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].