Last year was characterised for Maserati by a global strategy of stabilisation on all fronts, within the firm and externally. The commercial results closed in line with the objectives that were declared at the beginning of the year and show a stabilisation of the volumes of the previous year, with 5700 units delivered to the dealer network. The alignment of the commercial results of the past two years represented a phase of growth and stabilisation in preparation of the bright moment of development that will see Maserati as leader, starting from 2007, with a completely renewed product range.

Equally important are the confirmations obtained in relation to markets and products: the United States remains the lead market for Maserati, accounting for approximately 45% of the global turnover at the end of 2006. Italy remains the second leading market for Maserati, and is confirmed as the European leader. The strengthening strategy concerned primarily the youngest markets, in particular those of Eastern Europe and the Far East. The results are significant and confirm the growth trend: +65% in China, where the success has been completed by the wide approval received at the Motor Show in Peking, where, at the end of November, ten Quattroporte were sold. The sales growth in Russia was 55%, 36% in Spain and 18% in Australia, giving Maserati its best ever year ‘Down Under’. The success in the Unites States is related to the global success of Maserati, present today in 58 countries on five continents, with a total network of over 259 dealers. New openings have taken place in key cities like Milan, Moscow, Kiev and Taipei. Bulgaria was the last market to open, in November.

2006 saw also the strengthening of the factory’s infrastructure, with particular reference to the Quality Department, that today can count on the newest technological instruments and accounts for almost 10% of the entire Maserati workforce. Equally significant in reference to the growth and expansion of the firm is the cooperation of Maserati with Alfa Romeo for the production of the Alfa 8C Competizione. The return in black as the declared objective for 2007 comes alongside the reduction of losses registered in 2006 thanks to the efficiencies obtained on industrial costs and infrastructure.

Maserati in North America

Maserati North America will significantly benefit from this new business initiative which provides competitive financing for all Maserati models and a range of financial instruments to help to consolidate further Maserati’s position in North America.

On November 1, 2006 Maserati Financial Services became the preferred financing source for Maserati dealers throughout the U.S. Participating dealers will begin to offer retail financing and flexible leasing programs designed exclusively for Maserati customers. Maserati FS will be operated as a stand-alone division of CNH Capital, with a staff of specialists dedicated to serving the purchasing needs of customers.

A SUCCESSFUL PRODUCT RANGE

In addition of the Quattroporte Automatic, Maserati displays at the NAIAS in Detroit the Quattroporte Sport GT with the DuoSelect gearbox, which is still preferred by the most sporting oriented customers. The Sport GT version, with interior carbon-fibre finish, 20’’ alloy wheel rims, aluminium pedals, comes alongside the Executive GT version, focused on luxury, offering a black chrome front grille ball polished alloy wheels and interior equipment dedicated to more demanding customers that focus on driving comfort.

The GranSport, not offered in North America for 2007, remains the car for those who are looking for high performance and speed. The successful sales results and the wide press approval confirm the cars winning formula, even a few years after his public debut. As a demonstration of Maserati’s technologic excellence and enormous potential as a super-car producer, there is the MC12 Versione Corse, based on the MC12 GT1 and produced in 12 units, which are designed to be used exclusively on track during private test sessions or during events and activities organized by Maserati. The car, with a price of over €1,000,000, has been in the market since autumn 2006.

2006, A YEAR FULL OF RACING TRIUMPHS

2006 was for Maserati a year full of racing successes. Maserati had a spectacular finish to the FIA GT Championship, with 5 victories over 10 competitions, among which the mythical Spa – Francorchamps 24 Hour Race, one of the most  difficult and prestigious endurance races, won by the MC12 driven by Michael Bartels, Andrea Bertolini and Eric van de Poele. The Spa 24 Hour triumph came together with the victories at Silverstone (UK), Oschersleben (Germany), Digione (France) and Adria (Italy), where Bartels and Bertolini obtained the Drivers title with one race still to go before the end of the season. The Team title was clinched for the Vitaphone Racing team also before the end of the season, on the Hungaroring circuit.

Another excellent performance for Maserati also on the legendary and gruelling Nürburgring circuit, where the official GranSport Trofeo of the Maserati R&D Factory Team and driven by a mixed team of professional pilots, gentlemen drivers and journalists, crossed the finishing line in the 5^th position in class and in 36th place overall, offering a great display of reliability.

Moreover Maserati won the Italian title Gran Turismo in the GT1 class with the MC12 of Playteam Sara Free driven by Giambattista Giannoccaro and Tony Vilander. It was an unquestionable success, with 12 wins and two second positions in 8 rounds during the racing season.

MASERATI COLLECTION

Maserati’s passion expresses itself in a new merchandising line, with branded products for every taste and every occasion. The new collection features six categories: Pure, Executive, Leisure, Gift, Passion and MC, suited to respond to many different requirements: From t-shirts with the Maserati grille, to sweaters, and items of clothing with a young and aggressive spirit inspired by Maserati Racing, to gifts such as Maserati car models, and elegant travelling bags.