Wondering who holds the keys to the luxury Italian automaker Maserati? The iconic brand with its distinctive trident logo has changed hands several times throughout its rich history. Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis N.V., a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group.
Before becoming part of Stellantis, Maserati was owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which acquired the brand in 1993. The company has maintained its Italian heritage and manufacturing base despite these corporate changes. Maserati was also previously associated with Ferrari, which helped shape its luxury sports car identity.
Key Takeaways
- Stellantis N.V. currently owns Maserati following the 2021 merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group.
- Despite changing ownership several times, Maserati continues to maintain its Italian manufacturing tradition and luxury brand identity.
- The company produces its distinctive luxury vehicles primarily in Italy across facilities in Modena, Turin, and Viale Ciro Menotti.
History of Maserati
Maserati has a rich history spanning over a century, evolving from a small family workshop to a prestigious luxury car manufacturer. The company has changed hands several times while maintaining its Italian heritage and commitment to performance.
Founding by Maserati Brothers
The Maserati story began in December 1914 when three brothers – Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto Maserati – founded Officine Alfieri Maserati in Bologna, Italy. The workshop initially focused on tuning and preparing race cars.
The brothers were passionate about racing and engineering. Their technical expertise quickly earned them respect in motorsport circles. The company’s symbol, the trident, was inspired by the Neptune statue in Bologna’s main square.
In 1926, Alfieri Maserati built the first Maserati-branded car, the Tipo 26. This race car achieved immediate success, winning its class in the Targa Florio race. Tragically, Alfieri died in 1932 following a racing accident, but his brothers continued to build the company’s legacy.
Ownership Changes
In 1937, the remaining Maserati brothers sold their shares to the Orsi family, led by industrialist Adolfo Orsi. Under Orsi’s leadership, Maserati relocated from Bologna to Modena, where it remains today.
The Orsi era brought financial stability and expansion. Maserati began producing road cars alongside race cars in the 1940s. Their first grand tourer, the A6, launched in 1947 and marked the beginning of Maserati’s luxury road car tradition.
In the 1970s, financial difficulties led to another ownership change. Argentine industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso acquired Maserati and introduced new models like the Biturbo in 1981, featuring an innovative twin-turbocharged engine.
Current Ownership
Fiat acquired a stake in Maserati in 1993, bringing the brand into Italy’s largest automotive group. This was a homecoming of sorts for the Italian luxury marque.
The company’s integration deepened when Fiat formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Under FCA, Maserati was paired with fellow Italian luxury brand Alfa Romeo as part of a premium vehicle strategy.
In 2021, a significant change occurred when FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis. Today, Maserati operates as part of this multinational automotive corporation, which is headquartered in Amsterdam with operations worldwide.
Despite these ownership changes, Maserati continues to design, develop, and manufacture its vehicles in Italy, maintaining its distinctive Italian character and heritage.
Brand and Philosophy
Maserati’s brand identity combines Italian luxury with high-performance engineering. The company’s philosophy centers around creating exclusive vehicles that deliver both emotional driving experiences and technological innovation.
Maserati’s Image
The Maserati Trident logo, adopted in 1914, remains a powerful symbol of the brand’s strength and courage. This iconic emblem represents the company’s deep connection to Italian heritage and luxury.
Maserati positions itself as an exclusive automotive brand that balances performance with elegance. Unlike some luxury competitors, Maserati cars feature distinctive styling and audible performance characteristics that set them apart.
The brand appeals to drivers seeking both status and driving excitement. Maserati owners typically value the brand’s Italian craftsmanship and relative rarity compared to more common luxury vehicles.
Despite changes in ownership over the years, Maserati has maintained its unique market position between ultra-luxury brands and mainstream premium manufacturers.
Innovation and Design
Maserati’s design philosophy is rooted in Italian elegance, creating vehicles that are both stylish and functional. The company’s designs feature flowing lines, aggressive front grilles, and distinctive side vents that have become signature elements.
Innovation remains central to Maserati’s identity. The brand has recently embraced electrification while maintaining its performance credentials. New EV models aim to deliver the emotive driving experience Maserati is known for, just with electric power.
