Given its current sales pace, Maserati would be able to achieve targets set for the brand over the next 4 years, chief executive Harald Wester said. He confirmed Maserati’s sales targets of 50,000 in 2015 and 75,000 in 2018. The carmaker sold 15,400 cars around the world in 2013. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman of sister brand Ferrari, remarked that Maserati’s plan is ambitious but realistic, adding the targets are needed transform Maserati into a true rival against German carmakers.
Wester said that the brand would be able to surpass the total sales in entire 2013 in the first six months of 2013. Speaking at exhibition launch to celebrate the brand’s centenary, Wester said that sales are surging not because the market is growing, but “because clients choose our vehicles.”
The revival of the Maserati brand and the relaunch of the Alfa Romeo marque are vital to Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s goal of returning to profitability in Europe, which has just started to recover from a 6-year sales slump.
According to Wester, while the United States is still Maserati’s biggest market, China was the best market for its Quattroporte. He added that the European and Italians were also “starting to give satisfaction.” Wester disclosed at the event that Maserati will roll out its Levante SUV in late 2015 or in 2016, boosting a lineup that already includes the GranTurismo, the Quattroporte luxury sedan and the Ghibli sports sedan. Maserati will then roll out the Alfieri two-seater that will also be offered in a cabriolet version. According to Wester, Maserati has no plans to build more manufacturing sites for Maserati, but would press for increasing utilization rates at existing facilities.
