The worldwide rebirth of Maserati continues this
week as the international show debut of the brand new Coupe heralds the
return of Maserati to the US market after a 10-year absence.
With the Coupe, Maserati has moved to the forefront of the GT sports car segment with its prestigious, highly individual models which offer a perfect combination of high performance and great comfort |
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After being revealed for the first time on 3 January 2002 at the Los
Angeles Auto Show, the new Maserati Coupe will then be shown at the prestigious
Detroit Auto Show next week, where it will be displayed alongside the
recently-introduced Maserati Spyder.
Both the Spyder and Coupe are available as Cambiocorsa and manual GT,
and feature state-of-the-art technology throughout.
The new Coupe features all the technical specifications introduced with
the Spyder model, including the new 4.2 V8, 390 bhp normally aspirated
engine, the new electrically actuated gearbox - named Cambiocorsa, Italian
for racing gearbox – and Skyhook suspension system. In addition
to this, the Coupe offers the comfort of four full seats.
Thanks to the success of the 3200 GT Coupe and of the new Spyder, Maserati
has moved to the forefront of the GT sports car segment with its prestigious,
highly individual models which offer a perfect combination of high performance
and great comfort.
Coinciding with the introduction of these models over the past three years,
Maserati has brought its manufacturing facilities up to maximum efficiency:
The company has thoroughly updated its manufacturing equipment starting
with the production line, which is now one of the most advanced in the
world for small production numbers.
An all-new building and a tower housing the new corporate headquarters
will be completed in the next few weeks, together with a multi-storey
car park for the 400 company employees. Works on a second assembly line
will start soon afterwards.
A total of 400 million Euros have been committed to a five-year restructuring
plan ending in 2006, an investment which equals 20% of the average yearly
sales.
Up to now, Maserati’s efforts have yielded substantial results.
The number of vehicles sold increased from 666 in 1998 to 2027 in 2000.
Sales for 2001 hovered around the 2000 mark. In fact, 2001 was a consolidation
year, since manufacturing of the Quattroporte model was discontinued and
production was slowed down because of the start-up of the Spyder model.
In Maserati’s leading markets worldwide, Germany was top of the
list with 344 cars sold, followed by the UK (309) and Italy (270), with
Japan, France, and Switzerland trailing (updated to 30 November, 2001).
Once the second assembly line is completed and becomes fully operational
in 2002 and new Coupes and Spyders are in full production, the company
plans to strongly increase sales to more than 3,500 cars annually.
The North American market is expected to become the leading Maserati market,
as it already is for sister company Ferrari. The US market is planned
to absorb about 40% of total Maserati production. Maserati is currently
represented in 38 markets worldwide.
Maserati in North America
The two models with which Maserati returns to the US and Canadian markets
embrace advanced technology, featuring a 4.2 litre V8 engine that produces
390 bhp and provides a top speed of 175 mph. Interiors combine Maserati’s
timeless elegance with modern sophistication and safety.
Maserati North America was established in January 2001 and is based in
Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The team dedicated to Maserati's return
to North America has completed its initial planning and organisation work
and is now focusing on the marketing strategy of Maserati products.
The return of Maserati cars on American and Canadian roads is scheduled
for the first quarter of 2002, when the new Maserati Spyder will reach
showrooms. Sales forecasts for Maserati North America's first year are
for 1200 cars, making the U.S. the brand's leading export market. In early
2004 Maserati’s model line will be complete with the introduction
of a four-door saloon designed by Pininfarina.
Maserati will appoint 31 dealers throughout North America (28 in US, 3
in Canada). The majority of current Ferrari dealers will also represent
Maserati.
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