Share price falls on skepticism of Chrysler-Fiat five-year plan

Following this week's Fiat Chrysler extravaganza, where the Italian-American manufacturer announced its plans for the next five years, the Autoblog staff was cautiously optimistic of the company's future. Investors? Not so much.

Fiat saw its shares tumble 12 percent in Wednesday's trading, falling from 8.67 euros ($12.06 at today's rates) to 7.44 euros ($10.35) as of this writing, with blame partly going to the Italian half of the FCA marriage, which recorded a pretty significant drop in profits during the first quarter of this year.

The plan, which will cost around $77 billion over the next several years, is facing criticism from investors thanks in part to a 1.4-percent drop in Fiat's first-quarter profits, to 622 million euros ($862 million). That figure is also short of Bloomberg analysts' projections, which predicted $1.18 billion in profits before taxes, interest and one-time items.

Marchionne's goal of dramatically increasing sales before 2018 is a particularly big point of contention.

"If you start your 2014-2018 plan with an extremely weak quarter, nobody will give you the credit that you will achieve your targets," Jens Schattner, a Frankfurt-based automotive analyst told Bloomberg. "If it was so easy just to launch new products to be successful in this industry, why wouldn't everybody do exactly the same."

Some of the concerns are even simpler, though.

"These brands need a huge amount of work to get where they need to be. The world changes very slowly and you have brands at the bottom of the pile in many regions. It's not going to happen overnight," said Harald Hendrikse, a London-based analyst for Nomura Holdings.

Alfa Romeo and Maserati are perhaps the biggest points of concern, each brand facing its fair share of struggles over the years. Marchionne's goal of dramatically increasing sales (over five-fold for Alfa and nearly as much for Maserati) before 2018 is a particularly big point of contention.

"The aspiration is big but the questions are bigger," said Erik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan. "Can Fiat do enough to turn Alfa into a big, profitable brand? Are there enough Maserati buyers to make Fiat a global player?"

While we like what we saw earlier this week in Auburn Hills, it seems fairly clear that there will be a number of bumps in the road along the way. Whether the analysts' concerns end up being correct, though, remains to be seen.
This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Read More

Sales of Cars Costing Over $130,000 Will Rise 35% by 2015 – Strong Demand from US and China

As most of the world’s countries struggle with the precarious economic situation we have been facing for the last few years, and while manufacturers are looking to build ever-cheaper and more efficient cars, sales of luxury and sports cars costing over $130,000 are still set to rise, in 2013.

The strong demand comes from the US and Chinese markets, which have not really been affected by the economic downturn that much. Now, sales of such cars are set to increase by a whopping 35%, by 2015, reaching the highest level since 2007 in 2013. This is helped by a 52% surge in North America, which helps Fiat and Volkswagen, two companies who between themselves own Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti and Porsche.

Now, a very important model for the US market is getting ever closer to the showroom floor – the Maserati Levante SUV. It will be added to the US lineup of offerings, alongside the new Quattroporte and the Ghibli sedan(BMW 5-Series-sized offering), which they hope will boost their total sales figure to 50,000 units per year, by 2015.

The Ghibli will come this year, while buyers will have to wait until 2014 to get the Levante SUV.
China is also a strong market for supercars, and it has now officially become the number one market for many exotic car makers, like Lamborghini, for instance, while Ferrari is also well-represented and more and more of their cars are spotted on the street, brand new, and being driven by ‘new money’.

News Source: autonews.com

Read More

Maserati and Lamborghini pull out of Iran

Daimler is out, Toyota is out, Porsche is out, Hyundai, PSA Peugeot-Citroën are out and when it comes to selling cars in Iran, now Maserati and Lamborghini are out, too. The definitive pullouts of those last two automakers are said to be reactions to a press conference held by a group called United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). The group highlights businesses that sell in both the US market and Iran, and works to get those businesses to choose one market or the other.

UANI said it had sent letters to Maserati and Lamborghini about their dealings in Iran, but that the letters went unanswered. Mark Wallace, head of UANI and a former US ambassador to the United Nations, held a press conference in October of last year that referenced the two companies. Apparently Lamborghini contacted Wallace just after the press conference and told him "they were out, they weren't doing any business in Iran anymore."

