Maserati re-enters India; plans to open three dealerships

Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati on Wednesday announced its re-entry into India after a gap of three years.

According to the car manufacturer, the renewed focus on the Indian market is in line with its growth strategy as the market bears significant potential for the brand over the medium term.

"This new market entry is a significant step for our brand in its over 100 years history. We will focus on exclusivity and hence our goal in terms of annual sales in India will be in the two-digit range," said Umberto Cini, managing director of Maserati Middle East, India and Africa said here at the launch event.

The company said it will re-enter the market using the synergies of its parent group Fiat. It will operate out of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India (FCAI).

Initially, three dealerships are planned to open up in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangaluru in the third quarter of 2015.

The company elaborated that dedicated service facilities, which are fully in line with Maserati's global standards, are also planned for all the three locations.

The staff at all the three showrooms and service personnel will be trained by authorized Maserati Trainers.

"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," said Bojan Jankulovski, head of operations for India, Maserati.

"By entering India, and other new markets around the world, we are able to grow by expansion," Jankulovski added.

Maserati has grown its worldwide annual sales to 36,500 units in 2014 through entering new markets and new additions to its product portfolio.

Earlier, Maserati was operating in India through channel partners. The company exited the Indian markets in 2012.

The company will sell Maserati Ghibli diesel, Maserati Quattroporte GTS petrol, Maserati Quattroporte diesel, Maserati GranTurismo and Maserati GranCabrio priced between Rs.1.1 crore and Rs.2.2 crore (ex-Showroom Delhi).

The company will import completely built units (CBU) from its manufacturing facility in Italy.

Maserati had sold around 10 units in India before exiting the markets.