Italian luxury carmaker Maserati drives into India, again

Italian luxury sports carmaker Maserati today announced its re-entry into the Indian market with plans to launch models priced up to Rs 2.2 crore with three new dealerships in the country.

The company also has plans to launch a sports utility vehicle globally next year, including India.

Maserati had entered the country in 2011, but later stopped selling cars in the market owing to trouble with its dealer partner. Now, it plans to open three new outlets by September-end this year.

"Our re-entry into the Indian market is a commitment to our customers as there is a definite demand for exclusive luxury products, including cars, in the market," the newly appointed Maserati Head of Operations for India, Bojan Jankulovski told reporters here.

By entering India and other new markets around the world, the company is able to grow by expansion, he added.

The company plans to sell four models -- Quattroporte, Ghibli, Gran Turismo and GranCabrio, all priced between Rs 1.14 crore to Rs 2.2 crore.

Maserati, which has been part of the Fiat Group since 2005, will now operate out of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India.

As part of its India plans, the Italian firm is looking to open three dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore for which it has appointed AMP Supercars, Bagga Luxury Motorcars and Jubilant Autoworks, respectively.

"Dedicated Maserati service facilities, which are fully in line with Maserati global standards, are also planned for all locations," he said.

The company intends to further expand its sales network, going ahead.

"We have plans to expand in other parts of the country as well. Further down the line, we aim to set up dealerships in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chennai," Jankulovski said.

Elaborating, Maserati Middle East, India, Africa Managing Director Umberto Cini said: "We will focus on exclusivity and hence, our goal in terms of annual sales in India will be in the two-digit range."

In its last stint in India, Maserati sold around 10 units in the country.

The cars will be manufactured in Italy and shipped to India as completely built units (CBU).

The carmaker sold 36,500 units last year globally, with the US and China being the major markets.

In the current year, the company looks to sell around 75,000 units worldwide.