Core Viewpoint - The luxury car market, particularly brands like Maserati, is facing significant challenges due to the shift towards electric vehicles and changing consumer perceptions of luxury, leading to drastic price reductions and declining sales figures [5][10][30]. Group 1: Maserati's Market Position - Maserati's recent price drop for the Grecale SUV, originally priced at 650,000 yuan, has seen discounts of over 280,000 yuan, with some dealers offering it for as low as 369,600 yuan [8][10]. - The brand's sales in China have plummeted, with 2024 projected sales at only 1,228 units, a 71% decline year-on-year, and a mere 384 units sold in the first five months of the year, down 44% [17][19]. - Maserati's global sales are also suffering, with a forecast of only 11,300 units sold in 2024, a 57% drop compared to previous years [19]. Group 2: Consumer Perception and Brand Image - The brand's association with micro-businesses has negatively impacted its luxury image, as many affluent consumers are reluctant to be linked with the micro-business label [25][26]. - Quality issues and frequent recalls have further tarnished Maserati's reputation, leading to a loss of consumer trust and a decline in brand prestige [27][28]. - The shift in consumer preferences towards more affordable luxury options has left Maserati struggling to maintain its market position [21][30]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Domestic brands like BYD and its luxury sub-brand Yangwang are emerging as strong competitors, with significant sales figures and a focus on electric vehicles [33][40]. - New entrants such as the Jianghuai-Huawei collaboration and Xiaomi's SU7 Ultra have quickly gained traction, with impressive pre-order numbers, indicating a shift in consumer interest away from traditional luxury brands [37][38]. - The overall luxury car market is experiencing a downturn, with major brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari also reporting declining sales, highlighting a broader industry challenge [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is experiencing significant sales decline in China, leading to drastic price cuts on its Grecale SUV model, with discounts reaching nearly 43% from the original price [1][5][6]. Group 1: Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China have plummeted, with only 384 units sold in the first five months of this year, representing a 44% year-on-year decline [4][6]. - The brand's peak sales in China occurred in 2017, with 14,400 units sold, but projections for 2024 indicate only 1,228 units, a staggering 71% drop [6][7]. - Global sales for Maserati are also down, with only 11,300 units expected in 2024, a 57% decrease compared to the previous year [7]. Group 2: Market Response - The drastic price reduction for the Grecale SUV has sparked significant interest, with over 10 units sold within two days of the promotion [1]. - The sales strategy is reportedly a dealer-exclusive initiative, not directly tied to Maserati's brand strategy [1]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other luxury car brands are also facing challenges, with notable declines in sales for Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin, with decreases ranging from 2% to 39% in the first five months of the year [9]. - In contrast, domestic brands like BYD and the collaboration between Jianghuai and Huawei are gaining traction, with new models achieving significant pre-order numbers [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - Maserati is experiencing significant sales decline in China, leading to drastic price cuts on models like the Grecale SUV, which has seen discounts of nearly 43% from its original price [1][4][5]. Sales Performance - Maserati's sales in China for the first five months of this year totaled only 384 units, representing a 44% year-on-year decline, which is much steeper than other luxury brands [5]. - The brand's peak sales in China occurred in 2017, with 14,400 units sold, making it the largest market for Maserati globally at that time [4]. - By 2024, Maserati's projected sales in China are expected to drop to 1,228 units, a staggering 71% decrease compared to previous figures [5]. Financial Performance - Maserati's global sales for 2024 are anticipated to be only 11,300 units, reflecting a 57% year-on-year decline [5]. - The brand reported an operational loss of €260 million (approximately 2.18 billion RMB) last year [5]. - Stellantis Group, Maserati's parent company, has faced stock price declines of nearly 60% since March of last year [5]. Market Trends - The luxury car market is facing a collective downturn, with other high-end brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Ferrari also reporting declines in sales [9]. - In contrast, domestic brands such as BYD and the newly launched Jianghuai-Huawei collaboration are gaining traction in the luxury segment, with significant sales figures reported [9].