Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts on models like the Grecale, which has seen discounts of up to 58% for the fuel version and nearly 60% for the electric version, indicating a collapse in its pricing structure and brand perception [5][10][11]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% drop in September and a 3% decline from January to September this year [16][12]. - Global sales for Maserati fell from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a staggering 44.8% decrease [14]. - The brand's presence in the Chinese market has diminished, with sales dropping from 4,680 units in 2022 to just 1,209 units in 2024, reducing its market share from 20% to 8.2% [14]. Group 2: Management Changes - Maserati has experienced frequent changes in its Chinese management, with three different general managers since 2023, indicating instability in leadership [17][20]. - The latest appointment of Julie as the acting general manager reflects ongoing attempts to revitalize the brand in China, but the effectiveness of these changes remains uncertain [19][28]. Group 3: Marketing Strategies - To attract younger consumers, Maserati has engaged in cross-promotional marketing with the mobile game "Honor of Kings," although this strategy has received mixed reactions from existing customers who feel it diminishes the brand's luxury status [21][27]. - The brand's efforts to embrace electric vehicle trends are evident, but it struggles to keep pace with competitors in terms of technology and consumer expectations [22][25]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The luxury car market is facing broader challenges, with other high-end brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari also reporting significant sales declines in 2023 [23]. - The overall luxury market is experiencing a slowdown, reflecting a temporary decrease in purchasing power among ultra-high-end consumers [23].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts on models like the Grecale, which has seen discounts of up to 5.8 times its original price, indicating a struggle to maintain its luxury brand image amidst declining sales [4][5][12]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% drop in September and a 3% decline from January to September this year [14]. - The global sales of Maserati fell from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a staggering decrease of 44.8% [12]. - In China, Maserati's sales figures dropped from 4,680 units in 2022 to just 1,209 units in 2024, reducing its market share from 20% to 8.2% [12]. Group 2: Pricing Strategy - The Grecale model is now priced starting at 38.08 million yuan, which is a 5.8-fold discount from its original price range of 650,800 to 1,038,800 yuan [5][6]. - The electric version, Grecale Folgore, is priced at 35.88 million yuan, representing a discount of nearly 60% from its original price of 898,800 yuan [8][9]. Group 3: Management Changes - Maserati has undergone three changes in its China management since 2023, indicating instability in leadership as it attempts to navigate its declining market presence [15][16]. - The latest change saw Julie appointed as the acting general manager, following a series of short tenures by previous leaders [15]. Group 4: Marketing and Brand Perception - Maserati's collaboration with the mobile game "Honor of Kings" aimed at attracting younger consumers has received mixed reactions, with many loyal customers feeling it diminishes the brand's luxury status [17][24]. - Despite efforts to engage with younger audiences, the brand's image has suffered, as reflected in customer feedback regarding the quality of its technology and features [18]. Group 5: Industry Context - The luxury car market is experiencing a collective downturn, with other brands like Bentley and Ferrari also reporting significant sales declines [19][20]. - The overall luxury vehicle market is facing challenges as high-end consumer purchasing power appears to be temporarily weakening [20].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts for its Grecale model, including a promotional price of 380,800 yuan for the fuel version, which is a 58% discount, and 358,800 yuan for the electric version, representing a discount of nearly 60% [1][3][6]. Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% year-on-year drop in September and a 3% decline from January to September this year [1][9]. - Global sales for Maserati fell from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a decrease of 44.8% [7]. - The brand's presence in the Chinese market has diminished, with sales dropping from 4,680 units in 2022 to 1,209 units in 2024, reducing its market share from 20% to 8.2% [7]. Management Changes - Maserati has undergone three changes in its China management since 2023, indicating instability in leadership [1][10]. - The latest management change occurred in March 2023, with Julie taking over as the acting general manager for China [12]. Marketing Strategies - Maserati has attempted to rejuvenate its brand image by collaborating with the mobile game "Honor of Kings," but this strategy has received mixed reactions from consumers, with some feeling it diminishes the brand's luxury status [16][19]. - The brand's efforts to appeal to younger consumers through cross-marketing initiatives have not yet yielded positive results in sales [15][19]. Product Offering - The Grecale model, launched in 2022, is Maserati's first electric SUV, with a starting price of 358,800 yuan, significantly lower than its original price of 898,800 yuan [6][7]. - The electric version of the Grecale offers a range of 533 kilometers on a full charge, showcasing Maserati's commitment to electric vehicle technology [6].