Discussions with Maserati then took place, and the Italian automaker said it had been out of Iran ever since Fiat announced it was leaving the country in May 2011. UANI said Maserati had been in talks with an Iranian distributor, however, and that distributor was continuing to use the Maserati name. The carmaker has since cut all ties with Iranian interests and has prevented its name from being used, adding that its new models will not be able to be sold there because they won't pass regulations the country's regulations. 

News Source: Algemeiner via Motor Authority

Read More

Lamborghini and Maserati Abandon Business in Iran

After many months of rumors and deliberations, Maserati and Lamborghini have confirmed that they’re withdrawing all business from Iran effective immediately. The shock announcements comes after a campaign run by the United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) organisation pressured the two firm’s to shut up shop.

Back in October 2012, UANI spokesman Nathan Carleton said, “We weren’t trying to just embarrass anyone. We sent several letters to both companies asking them about their business in Iran and they just didn’t write back”.

Following on from these talks, Carleton added that “After the event we were immediately contacted by Lamborghini. They told us they were out, they weren’t doing any business in Iran anymore. We’re happy with that,” and not long after, Maserati followed suit. Maserati which is an arm of the Fiat Group, stated it was leaving the region after Fiat announced in May 2012 that it had lost a presence in the Islamic Republic.

New York City Public advocate Bill de Blasio concluded by stating, “This is one more step in the right direction in a crucial campaign to hit the Iranian regime at its economic core. Maserati and Lamborghini have done the right thing in pulling their business from Iran – and I am pleased we can remove them from Iranwatchlist.com. This is also a strong message to New Yorkers and Americans: we as consumers can help fight against a nuclear Iran, and I plan to continue this fight relentlessly, with as many allies as we can assemble.” 

News Source: Algemeiner

Read More

Ferrari and Maserati Sales Decline in Italy

Luxury car makers Maserati and Ferrari have reported a decline in sales at their home country in Italy. Maserati’s sales fell by 72% while those of the Ferrari fell by 56%. The actual numbers; Ferrari sold only 248 cars in Italy last year while Maserati had the lowest by selling only 115 cars in Italy. All this comes amidst the recession in Italy. 

Read More

Video: Maserati Testing New Quattroporte at Night

Maserati is edging closer and closer to beginning the first deliveries of its latest iteration of the successful Quattroporte super-sedan. 

Read More

Leak confirms Maserati product plans, five new models

It isn't a secret that Maserati is planning a product expansion in an attempt sell 50,000 units annually by 2015, but the automaker hasn't officially announced just how it plans to do so. Yes, we've seen (and driven) the 2014 Quattroporte, checked out spy shots for the smaller Ghibli sedan and Maserati even confirmed the Levante name for its SUV, but a leaked document reported by CarScoop could shed some light on how the Italian automaker intends on carrying out its rapid growth.

Read More

Maserati Quattroporte Nurburgring Testing

Work on the replacement for the Maserati Quattroporte is going along nicely, as the engineers have moved on to track testing the car on the famous Nurburgring track in Germany.

The current car has always been a sort of animal, fitted with a snappy set of paddles and a V8 engine that’s louder than life. So this sort of testing on a fast and unforgiving track is to be expected!

The Italians have always been a proud bunch, and even though they hid the shape of the new four-door luxury saloon under a wall of camouflage, they still let us know it’s a trident car underneath.

The Quattroporte is the first of what will likely be three new Maseratis that are expected to revitalize the brand.

Recent reports suggest the car will be equipped with your choice of either a supercharged V6 or a turbocharged V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox built by ZF.

via: autoevolution

Read More

Awesome Ride in a Maserati GranSport

The Maserati GranSport, the replacement of the prettier 3200GT, was never regarded as being ‘top of its class’ at anything in particular, being just good at everything it did (except reliability which was doubtful).

It did, however, possess an excellent 4.2-liter V8 with 390 hp, which despite being decently powerful and having one almighty soundtrack was in fact an involution of the 3200GT’s engine which was smaller in displacement and featured a twin-turbo system to give the car 370 hp - a figure which could have been increased by boosting turbo pressure.

They gave up turbocharging because the new, 4.2-liter engine was now Ferrari-based and therefor turbocharging was frowned-upon by the Prancing Horse engineers. It would have been interesting to see what Maserati would have done on their own, considering they would not have needed financial aid and would have continued to use turbocharging to boost the power of their cars.

