Stellantis Evaluates Maserati Divestment Amid 45% Sales Drop

Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker, is reportedly evaluating the potential divestment of its luxury Italian brand, Maserati. This strategic consideration comes amidst a backdrop of significant challenges facing the global automotive industry, including the anticipated increase in U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles and the intensifying competition from Chinese automakers. These factors are putting considerable pressure on the multinational car manufacturer.

Under the leadership of Chairman John Elkann, Stellantis has engaged McKinsey & Company to develop new strategic plans for its two luxury brands, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. This move is part of a broader effort to optimize the company's portfolio and enhance operational efficiency in the face of a rapidly changing market landscape.

Maserati, in particular, is facing a challenging market environment. According to the latest financial reports for 2024, the brand's global delivery volume has plummeted to 14,725 units, a significant drop from 26,689 units in 2023. This sharp decline in sales can be attributed to several factors, including the underperformance of the core model, the Grecale, and a shift in consumer preferences in China towards domestic new energy vehicle brands. Additionally, the slow pace of product updates and the deliberate reduction of inventory have further impacted Maserati's performance.

In response to market speculation, Stellantis has officially denied any plans to sell Maserati. However, the company has not provided further details on the strategic evaluation process. Industry analysts suggest that as the automotive sector accelerates its transition to electric vehicles and faces heightened geopolitical risks, Stellantis will need to optimize its brand portfolio and improve operational efficiency. The future of Maserati will serve as a case study for how multinational automakers can navigate the evolving global automotive landscape.