Core Insights - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts for its Grecale models, with discounts reaching as low as 5.8% for the fuel version and nearly 60% for the electric version [1][2][4] - The brand's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% drop in September and a 3% decline from January to September this year [1][8] - Maserati has undergone three changes in its China management since 2023, indicating instability in its leadership [5][8] Pricing Strategy - Maserati has launched aggressive promotions for its Grecale models, with prices starting at 38.08 million yuan for the fuel version and 35.88 million yuan for the electric version, representing significant discounts from their original prices [2][4] - The Grecale Folgore, Maserati's first electric SUV, is priced at 35.88 million yuan, which is less than 40% of its original price [4] Sales Performance - Maserati's global sales dropped from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a decline of 44.8% [5] - In China, Maserati's sales figures have decreased from 4,680 units in 2022 to 1,209 units in 2024, with its market share falling from 20% to 8.2% [5] Market Trends - The luxury car market is experiencing a downturn, with other brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari also reporting declines in sales [11] - Maserati's struggles reflect broader challenges faced by luxury brands in adapting to electric and smart vehicle trends, as consumer preferences shift [10][12] Marketing Efforts - Maserati is attempting to rejuvenate its brand image by collaborating with popular mobile game "Honor of Kings," although this strategy has received mixed reactions from consumers [10][12] - The brand's marketing efforts aim to attract younger consumers, but there are concerns that such collaborations may dilute its luxury image [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts on models like the Grecale, with discounts reaching as low as 5.8% for fuel versions and nearly 60% for electric versions, indicating a collapse in pricing strategy and brand perception [1][2][4]. Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% drop in September and a 3% decline from January to September this year [8]. - Global sales for Maserati fell from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a staggering 44.8% decrease [5]. - The brand's market share in China has also diminished, dropping from 20% in 2022 to 8.2% in 2024 [5]. Pricing Strategy - The Grecale model, launched in 2022, is now offered at a starting price of 38.08 million yuan, down from a manufacturer suggested price of 65.08-103.88 million yuan, representing a discount of 5.8% [2]. - The electric version, Grecale Folgore, is priced at 35.88 million yuan, which is less than 40% of its original price of 89.88 million yuan [4]. Management Changes - Maserati has undergone three changes in its China management since 2023, indicating instability in leadership amid ongoing sales struggles [5][10]. - The latest appointment was made in March 2024, with Julie taking over as the acting general manager for China [10]. Marketing Efforts - Maserati has attempted to rejuvenate its brand image by collaborating with the popular mobile game "Honor of Kings," but this strategy has received mixed reactions from consumers, with many feeling it diminishes the brand's luxury status [11][12]. - The brand's efforts to appeal to younger consumers through such collaborations have not yet translated into improved sales performance [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing significant sales challenges in China, prompting drastic price cuts on models like the Grecale, with discounts reaching as low as 5.8% for fuel versions and nearly 60% for electric versions, indicating a severe decline in brand prestige and market presence [2][3][5]. Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have been declining, with a 5% drop in September and a 3% decrease from January to September this year [9]. - The brand's global sales fell from 26,689 units in 2023 to 14,725 units in 2024, a staggering 44.8% decline [7]. - In China, sales figures dropped from 4,680 units in 2022 to just 1,209 units in 2024, reducing the market share from 20% to 8.2% [7]. Pricing Strategy - The Grecale model, launched in 2022, is now offered at a starting price of 38.08 million yuan, down from a manufacturer suggested price of 65.08-103.88 million yuan, representing a discount of 5.8% [3][5]. - The electric version, Grecale Folgore, is priced at 35.88 million yuan, reflecting a discount of nearly 60% from its original price of 89.88 million yuan [5]. Management Changes - Maserati has undergone three changes in its China management since 2023, indicating instability in leadership as the brand struggles to regain market traction [6][10][12]. Marketing Efforts - The brand has attempted to rejuvenate its image through collaborations with popular mobile games like "Honor of Kings," but this strategy has received mixed reactions from consumers, with some feeling it diminishes the brand's luxury status [13][15][17]. - Despite these efforts, the overall market for luxury vehicles in China is experiencing a downturn, with other brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce also reporting significant sales declines [13].