It appears Stellantis is not going to keep Maserati much longer, who will buy it?
Maserati is one of those brands that many people love, until they don’t. What do I mean by this? Well, Maserati is all about style, just one look at any of their cars and one will be smitten by its Italian flair and beauty but under the skin, these cars are typically plagued by rubbish reliability and expensive parts and repairs. Now, the brand may be in trouble because of this.
Stellantis, the current parent company of Maserati, has confirmed the cancellation of the much-anticipated MC20 Folgore electric supercar, citing low consumer demand. The announcement follows a challenging year for the iconic Italian brand, and now speculation is growing that Maserati could be sold off if a suitable buyer is found.
Moreover, the MC20 Folgore, which means “lightning” in Italian, was slated to be Maserati’s flagship electric vehicle (EV), offering a high-performance alternative to its critically acclaimed MC20 powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine. The EV promised similar output and handling, aiming to carry the brand into a new era of electrification. However, those plans are no more.
Stellantis experienced a steep decline in Maserati sales during 2024, a year that was supposed to mark the beginning of a strategic rebuild. Global sales for the brand fell to just 11,300 units, a significant drop for a manufacturer with global ambitions. The lack of demand for luxury EVs appears to have shaken confidence in the brand’s direction.
The turmoil has already had executive consequences, as CEO Carlos Tavares resigned amid mounting pressure and strategic missteps. In a further move, Stellantis has reportedly enlisted global consulting firm McKinsey & Company to assess the future viability of both Maserati and Alfa Romeo, another struggling brand in the group’s portfolio.
On top of that, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed to Automotive News Europe that McKinsey was “asked to provide its considerations” on the situation. Alfa Romeo is currently developing next-generation versions of the Giulia and Stelvio, but Maserati’s decision to cancel its EV lineup raises serious questions about its long-term viability.
The MC20 Folgore was originally planned as one of six electric Maserati models to launch within the next two years. That entire electric roadmap now seems in jeopardy. Adding to the uncertainty, Stellantis has pulled back from a reported £1.3 billion (roughly RM7.5 billion) investment in Maserati’s electrification strategy.
Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann confirmed the cancellation of several Maserati projects, citing a need to reassess how quickly high-end automotive consumers are willing to transition to electric vehicles. With no clear replacement product on the horizon and ongoing internal reviews, Maserati’s future under Stellantis remains uncertain. Will anyone step up and buy the brand now?