Read More

Maserati MC12 GT1 in Action on Track

Do you remember that our friend and GTspirit representative Alexsmolik spotted a Maserati MC12 Corsa in Paris a few weeks ago? It was being pulled inside the MotorVillage to be exposed for a few months, but he recently saw another one!

That is two out of the twelve ever built in less than a month. And this time he spotted it on the track. The brutal Maserati MC12 GT1 was in action at the circuit du Vigeant Val de Vienne, during the 2012 Sport & Collection event.

via: gtspirit

Read More

2014 Maserati Quattroporte Getting Supercharged V6, Turbo V8

The current generation Maserati Quattroporte has become a familiar sight on the road, due in part to the fact that it’s been around since 2004. The next generation has already been testing for over a year and will be shown most likely at the Detroit Motor Show.

According to CarandDriver, the model will come with two radically new powertrains. The base units is rumored to be a Ferrari-developed supercharged V6 that produces 420 hp.

Meanwhile, the top shelf item will be a bespoke turbocharged V8 good for 520 hp. The V6 will arrive after the V8 and will be 30% percent more efficient than the V8 engine found in the Ferrari California.

Fiat Group is investing $1 billion into the revival of the Maserati brand, and part of this money will go toward developing a new lightweight architecture for the Quattroporte. 

via: autoevolution

Read More

Maserati Granyachting by Carlex Design

This Maserati Granyachting is based on the Maserati GranTurismo and is a creation by Polish company Carlex Design. According to the specialists, the project car visible on the pictures below received an unique yachting styling theme. 

The seats have been decorated with colors referring to marine characteristics. The floor has been finishsed with teak wood. The dull beige upholstery has been replaced with white and navy blue leather incorporating a golden trident logo on the seats. A wooden steering wheel and trim on the doors and the dash board finish off the interior package.

The wonderful looking creation follows after our earlier post of a Rolls-Royce Ghost project named Ghost Save The Queen shared with you yesterday.

Read More

Turquoise Supercars Back in London

The Turquoise car club is back in London, UK to enjoy the wonderful British summer. A new addition to the Turquoise collection is a Maserati Quattroporte which was previously matte black, but now has a matte blue wrap with a black stripe.

Accompanied by the Maserati Granturismo and the Turquoise Lamborghini Murcielago SV, the whole group left a restaurant late at night for everyone to enjoy.

Read More

Maserati Quattroporte Wrapped in Matte Red by DBX

The Maserati Quattroporte is now a cool old bird. The Italians have already begun work on the next generation, and this should be ready within the next year or so. It will have diesel engine and German-like reasonableness and sensibility.

Yet this one, the model that has been with us for so many years is still very cool in our book due to the way that it makes little in the way of compromises. It’s raw, powerful, direct and very Italian, like a Sicilian boss.

US wrap specialists Diamond Black Exteriors have just released a video detailing the ‘build’ of a Maserati Quattroporte which has been wrapped in Satin Red. The end result will look good in any Beverly Hills car park next to a Ferrari or Lamborghini. And when the park is over, guess who can take 4 supermodels home at a time!

The body wrap itself comes from 3M, while the wheels were powder coated in gloss black. At the same time, the black on red look has been carried over to other accents like the grille, emblems and exhaust tips

Read More

Ferrari Future Engine Plans Detailed, Include Maserati and Alfa Romeo

The Fiat Group has set up an engine development plan that will cost the company EUR50 million (USD62 million) and will include, among others, an important effort that will be carried out by Ferrari.

The supercar producer will work to create more efficient powerplants, with the company set to develop a twin-turbo V6 producing around 450 hp (Ferrari’s V6 return has been rumored for a long time and it is now going to happen), as well as a naturally-aspirated V8 that will deliver over 500 hp.

The Prancing Horse will also created detuned versions of those engines, which will be used by Maserati (for the next Quattroporte and the upcoming SUV), as well as for a future Alfa Romeo flagship vehicle, which could be a replacement for the 159.

Via: Motori Online

Read More

Maserati Preparing Artificial Exhaust Sound for Future Diesels

We have to admit that the automotive industry hasn’t evolved all that much in terms of exhaust sound. Nowadays, we’ve got titanium exhaust that save weight and valves that control the note, but that’s about it. However, the latest advances in technology are bringing a novelty to this, in the form of artificial sounds.

