Maserati only introduced its first SUV, the Levante, toward the end of last year, but it appears the Italian luxury brand already has plans for a second. Automotive News reports that Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said the new SUV will arrive by 2020 and will be a size smaller than the Levante. It will still be built on the Giorgio platform, which the Levante shares with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, but will likely get its own unique powertrain.
With two SUVs available, Marchionne reportedly believes Maserati will be able to sell 70,000–80,000 vehicles a year. Through the first three quarters of this year, Maserati has sold about 36,000 vehicles, up from around 24,000 the year before. That’s thanks in part to the availability of the Levante, which Marchionne believes will also push Maserati’s earnings north of $1.18 billion for the year.
Automotive News also reports that Maserati sales are up for the year despite lower sales of its large sedan, the Quattroporte. Because sales have been slower than expected in China, however, Maserati recently had to slow down Levante production. So although sales are still strong, it appears that initial sales targets might have been a little too optimistic.
When we tested the Levante, we were “a little disappointed by the amount of recognizable Chrysler switchgear” Maserati included in the cabin and weren’t big fans of the vague electronic shifter. But it surprised us with its off-roading capabilities and proved to be a fantastic high-riding luxury grand tourer.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)
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