Core Viewpoint - Maserati, once a symbol of luxury and success in the Chinese market, is facing significant challenges due to declining sales, aggressive pricing strategies, and increased competition from domestic brands, leading to concerns about its future viability in China [5][6][37]. Group 1: Sales and Market Position - Maserati's sales peaked in China in 2017 with 14,700 units sold, but have since declined sharply, with only 4,367 units sold in 2023, marking a significant drop in market share [38]. - The brand's recent promotional strategies, including drastic price cuts for models like the Grecale, have shocked consumers and raised questions about its brand positioning [12][22]. - In some regions, the Grecale's price has been slashed to as low as 38.88 million yuan, a reduction of over 26 million yuan from the original price, indicating a desperate attempt to clear inventory [12][22]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The rise of domestic brands in the high-end luxury market has intensified competition, with local manufacturers offering superior product quality and advanced technology, making it difficult for Maserati to maintain its market position [27][39]. - Maserati's limited model range, with only nine models available compared to competitors like Porsche, which offers over 50 variants, further exacerbates its competitive disadvantage [35]. Group 3: Brand Perception and Consumer Sentiment - The brand's image has been tarnished by its association with micro-businesses and the perception of being a "success prop" rather than a true luxury vehicle [4][6]. - Consumer feedback highlights dissatisfaction with the interior quality and overall product strength of Maserati vehicles, which are seen as inferior compared to competitors [36]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Challenges - Maserati's slow response to the electric vehicle trend, with its first hybrid model launched only in 2020, has left it lagging behind competitors who have rapidly adopted electric and hybrid technologies [29][33]. - Analysts predict that without significant changes and a stronger product lineup, Maserati may struggle to survive in the Chinese market, potentially leading to a withdrawal from the region [39][40].

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].

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis is reportedly considering selling Maserati due to its poor performance in the luxury car market, particularly in China, where sales have significantly declined [1][2][3] Group 1: Maserati's Performance - Maserati's import sales in China from January to May 2023 were only 384 units, a 44% year-on-year decline, which is much worse than other luxury brands [1] - In 2024, Maserati's global sales dropped to 11,300 units, a 57% decrease, with an operational loss of €260 million (approximately 2.18 billion yuan) [2] - The decline in sales is attributed to a lack of new products, as popular models Levante and Ghibli have been discontinued, with successors not expected until 2027 and 2028 [2][3] Group 2: Market Trends - The overall luxury car market in China has seen a significant decline, with major brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Lamborghini also experiencing reduced import volumes [3][4] - In 2024, Maserati's import volume in China fell to 1,228 units, a 71% drop compared to the previous year, reflecting a broader trend of declining demand for ultra-luxury vehicles [3][4] Group 3: Rise of Domestic Brands - Domestic brands like BYD's Yangwang and JAC's Zun Jie are aggressively entering the ultra-luxury market, with Yangwang's U8 achieving over 10,000 sales in less than two years [5][7] - Zun Jie launched its S800 model, priced between 708,000 and 1,018,000 yuan, and has received over 5,000 pre-orders [6] - Other domestic players, including Great Wall Motors and Xiaomi, are also targeting the high-end market, indicating a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics [6][7]