Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne announced this week production of the Maserati Levante SUV will begin at the automaker's Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy beginning in 2015.
Reuters reports Marchionne also proclaimed the Alfieri introduced at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show could go into production within 28 months if FCA wanted to make it so, noting that "the platforms and motors are there" for the grand tourer, though no word was given on whether the Alfieri will join the Levante at Mirafiori should plans come to pass.
Regarding the financial health of Maserati, Marchionne remained optimistic for what the future holds, stating the Alfieri was "an indication of things to come" for the luxury brand. Maserati's increased profits also signal a sea change for FCA overall as they prepare for Alfa Romeo's re-introduction into the United States this summer.
However, an uphill battle still waits for FCA; while Maserati moved 15,400 units last year, the figure is far short of the brand's goal of 50,000 units for 2015. The brand must also contend with the likes of Audi and BMW, emulating their successes with more affordable vehicles while also avoiding potential damage to its image.
Along with the aforementioned re-introduction, FCA is crossing its fingers that their two-prong strategy will pay off big by bringing the Italo-American automaker back in the black by 2016, surviving the economic storm in Europe that has all but battered the auto industry as a whole.
from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA
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