While step-sibling rivalries are funny on television and in the movies, reality can be much more grim. Just ask Maserati. The Italian automaker, well-known for its supra-luxury cars, faces an uncertain future.

The news is surprising. 2005 brought record sales for the company with U.S. sales up 53-percent. But in an interview with The Car Connection, Maserati CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell said that expected sales will fall short of the goal of 10,000 units sold by 2007 or ’08. The problem, according to Kalbfell, is the current product lineup and market penetration.

Unfortunately, increasing both will be difficult for the company. Maserati is currently owned by Fiat, who also owns former rival Ferrari. Alfa Romeo is also a unit of Fiat, who has been shifting control and resources between all three subsidiaries. Kalbfell believes Maserati needs a new entry-level model, and an even more exclusive vehicle above its well-received Quattroporte (pictured). If and when the automaker get the green-light remains a matter of speculation. (And Ferrari’s recent financial report won't make matters any clearer.)

[Source: The Car Connection]