The interiors of Maserati vehicles showcase Italian craftsmanship with premium materials like fine leather, carbon fiber, and wood trim. Each cabin is designed to balance luxury comfort with driver engagement.
Maserati’s vehicles blend cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship, representing the company’s forward-looking approach while honoring its heritage.
Maserati’s Car Lineup
Maserati offers a range of luxury vehicles that combine Italian design, powerful engines, and high-end features. Each model showcases the brand’s commitment to performance and sophistication.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli is the entry-level luxury sedan in the lineup, but there’s nothing basic about it. First introduced in 2013, this sporty four-door combines elegance with athletic performance.
The Ghibli comes with engine options including a twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers between 345 and 424 horsepower, depending on the trim level. The most powerful version can reach 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Inside, drivers enjoy fine Italian craftsmanship with premium leather seats, wood trim, and an intuitive infotainment system. Recent models feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Ghibli offers a perfect balance of daily usability and weekend excitement, with its distinctive exhaust note turning heads wherever it goes. Trim levels include the base Ghibli, Ghibli Modena, and the performance-focused Ghibli Trofeo.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte is the flagship sedan that embodies luxury and performance in a full-size package. Its name literally means “four doors” in Italian, but it delivers much more than just extra space.
Available with either a V6 or V8 engine, the Quattroporte produces up to 580 horsepower in its most powerful configuration. This allows the large sedan to achieve impressive performance figures while maintaining a smooth, refined ride.
The interior is where the Quattroporte truly shines, offering:
- Handcrafted leather upholstery
- Real wood or carbon fiber trim
- Four-zone climate control
- Executive rear seating with reclining functions
With a wheelbase longer than the Ghibli, the Quattroporte provides generous rear legroom that appeals to both drivers and those who prefer to be driven. The cabin remains whisper-quiet at highway speeds, making long journeys a pleasure.
Maserati Levante
The Maserati Levante is the brand’s first SUV, introduced in 2016 to compete in the growing luxury SUV market. It successfully translates Maserati’s sporting heritage into a versatile family vehicle.
Despite its practical body style, the Levante maintains the brand’s performance credentials with engine options ranging from a 345-horsepower V6 to a Ferrari-built 580-horsepower V8 in the top-tier Trofeo model. All versions come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Levante stands out from other luxury SUVs with its distinctive styling cues. The concave grille with the iconic trident logo and the three signature side vents are unmistakably Maserati.
Inside, the cabin offers seating for five with premium materials throughout. Cargo space is generous at 20.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet when folded. Off-road capability is enhanced by adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the vehicle by up to 3.4 inches.
Maserati Convertibles
Maserati’s convertible offerings bring open-air excitement to the Italian luxury experience. The current lineup features the MC20 Cielo and the GranCabrio models.
The MC20 Cielo is the convertible version of Maserati’s mid-engine supercar. It features an innovative electrochromic glass roof that can switch from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. When complete open-air driving is desired, the hardtop folds away in just 12 seconds.
Powering this exotic convertible is the “Nettuno” twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces an impressive 621 horsepower. The lightweight carbon fiber construction helps the MC20 Cielo achieve exceptional performance figures.
The GranCabrio provides a more traditional four-seat convertible experience with:
- A power-folding soft top
- 2+2 seating configuration
- Luxurious hand-stitched interior
- Powerful V8 soundtrack
Both convertible models include wind deflectors to minimize turbulence, heating elements in the seats for cooler days, and sophisticated climate control systems that adjust automatically when the top is down.
Manufacturing Excellence
Maserati’s commitment to quality craftsmanship shines through in its production facilities. Every vehicle is created with precision and attention to detail that honors the brand’s Italian heritage.
Production in Modena
Maserati proudly manufactures its vehicles in Italy, with a significant focus on its historic home in Modena. This region has a rich automotive tradition and serves as the heartbeat of Maserati production. The company’s vehicles are 100% designed, developed, and manufactured in Italy, serving more than 70 countries worldwide with an 86% export rate.