This was first brought to the market for electric vehicles, which really needed a voice, after which performace cars that went greener started to borrow this. Jaguar uses such a feature on R models, while the new BMW M5 also comes with a bonus artificial soundtrack in order for its twin-turbo V8 to not fall too far behind the previous generation’s V10 unit.

Well, it seems that Maserati is next on the list, with the Italian carmaker reportedly set to use this for its upcoming diesel engines. Maserati will use oil burners for the next Quattroporte, as well as for the upcoming baby Quattroporte, as well as for its future SUV.

Via: What Car?

Read More

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani Factories Shut Down by Earthquake

The earthquake that shook Northern Italy yesterday, killing 15 people and injuring another 200, also affected Italian carmakers (and bike producers, as we previously reported), as its epicenter was in the proximity of Bologna. Fortunately, Ferrari, Lamborghini Maserati and Pagani, but fortunately in a light way.

To be more specific, none the aforementioned factories suffered any damage in the course of the quake, but they all chose to shut down their operations for safety reasons. Even though, the equipment is fully functional, the companies didn’t want to risk people’s lives by keeping them in the facilities or on the road to/from work.

None of the producers announced when the production will be resumed, but we expect this to happen soon and we salute their decision to put people's safety first.

Read More

Artificial Engine Sound for Diesel-Powered Maseratis?

The release of diesel-powered Maserati models is no secret to the automotive world. We reported before on the plans to release a new SUV and luxury car using a diesel engine. Online platform Whatcar reported last week that Roberto Corradi, vice-president of product development, said that the Italians are planning diesel-powered models equipped with a device that emits an artificial engine sound to make the car sound sportier.

The noise simulator will likely be similar to the Active Sound system that is currently found in the 2012 BMW F10M M5, meaning that the noise will be channeled through the stereo speakers, delivering a sportier sound experience. 

The first Maserati diesel-powered engine will be a V6 with an estimated output of more than 300 horsepower and 700Nm of torque. This engine will propel a smaller version of the Quattroporte unofficially dubbed “Maseratina” which is likely to take on cars like the Audi S6, BMW M5 and Jaguar XFR. In addition to the diesel, the new Maserati will be available as a petrol powered V6 with twin-turbo. The Maseratina is expected to hit the markets in 2013

Via: gtspirit

Read More

Maserati GranCabrio Sport by PUR Wheels

PUR Wheels unveiled their latest project, based on the Maserati GranCabrio Sport, named Project Prowler. The matte black convertible is another collaboration with SR Auto Group and it sees the Maserati get a set of silver PUR 1NE wheels.

PUR 1NE’s are staggered sizing with a set of 20 inch units at the front and 21 inch at the back. The light exposed metal face of the wheels contrasts perfectly with the dark matte colour of the car. The Maserati GranCabrio Sport features a 4.7 liter V8 engine with a power rating of 444hp. 

Via: Luxury4Play

Read More

Jay Kay's 1955 Maserati A6G/54 on the docket for Pebble Beach

Gooding & Company has revealed the highlights of its consignments for its Pebble Beach auction during the action-packed Monterey weekend. At the top of the list is the classic 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Berlinetta currently owned by Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay. This Maserati, the show car from the 1955 Paris Auto Salon, features Frau coachwork, won Best in Show at the Salon Privé, and is expected to fetch between $1.5 and 2 million.

No less prestigious is the 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio convertible that belonged to Prince Louis Napoleon of France, grandson of Emperor Napoleon I and noted Bugatti collector of the time. Supercharged from the factory, the stunning two-tone droptop is projected to sell for $1.3 to 1.6 million.

Finally, an original 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra is on the docket, with pre-sale estimates at $750,000 - $950,000. See below for the full press release and watch this space as the classic car world gears up for Pebble Beach.  

Gooding & Company Will Present Jamiroquai's Maserati A6G/54 Berlinetta and Other Blue Chip Collector Cars at its Annual Pebble Beach Auctions

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (May 23, 2012) – Gooding & Company, the acclaimed auction house celebrated for selling the world's most significant and valuable collector cars, will host its annual Pebble Beach Auctions on August 18th & 19th in association with the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Once again, Gooding & Company is poised to present an outstanding array of blue chip and concours-quality collector cars on its record-setting stage, including the elegant 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Berlinetta owned by Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jay Kay, lead singer of Jamiroquai, an outstanding 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra and Prince Louis Napoleon's 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio. All three of these early consignments represent what today's savviest collectors desire most: authenticity, provenance, beauty and history.

