Published: Nov 29, 2011

Marchionne Talks Maserati: 3 New Models Coming in Quick Succession

Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne spoke to Car about the future of Maserati in London.

Maserati will release three new models in quick succession, according to Fiat head Sergio Marchionne. Speaking to Car after the CBI business conference in London, he confirmed a smaller Maserati, Kubang SUV (pictured) based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and a successor to the Quattroporte would all be on the way soon. He said as much during the interview, commenting: "Maserati will increase its volumes by having three cars... [including] a much smaller four-door."

Marchionne Talks Maserati: 3 New Models Coming in Quick Succession

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He continued: "The donor architecture is the [Chrysler] 300, but the suspension is completely different and the engines are totally Ferrari/Maserati." Confirming they will be released in quick succession, we expect the Quattroporte successor to come first as there is plenty of carryover from their Italian plant where they produce the car. "We are being a bit secretive over what you get first because it has implications for the industrial footprint of the group. You see, there is a site in Modena that makes the Quattroporte, there's some debate what happens to that plant after Quattroporte."

Marchionne continued: "There is sufficient commonality in what we're doing between the smaller car and the bigger one that we can do what we want." The Kubang SUV would then follow and then finally the E-segment Maser. In regards to production, Marchionne has also confirmed that the sedans will continue to be built in Italy while the SUV will be built in the U.S, specifically at a Jeep facility. Car also asked Marchionne what he thought about Alfa Romeo possibly being sold by Fiat to Volkswagen. He rebuffed their advances, saying "Alfa in Volkswagen's hands would not be Alfa." That is, unless the price is right.