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is facing a significant decline in sales and brand value, leading to speculation about its potential sale by Stellantis, the parent company, as it struggles to maintain its position in the luxury automotive market [5][37][56]. Group 1: Historical Context - Maserati was once a prestigious Italian car brand, alongside Ferrari and Lamborghini, known for its romantic design and racing heritage [10][12]. - The brand has experienced multiple ownership changes and financial crises since its inception, including a significant acquisition by the Orsi family in 1937 and later by Citroën in the 1960s [13][18][25]. - Maserati was integrated into the Fiat Group in 1993, where it saw a revival under Ferrari's management, producing iconic models like the 3200 GT and MC12 [29][32]. Group 2: Current Market Position - Maserati entered the Chinese market in 2004, initially achieving decent sales, but its brand image suffered due to aggressive marketing strategies and the rise of micro-businesses [38][44]. - In 2017, Maserati's sales peaked at 14,498 units in China, accounting for about 30% of its global sales, but this was followed by a drastic decline [44]. - By 2024, Maserati's sales in China plummeted to 1,228 units, a 71% decrease year-on-year, highlighting a severe loss of market relevance [45][46]. Group 3: Brand Identity Challenges - Maserati's brand identity has become muddled, struggling to define its unique selling proposition amidst frequent ownership changes and market pressures [49][51]. - The brand's luxury image has been compromised, leading to comparisons with lower-tier brands, and it is now perceived as a less desirable option in the luxury segment [51][59]. - The current management under Stellantis is considering selling Maserati due to its ongoing financial losses and the need for a strategic overhaul [53][56]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The future of Maserati may hinge on a potential acquisition by a Chinese company, which could either seek to leverage the brand or its technology [57][58]. - A complete rebranding and product overhaul may be necessary for Maserati to regain its status in the luxury automotive market [57][59].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati, once a prestigious Italian sports car brand, is now facing significant challenges and potential sale due to declining sales and brand identity issues [4][51][90]. Group 1: Historical Context - Maserati was founded in 1914 by the Maserati brothers and gained fame through racing successes, particularly with the Tipo 26 model [14][18]. - The brand has undergone multiple ownership changes, including acquisitions by Orsi family, Citroën, and Fiat, each time facing financial difficulties [20][28][36]. - In the 1990s, Maserati was revitalized under Fiat and Ferrari's guidance, leading to the successful launch of models like the 3200 GT and the fifth-generation Quattroporte [41][45]. Group 2: Current Market Position - Maserati entered the Chinese market in 2004, initially achieving decent sales with the Quattroporte, but struggled to maintain momentum [52][56]. - The brand peaked in China in 2017 with sales of 14,498 units, accounting for about 30% of global sales, but has since seen a dramatic decline [67][77]. - In 2024, Maserati's sales in China plummeted to 1,228 units, a 71% drop year-on-year, highlighting its deteriorating brand presence [78][90]. Group 3: Challenges and Future Outlook - Maserati's brand image has been compromised due to marketing missteps and the rise of micro-businesses, leading to a perception of the brand as less exclusive [71][73]. - The company is currently in a loss-making position, with Stellantis considering the sale of Maserati as a strategic option [90][94]. - The future of Maserati may hinge on a significant brand overhaul or potential acquisition by a Chinese company, but the brand's identity and market relevance remain in question [95][96][98].

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis Group has denied rumors of selling its luxury car brand Maserati, despite ongoing speculation and declining sales figures [2][4]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Maserati's global deliveries have decreased from 25,900 units in 2022 to 11,300 units in 2024, with sales in China dropping from 4,680 units in 2022 to 1,209 units [2][4]. - In China, Maserati's sales have halved, with figures falling from 14,400 units in 2017 to just 1,209 units in 2024, marking a 58% decline [4][6]. - The first five months of 2025 saw Maserati's sales at only 384 units, a 44% year-on-year decrease [4][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Stellantis Group reported a net revenue of €156.9 billion in 2024, a 17% decline year-on-year, and a net profit of €5.5 billion, down 70% [2]. - Maserati is currently facing financial difficulties and is operating at a loss, as stated by the Stellantis CEO [4][9]. Group 3: Brand Positioning and Strategy - The CEO of Stellantis emphasized that Maserati's issues stem from unclear brand positioning rather than product quality, indicating a need for better brand communication [5]. - Maserati has been associated with micro-businesses in China, which has negatively impacted its brand image and sales [5][6]. Group 4: Management Changes and Pricing Strategy - Maserati has frequently changed its leadership in China to address declining sales, with new appointments made in 2023 and 2024 [6][7]. - The brand has also reduced prices significantly, with some models now priced below €65,000, which undermines its luxury positioning [7][8]. Group 5: Market Trends - The luxury car market in China is experiencing a downturn, with other high-end brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce also reporting sales declines [8]. - The overall trend indicates a slowdown in purchasing power among ultra-high-end consumers, posing challenges for maintaining brand influence and mitigating sales declines for Maserati [9].