Following the publication of mixed results for the first half of 2024, Carlos Tavares reaffirmed that unprofitable brands could be sold. The opportunity to point the finger at Maserati, but the group quickly put an end to the speculation.
Stellantis has dispelled rumors surrounding Maserati’s future, saying it has no plans to sell the Italian luxury brand or merge it with other premium automakers.
In a statement released earlier this week, the group said: “Stellantis reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the bright future of Maserati as a unique luxury brand among the 14 Stellantis brands”.
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This statement comes in a difficult context for Maserati, which saw its deliveries fall by 58% in the first half of the yearreaching only 6,500 vehicles, while its turnover was halved, to 631 million euros. The group attributes these disappointing results mainly to the decline in sales of its Grecale SUV as well as the discontinuation of several models in its range, such as the Ghibli, the Quattroporte and the Levante SUV.
Speculation about Maserati’s future had been rekindled by comments by Stellantis chief financial officer Natalie Knight, who, when asked last week about a possible sale of the brand, suggested that a “evaluation could take place in the future to determine which is the best home for Maserati”These statements fueled rumors in the press, where the idea of a takeover by Ferrari was raisedThis hypothesis seems plausible to some, especially given that John Elkann, president of Ferrari, is also the head of Stellantis.
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Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, also contributed to the media frenzy by stating that the group’s brands that “don’t make money” could be “closed” or resized. However, in its press release, Stellantis recalled that Each of its 14 brands has a ten-year horizon to become profitable and sustainable.as announced by the leader when the group was created in 2021.
Maserati is currently in the midst of a transition to electrification, a strategic shift that is essential to remain competitive in the luxury market. Stellantis stressed that the trident brand is actively preparing the arrival of the successors to the Quattroporte sedan and the Levante SUV, two key models for its future.
Earlier this year, Maserati presented the electric versions of its Granturismo sports car and its Grecalemodels named Folgore, intended to compete directly with Porsche.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
