Maserati re-enters India, targets double-digit sales

Italian luxury carmaker Maserati has re-entered the Indian market and will operate out of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India as an independent manufacturer in its second innings. Earlier, it marketed its cars from Ferrari outlets.

Maserati is now all set to open three dealerships in India in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in the third quarter of 2015. AMP Supercars, Bagga Luxury Motorcars LLP and Jubilant Autoworks will represent Maserati in these regions. Maserati’s outlets will market its range of luxury cars encompassing the  Ghibli diesel (Rs 1.1 crore), the Quattroporte (Rs 1.5 crore), the Quattroporte GTS petrol (Rs 2.2 crore), the Gran Turismo Coupe (Rs 1.8 crore) and the open GranCabrio petrol (Rs 2 crore).

Speaking in New Delhi today, Bojan Jankulovski, head of operations for India, said Maserati is targeting double-digit sales in India this year. It will also introduce the Levante SUV in 2016 as well as the Alfieri sports coupe to India, both of which were displayed at the Geneva Motor Show 2014. Both the Levante SUV and the Alfieri Coupe are expected to be offered with a V6 engine.

“Our re-entry into the Indian market is a commitment to our customers as there is a definitive demand for exclusive luxury products, including cars in the market. By entering India and other new markets around the world, we are able to grow by expansion,” he added.

The sporty Ghibli saloon and the flagship Quattroporte feature V6 and V8 Twin-Turbo engines with power outputs ranging from 330-530bhp. There is also a Q4 all-wheel drive version as well as the recently introduced Turbo diesel with 275bhp.

Bojan Jankulovski has over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry covering sales, aftersales and network development. Under him, Maserati has established itself in five markets including the Middle East and South East Asia in the past two years.

While Maserati will open its second innings with three dealerships, it will next foray into Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Chennai and other parts of the country over the next three years.

“Maserati stands for Italian design, performance, craftsmanship and heritage and of course exclusivity. This new market entry is a significant step for our brand in its over 100-year history. We will focus on exclusivity and hence our goal in terms of annual sales will be in the two-digit range,” said Umberto Cini, managing director of Maserati Middle East, India and Africa.

The year 2014 was special for Maserati as it celebrated its centennial with record sales of 36,500 units. Its key markets were the USA with 14,690 units (+110%), China 9,400 (+148%), Europe 6,360 (+153%), Asia Pacific 4,000 (+206%) and the Middle East 2,050 (+144%).  

The carmaker is targeting sales of 75,000 cars by 2018 globally.