PERSISTENT rumours in regards to the sale of Maserati by proprietor Stellantis have bubbled to the floor once more, fuelled by data given to publication Reuters from unnamed sources inside Stellantis that the struggling Italian premium model was as soon as once more being thought-about on the market.
Paradoxically, Reuters says different sources throughout the Stellantis Group deny Maserati is being checked out for doable sale. Requested for remark, one Stellantis spokesperson stated, “Respectfully, Maserati will not be on the market”.
Apparently, the Stellantis board is split over plans for Maserati with some board members considering Stellantis will not be able to sustainably re-launch Maserati and recommend promoting it’s the most suitable choice whereas others assume Maserati nonetheless has worth and that promoting its solely luxurious model could be an enormous reputational setback for Stellantis.
So, who do you consider? Significantly as all of the “on the market” discuss could flip right into a self-fulfilling prophesy.
Little doubt offloading Maserati is an choice for Stellantis because it seeks to overtake a sprawling portfolio of 14 manufacturers lots of which have been underperforming over the previous few years making a flood of crimson ink, together with from Maserati.
However issues are altering to redress the monetary pickle some Stellantis manufacturers are in and… status nameplates like Maserati aren’t precisely thick on the bottom.
Nonetheless, including weight to the sale rumours are suggestions from monetary analysts engaged by Stellantis itself suggesting a spotlight be positioned on “streamlining” the model’s portfolio for higher revenue margins.
In response to Reuters, discussions over Maserati’s future began earlier than new CEO Antonio Filosa was appointed final month, when Stellantis was steered by chair John Elkann.
The viability of Stellantis’ manufacturers was a precedence for Mr Elkann as he interviewed candidates to fill the CEO job.
Reuters stated the world’s fourth largest automobile producer, like different European car-makers, is dealing with hefty US import tariffs imposed by president Donald Trump, and is combating stiff competitors from Chinese language rivals.
“Stellantis employed marketing consultant McKinsey early in April to advise it on the consequences of the US tariffs on Maserati and Alfa Romeo as the 2 manufacturers put together future plans. Stellantis affirmed on the time that it was absolutely dedicated to each manufacturers,” the report stated.
Nonetheless, a doable divestment of Maserati, Stellantis’ solely luxurious model, is among the many choices McKinsey is exploring two nameless sources informed Reuters, including the adviser’s evaluation was nonetheless within the early levels.
“(Mr) Filosa’s predecessor Carlos Tavares, who resigned in December after a poor efficiency within the US market, had refused to think about eliminating any of the carmaker’s manufacturers,” it continued.
“However some traders and analysts say a streamlined portfolio would enhance Stellantis’ revenue margins. Stellantis shares have misplaced two-thirds of their worth since March final yr.”
For reference, Maserati’s gross sales fell by greater than half in 2024 to 11,300 models posting an adjusted working lack of 260 million euros ($A465 million) final yr.
Including to issues is the truth that the model at the moment has no new mannequin launches scheduled because it waits for a brand new marketing strategy, after its earlier one was placed on maintain by Stellantis final yr.
Model head Santo Ficili stated earlier this month the plan could be introduced quickly after Mr Filosa begins the job.
One in every of Reuter’s sources stated Stellantis has been coming to phrases with the truth that it has too many manufacturers, making it tough for it to correctly put money into all of them.
Maserati must “set priorities”, and “all choices are on the desk”, the supply informed Reuters.
