Maserati’s turnaround plan seems to be going well at the moment, as the Italian carmaker’s orders are reportedly almost triple the amount of cars delivered in 2013. Due to strong demand, the carmaker is expected to increase production and even add the Alfieri sports car (pictured) to its lineup.
Maserati is receiving around 3,500 orders monthly, CEO Harald Wester said in an interview. If demand remains steady throughout the year, this would amount to 42,000 cars in 2014, compared to 15,400 sold last year. As a result, Maserati is expected to generate enough earnings this year to counter losses at Fiat’s mass-market European operations.
“Orders are doing incredibly well. Maserati is doing well and will have a great year,” Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. On May 6, the executive will outline Fiat’s strategy through 2018, with the main objective this year being the merger of Fiat and Chrysler.
The plan is also said to include a commitment to produce a high-end sports car based on the Alfieri concept car. The model would share underpinnings with the Levante SUV and would be built in Mirafiori as well.
Fiat is said to be considering a third shift at the Grugliasco plant which makes the Quattroporte and Ghibli after some 50 employees worked some nights putting finishing touches on Maserati vehicles. They have been working extra weekend hours to meet demand as well, according to unnamed sources familiar with the situation.
By Dan Mihalascu
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