"Our team of experts has a deep understanding of the best, the rarest, the most beautiful and the highest quality cars," says David Gooding, President and founder. "Therefore, we tailor all of our sales, including the Pebble Beach Auction, with exceptional consignments such as the Maserati A6G/54, Bugatti Type 57C and Shelby 427 Cobra to capture the international collecting community of buyers and sellers."

One of Gooding & Company's three annual auctions, the two-day Pebble Beach Auction sets the tone every year for the blue chip collector car market by attracting concours-quality cars of provenance and greatness in one room. Demand for the best was clear last year, when Gooding & Company realized $78 million in unprecedented overall sales with the $16.39 million 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype, a world record for a car sold at auction, and the $10.34 million Whittell Coupe Duesenberg, a world record for an American car sold at auction.

1955 Maserati A6G/54 Frua Berlinetta from the collection of Jay Kay of Jamiroquai
A car with little need for introduction, this stunning Maserati A6G/54 debuted in Paris as the 1955 Auto Show car. The Frua bodied Berlinetta with original coachwork has been the longtime property of well-known enthusiast Jay Kay, lead singer of Jamiroquai, the Grammy Award-winning, acid jazz and funk band that has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. Under his ownership, this Maserati has won Best of Show at Salon Privé and has participated in the Mille Miglia Storica more than once. For the first time, it will be presented at auction in Pebble Beach this August. Its estimate is $1.5 - $2 million.

1966 Shelby 427 Cobra
Carroll Shelby's iconic 427 Cobra is indisputably one of the most recognizable and iconic American sports cars ever created. The 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra that will be offered at the Pebble Beach Auctions is just one of 260 road cars produced. An excellent representation of what collectors look for in an authentic Cobra today, CSX 3216 has a genuine, date-coded 427 FE big block engine and has been extensively restored to its original livery of Wimbledon White over an original, beautifully-patinated, black interior. The car is equipped with a complete file of documentation dating back to its first owner. Its estimate is $750,000 - $950,000.

Prince Louis Napoleon's 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio
Under the pseudonym Louis De Montfort, Prince Louis Napoleon received this 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Stelvio from Molsheim on May 10, 1938. Grandson of the nephew of Emperor Napoleon I of France, the famous and highly decorated prince favored Bugattis, reputedly having owned close to three dozen in his lifetime, and this genuine, matching-numbers, black and cream Type 57C (supercharged from new) was the last one he purchased before leaving to serve in the war. From new, Napoleon specified that Bugatti add a Cotal gearbox and Houdaille shock absorbers, two rare and significant additions that remain on the car today. Its estimate is $1.3 - $1.6 million.

Gooding & Company's 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions will take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 18 & 19 at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center, located at the corner of Portola Road and Stevenson Drive. Preview days will start on Wednesday, August 15 continuing through Sunday, August 19. The auctions will commence at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gooding & Company's Pebble Beach Auctions catalogues are available for $100 and admit two to the viewing and the auctions. General admission tickets to the viewing and auctions may be purchased on site for $40. Auctions are broadcast live from Gooding & Company's website. Bidder registration forms, press credentials and additional auction information are also available on http://www.goodingco.com or by calling (310) 899-1960. For additional vehicle information and up-to-the-minute results, follow Gooding & Company on Facebook and Twitter @GoodingCompany.

About Gooding & Company
Gooding & Company, internationally celebrated for its world-class automotive auctions, provides unparalleled service in the collector car market, offering a wide range of services including private and estate sales, appraisals and collection management. In the past two years, Gooding & Company has realized the most prestigious automotive records in the world for a Car Sold at Auction with the iconic 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype at $16.39 million, an American Car at Auction with the 1931 Whittell Coupe Duesenberg Model J at $10.34 million, and the undisclosed private treaty sale of the world's Most Valuable Car with the 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. The auction house has realized extraordinary results thus far in 2012 at its annual Scottsdale Auctions in January with more than $39.8 million in sales and 98% sold, and its annual Amelia Island Auction in March with more than $36 million in sales and 91% sold. Renowned for its annual standing as the official auction house for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Gooding & Company will return to Pebble Beach, California on August 18 & 19, 2012.

Via: Gooding & Company

Read More