For the first time since it was purchased by the Fiat Group back in 1990, Maserati has recorded a profit. In the second quarter of this year, the Italian exotic automaker earned a €1 million trading profit, though that doesn't count special one-off items that could increase or decrease that amount. Just for reference, in Q2 2006, the brand lost €7 million.
We're actually surprised that Maserati made money without the help of the upcoming GranTurismo touring coupe, which will most certainly help the company end up for the year as a whole after we predict it starts selling like hot cakes by the end of this month. Instead, it seems the Maserati Quattroporte Automatic had the biggest impact on the brand's bottom line, helping to improve sales nearly 40% so far this year.
With the Quattroporte Automatic appealing to a wider audience, the sexy GranTurismo on deck and a cabriolet version that's certainly in the works, Maserati's future is looking much brighter than its 17-year track record of losses would suggest.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AlexP @ Jul 24th 2007 1:48PM
Oddly enough I only learned that Maserati existed as car brand sometime during Q2 of this year (there's only one model for sale here and I've never had a chance to see one in person.
Mike I @ Jul 24th 2007 5:33PM
Well where do you live? lol "here" is kinda vague.
Enrico Pederzolli @ Jul 25th 2007 7:44AM
Hi Alex,
If you want to know more about what has happened to Maserati in the past 97 years, look no further than www.maserati-alfieri.co.uk
You'll learn a lot.
Enjoy,
Enrico.
fizzandpop @ Jul 24th 2007 1:53PM
This is a sign of the apocalypse.
Phillip @ Jul 24th 2007 2:22PM
I want that GranTurismo, such a lovely looking beast...
felipe @ Jul 24th 2007 2:29PM
maserati hasn't turned a profit in 17 yrs???
talk about hanging on to a pal, Fiat deserves a medal.
ckm @ Jul 24th 2007 2:37PM
It's probably the first time in it's history. IRC, Maserati went bankrupt at least 5 times, once right after the 250F won basically everything. I don't think the company's ever been truly profitable....
Chris.
Mike @ Jul 24th 2007 2:47PM
The GranTurismo is gonna send those profits into the stratosphere. That car is INCREDIBLE...
AlexP @ Jul 24th 2007 3:14PM
I doubt it, since all the rich people out there seem to prefer bland Lexuses by far.
Mike I @ Jul 24th 2007 5:38PM
New rich... Exotics... Leased.
Old rich... S classes, LS's and 7 series... Owned.
Don @ Jul 24th 2007 3:32PM
I'll tell you what helped: the Quattroporte popping up on shows like "Entourage".
Don @ Jul 24th 2007 3:38PM
I bet having the Quattroporte on shows like "Entourage" helped.
OC Rider @ Jul 24th 2007 8:28PM
No one shall mention any further "Entourage."