Who Owns Maserati?
Introduction
In this article, we will explore the ownership history of Maserati, one of the world’s most iconic luxury car brands. We will take a closer look at how different ownership changes have affected Maserati’s journey to success and examine the impact of these changes on the company’s operations, design philosophy, and performance. Additionally, we will discuss Maserati’s latest models and innovations under Stellantis, its current owner, and explore the brand’s future plans.
Maserati was founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1914 by Alfieri Maserati and his brothers, Ettore and Ernesto. The company initially manufactured race cars, and its first major victory came in 1926 at the Targa Florio race in Sicily. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Maserati continued to dominate the racing world and established itself as a leading luxury car brand. However, the company faced financial difficulties in the 1970s and 1980s and was forced to declare bankruptcy. Maserati was subsequently acquired by a series of different owners, including Citroën, De Tomaso, and Fiat, before being bought by Ferrari in 1997. In 2014, Maserati became a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which has since merged with the French car company PSA to form Stellantis.
Maserati’s Ownership History
Maserati has changed hands numerous times since its inception in 1914. Here is a brief overview of the company’s ownership history:
Maserati’s early years: The Maserati brothers founded the company in 1914, and they continued to operate it until 1937 when they sold it to the Orsi family.
Adolfo Orsi’s ownership: Under the Orsi family’s ownership, Maserati shifted its focus from racing cars to luxury vehicles. The company saw great success in the 1950s and early 1960s, but it eventually faced financial difficulties.
Citroën’s ownership: In 1968, Citroën purchased a majority stake in Maserati. Under Citroën’s ownership, Maserati developed the Bora and Merak models and began to incorporate advanced technologies, such as hydraulics, into its cars.
De Tomaso’s ownership: In 1975, Alejandro de Tomaso, an Argentinian-Italian businessman, bought Maserati from Citroën. De Tomaso oversaw the development of the Quattroporte III and the Biturbo, which were significant commercial successes for Maserati.
Fiat’s ownership: In 1993, Fiat acquired Maserati from de Tomaso. Under Fiat’s ownership, Maserati experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s with the launch of the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.
Ferrari’s ownership: In 1997, Ferrari purchased Maserati from Fiat. Under Ferrari’s ownership, Maserati developed the MC12, a limited-production supercar, and released several new models, including the GranSport, Quattroporte Sport GT, and GranTurismo S.
Current ownership by Stellantis: In 2014, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) merged with the French car company PSA to form Stellantis. Maserati is now a subsidiary of Stellantis, which also owns several other iconic car brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, and Dodge.
Overall, Maserati’s ownership history has been tumultuous, but it has managed to maintain its reputation as a luxury car brand through innovation and a commitment to quality.
Maserati’s Journey to Success
Maserati has had a long and storied journey to success, marked by highs and lows. Here are some of the key moments in the company’s history. In 1926, Maserati scored its first major racing victory at the Targa Florio race in Sicily. This win helped establish Maserati as a dominant force in motorsports and set the stage for future successes. During the 1950s and 1960s, Maserati achieved great success in motorsports, winning the Formula One championship twice, the 24 Hours of Le Mans once, and numerous other races. Maserati’s racing dominance helped cement the brand’s reputation for high-performance vehicles.
Maserati’s decline in the 1970s and 1980s: In the 1970s and 1980s, Maserati faced significant financial difficulties and struggled to stay afloat. The company was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1975, and it changed hands several times over the next two decades. Under new ownership in the 1990s, Maserati experienced a resurgence in popularity. The company released several new models, including the Quattroporte and the GranTurismo, which helped re-establish Maserati as a luxury car brand. In 1997, Ferrari purchased Maserati and brought its racing expertise to the brand. Ferrari’s ownership helped Maserati develop new models, such as the MC12, and expand its reach in the luxury car market.
Today, Maserati continues to innovate and push the boundaries of luxury car design and performance under its current owner, Stellantis. The company’s journey to success is a testament to its resilience and commitment to excellence.
The Impact of Ownership Changes on Maserati
Ownership changes have had a significant impact on Maserati’s operations and design philosophy over the years. Here are some of the key ways that different owners have influenced the company. Each new owner brought different priorities and strategies to Maserati, which had a direct impact on the company’s operations. For example, under Citroën’s ownership, Maserati focused on incorporating advanced technologies, such as hydraulics, into its cars. Under Fiat’s ownership, Maserati shifted its focus back to racing and developed new models that were more affordable and accessible to a wider audience.
