29.10.2003 THE MASERATI QUATTROPORTE IS LAUNCHED TO THE CHINESE MARKET IN BEJING

The Ferrari Maserati Group has presented a new model in the Chinese capital for the first time, reflecting the Group’s great interest in the fast-developing Chinese automobile market.

The presentation of the new Quattroporte was held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the exclusive residence traditionally used to receive visiting heads of state. Piero Ferrari, Vice-President of the Ferrari Maserati Group, was in attendance, as was Maserati’s Commercial Director, Roberto Ronchi, and the chairman of Auto Italia, Richard Lee, the importer of Ferrari and Maserati models to Hong Kong. Ambassador Gabriele Menegatti was also present, flanked by Mr. Chen Zuoer, Director of the Foreign Affairs Office for Hong Kong and Macau, and Mr. He Ping, President of Poly Group, a large multi-sector Chinese company.

The Chinese media were drawn to the event in huge numbers as were representatives of the international press and owners of cars belonging to the Houses of the Trident and the Prancing Horse.

Mr. R. Lee welcomed everybody to the presentation, and added: “Picking up on the passion in this country for sports cars, we imported our first Maserati to China in 1994. Today, after nine years, the prestigious Maserati marque is becoming more and more recognised with each passing day. The presence here of Maserati’s top management and the brief period since the launch of the car in Frankfurt is testimony to the high regard this brand has for the Chinese market. Finding ourselves in a place with over 800 years of Chinese history and tradition is a sign of the great developments made in the intercultural exchange between China and Italy”.

On the nod of Vice-President, Piero Ferrari, and the Ambassador, the Maserati Quattroporte was unveiled before the Chinese actor and rock idol, Richy.