maserat

Could the Levante save Maserati ?

masarati-It’s no secret that Maserati is in trouble. Big trouble. Back in 2013 and 2014, the company was being hailed as the next Ferrari, boasting as it did incredible sales from the Quattroporte and Ghibli models. However, sales have been dropping drastically from the start of 2015 – so much so that Maserati was forced to stop production entirely for the first week in November, simply because there was no point in making cars no-one would buy.

The reason for this decline, say critics, is because Maserati needs to bring out new models: in particular crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) such as their highly anticipated Levante model. This Levante, plus their new planned coupe – based on a concept unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show – could revive the company’s fortunes if they were to go into production. Because of the poor sales, however, the coupe is unlikely to go into production before 2018 – talk about a Catch 22.

maseratFortunately, the Levante production is still going to power ahead, and is due to arrive in dealerships around March next year. The car will have a 3 litre V6 engine, producing 275BHP in the diesel version, and 350 or 425 in the petrol version. It will even be produced in a hybrid version later on, predicted to be around 2018. Furthermore, the marque is working with other backers to develop an all-electric model for the Chinese market.

It’s heartening to know that Maserati may have a Levante-shaped method of extricating themselves from their current situation, and we wish them the best of luck for the future.