vehicle but, if you ask me, its design is a bit of a let down. If it looked more like the Maserati concept called the Kubang I think the brand would have struck a chord with many buyers; however, it looks a bit sloppy and the antithesis of slick in its execution. Instead of having a modern, Italian flare, it appears ungainly and rather harsh. What happened to the sensual designs that come from Italy? 

Now the latest word is that the Alfieri, which was adored and admired by many, is being kept quiet. Is the project being delayed? Has it been killed off? What gives?

There's a chance the company is trying to go for an element of surprise as the media has been relatively spoiled when it comes to leaked information or gentle guidance, there's also a chance that the brand is in trouble.

That said, we want to hear from YOU: What say you, Spies? Is Maserati starting to put itself in a bad place or is the Italian sports car maker about to hit its stride?  



Although exact model timings were vague, Maserati’s business plan and senior executives indicated the Alfieri – its first direct rival for the Porsche 911 – would be released as early as this year, followed by the convertible version in 2017 and the new GranTurismo in 2018.

“I sincerely can’t say that we’ll see this car in production in two years’ time, but I’m certain we’ll see something very similar,” said project leader Lorenzo Ramaciotti at Geneva in 2014.

Now, two years later at the 2016 Geneva show, Maserati chief Harald Wester refused to answer questions about the Alfieri, design work on which began in mid-2013 at Maserati Centro Stile in Turin.

“I don’t know. I need to talk to my people,” said Wester when asked if the Alfieri project was running to schedule.

Asked if the Alfieri will be launched next year, he said: “No comment”.



Maserati Levante

 

Read Article

MDarringer - 3/9/2016 8:30:19 AM

-2 Boost

Maserati is in deep crap. The Qporte and Ghibli are getting long in tooth and desperately need revision. Their Chrysler 300 underpinnings are a bit too evident. The Levante is just a mess. Sergio is terrible at marketing.

TomM - 3/9/2016 5:23:48 PM

+2 Boost

I agree that the Ghibli and the Qporte are getting long in the tooth. Although I disagree that the Chrysler 300 underpinnings are too evident. In the European Market - they don't know much from the Chrysler 300. It is clear that these two need an UPDATE if not replacement. FCA does not have the money to replace them - so a new interior and some exterior changes is what I expect - too little.

BUT

The new 4x4 is going to sell better than both of those put together. THere is still a market for an upscale 4x4 that is not a mass market german machine.

As far as marketing - that is ALL that FCA is - they have little NEW product - the last UPDATE for the 300 was minimal at best. The 200 was a clear miss. Jeep product is all they really have. AND the Levante will be seen as a Higher end Jeep in Europe and will sell well.

MDarringer - 3/9/2016 9:53:04 PM

0 Boost

TomM...Maserati dealers are not happy (1) that the Giulia went to Alfa Romeo, (2) that the Levante is essentially an AWD Chrysler 300 mongrel rather than built off the far better Jeep Grand Cherokee, and (3) that the Alfieri has been delayed.

FCA cooked the books to make it seem Maserati was doing well, but the only way the Qporte and Ghibli sell is with anywhere from 20-30% off list. Finding a brand new 2014 Ghibli is not that hard.

mre30 - 3/9/2016 9:07:56 AM

+2 Boost

I think all of FCA is in trouble and Maserati is a symptom. The recession in Europe is hitting Fiat hard in its primary markets, the sale of Ferrari to raise cash is too little, too late, and the writing is on the wall. Customers have figured out that the vehicles in the Maserati lineup are warmed-over, 15 year old Mercedes/Chryslers. Is there even a "next" platform in the lineup?

Jeep is the only viable part of FCA, at least in the US. FCA might as well start dismantling itself now to save Jeep.

mre30 - 3/9/2016 9:10:05 AM

+3 Boost

Ironic - FCA has the "Chysler TC by Maserati" problem from the 1980's all over again. Its amazing how history repeats itself. Sad.

MDarringer - 3/10/2016 8:53:37 AM

+1 Boost

Jeep and Ram are the jewels. Hyundai/Kia should buy Jeep, Ram, and Maserati. Jeep and Ram would give H/K products that they do not have and Maserati would benefit form the Genesis platform.

Dodge and Chrysler do not need to continue.

Alfa Romeo and Fiat are not essential the the North American market.

PUGPROUD - 3/9/2016 10:40:55 AM

+1 Boost

FCA has serious cash flow problem and is why all new models for all brands are being pushed back in time. As a result consumers are loosing interest. It needs fresh metal in showrooms but cannot spend the money to develop new product. It is the reason why Sergio has been pleading with someone anyone to merge with him. VW who wanted to buy Alfa Romeo a few years back could have saved FCA by doing so but now they may have to sell a few brands themselves. Italians don't want to sell to Chinese but may have to to save the company.

skytop - 3/9/2016 9:38:30 PM

-1 Boost

Is is unavoidable to see that Maserati cars all look like Buicks. How can a company not know or recognize their autos strongly resemble a crummy GM car? Why does Maserati does this to its few customers.