Maserati’s design philosophy has evolved over the years as the company changed hands. Under the Orsi family’s ownership, Maserati shifted its focus from racing cars to luxury vehicles, which had a significant impact on the company’s design philosophy. Citroën brought a more avant-garde approach to design, which was reflected in the Bora and Merak models. De Tomaso, on the other hand, focused on creating more affordable and accessible models, such as the Biturbo. Fiat’s ownership had a significant impact on Maserati’s performance. Under Fiat’s ownership, Maserati experienced a resurgence in popularity and developed several new models that helped re-establish the brand as a luxury car maker. In particular, the Quattroporte and GranTurismo models were commercial successes and helped boost Maserati’s performance in the luxury car market.
Maserati’s Future
Maserati is looking to the future with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Here are some of the key plans and challenges facing the company:
Maserati’s plans for the future:
Maserati has ambitious plans for the future, including a commitment to electrification. The company has already released its first electric vehicle, the MC20, and plans to release additional electric models in the coming years. In addition, Maserati is investing in new technologies and design concepts, such as the Maserati Fuoriserie program, which allows customers to customize their vehicles to a high degree.
Impact of electric cars on Maserati’s future:
The transition to electric vehicles poses both opportunities and challenges for Maserati. On the one hand, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and offer new design and performance possibilities. On the other hand, the development of electric vehicles requires significant investment in research and development, which could strain Maserati’s resources. Additionally, the market for luxury electric vehicles is becoming increasingly crowded, which means that Maserati will need to work hard to stand out.
Maserati’s potential competition in the luxury car market:
Maserati faces stiff competition in the luxury car market from established brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, as well as up-and-coming brands such as Tesla and Lucid. To stay competitive, Maserati will need to continue to innovate and invest in new technologies and design concepts. In particular, Maserati will need to differentiate itself in the crowded luxury electric vehicle market, where customers are looking for performance, luxury, and sustainability.
Overall, Maserati’s future is bright but challenging. The company is committed to innovation and sustainability, but will need to navigate a crowded and rapidly changing luxury car market to stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
Maserati has a rich history that has been shaped by numerous ownership changes and shifts in design philosophy. Despite these changes, the brand has remained a symbol of luxury and performance, with a loyal following of enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we explored Maserati’s ownership history, journey to success, impact of ownership changes, and plans for the future. Key points that emerged include the importance of ownership changes in shaping Maserati’s operations and design philosophy, the impact of the transition to electric vehicles on Maserati’s future, and the challenges of competing in the crowded luxury car market. Despite these challenges, Maserati has a bright future under Stellantis, the current owner of the brand. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer customization, Maserati is well-positioned to continue to attract discerning customers who value performance, luxury, and style.
FaQs
Is Maserati owned by Ferrari?
No, Maserati is not currently owned by Ferrari. However, Ferrari owned Maserati from 1997 to 2005.
Did De Tomaso own Maserati?
Yes, De Tomaso owned Maserati from 1975 to 1993.
Who owns Maserati now?
Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis, a multinational automotive company that was formed in 2021 by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Groupe PSA.
Why did Citroën buy Maserati?
Citroën bought Maserati in 1968 in order to expand its luxury car offerings and gain access to Maserati’s engineering expertise.
How has Maserati’s ownership affected its models and designs?
Maserati’s ownership changes have had a significant impact on the company’s models and designs. Different owners have brought different design philosophies and technologies to the brand, which has led to changes in Maserati’s vehicles over the years.
What makes Maserati unique compared to other luxury car brands?
Maserati is known for its combination of luxury and performance, as well as its distinctive Italian design. The brand is also known for its racing heritage and its commitment to customization, allowing customers to tailor their vehicles to their individual preferences.
Will Maserati switch to electric cars?
Yes, Maserati has committed to electrification and has already released its first electric vehicle, the MC20. The company plans to release additional electric models in the coming years.
What is Maserati’s plan for the future?
Maserati’s plan for the future includes a focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer customization. The company plans to continue to invest in new technologies and design concepts, and to release additional electric models.
Is Maserati a reliable brand?
Maserati’s reliability has been somewhat inconsistent over the years. While the brand has produced some highly reliable vehicles, it has also faced issues with reliability and durability in some models.
What is the price range of Maserati cars?
Maserati cars range in price from around $70,000 for the Ghibli sedan to over $200,000 for the Quattroporte and Levante Trofeo SUV. The price of Maserati’s electric vehicles has not yet been announced.