The Modena facility combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Workers meticulously assemble each vehicle by hand while using advanced production methods to ensure quality and consistency.
Maserati’s production approach balances exclusive, limited manufacturing with enough volume to meet global demand. This careful balance helps maintain the brand’s prestige while ensuring availability for enthusiasts worldwide.
Craftsmanship and Engineering
The exceptional performance of Maserati vehicles stems from their masterful engineering and attention to detail. Each car represents the perfect marriage of Italian design flair and mechanical excellence.
Skilled artisans work alongside engineers to create interiors featuring hand-stitched leather and carefully selected materials. This dedication to craftsmanship is what separates Maserati from mass-produced luxury vehicles.
The engineering team focuses on delivering the perfect balance of power and handling. Maserati engines are renowned for their distinctive sound and impressive horsepower, creating the thrilling driving experience the brand is famous for.
Quality control is rigorous, with each vehicle undergoing extensive testing before leaving the factory. This ensures every Maserati delivers the performance, reliability, and emotional connection expected from this storied Italian brand.
Maserati in the Market
Maserati operates in a competitive luxury sports car market where it faces strong rivals and must carve out its unique position. The Italian brand combines heritage with performance to stand out among prestigious automakers.
Competition and Peers
Maserati competes directly with other luxury performance brands like BMW, Audi, and other high-end manufacturers. These companies battle for the attention of wealthy customers who demand both luxury and performance.
The Italian automaker differentiates itself through its distinctive styling and unique engine sound. While German competitors often focus on technical precision, Maserati emphasizes emotional appeal and Italian flair.
In recent years, Maserati has expanded its lineup to include SUVs like the Levante. This move helps the brand compete in growing market segments while maintaining its luxury identity.
Sales numbers show Maserati sells fewer vehicles than rivals like BMW and Audi. However, this exclusivity is part of the brand’s appeal to buyers looking for something less common.
Maserati’s Place in the Luxury Sector
Maserati occupies a special position in the luxury automotive world. The brand sits between mainstream luxury makers and ultra-exclusive names like Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Stellantis ownership has brought both challenges and opportunities for Maserati’s market positioning. Recent reports suggest Stellantis may be considering selling the brand, which creates uncertainty about its future strategy.
Maserati’s Italian heritage gives it a unique selling point. Buyers are drawn to the combination of craftsmanship, design, and performance that comes with Italian luxury cars.
The brand’s trident logo and distinctive exhaust note make Maserati vehicles instantly recognizable in a crowded luxury market. These signature elements help maintain the brand’s prestige status.
Maserati and the Future
Maserati faces challenges as its parent company Stellantis reconsiders investments in the luxury brand’s future. Recent decisions have raised questions about what’s next for the iconic Italian automaker.
Electric Vehicles Development
Maserati’s electric vehicle plans have hit a roadblock. Stellantis has written off €1.5 billion of investment in Maserati, putting several future electric models in doubt. The company had ambitious plans to electrify its lineup with the “Folgore” (Italian for “lightning”) range of EVs.
The MC20 Folgore supercar and replacements for the Quattroporte sedan and Levante SUV are now at risk after investment cancellations. This represents a significant shift in strategy for the brand that had previously announced plans to offer electric versions of all models by 2025.
Despite these setbacks, Maserati remains committed to blending its traditional performance heritage with modern EV technology. The challenge lies in creating electric vehicles that maintain the brand’s distinctive character and driving experience.
Sustainable Practices
Maserati is working to implement more eco-friendly manufacturing processes at its production facilities in Italy. Their factories in Modena and Turin are being upgraded with energy-efficient systems and renewable energy sources.
The brand is exploring sustainable materials for vehicle interiors. These include recycled fabrics and responsibly sourced leather alternatives. These initiatives aim to reduce the environmental impact of luxury car production.
Maserati’s parent company Stellantis has broader sustainability goals that influence Maserati’s direction. The multinational automotive group is pushing all its brands toward carbon neutrality. They are also balancing the performance expectations of luxury car buyers.
Maserati has implemented water conservation and waste reduction programs across its operations. These efforts reflect the growing importance of sustainability in the luxury automotive sector.
