Who Owns Maserati? The History and Current Ownership Explained

Maserati is a name synonymous with luxury, performance, and Italian automotive excellence. But who exactly owns Maserati today, and how has its ownership evolved over the years? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Maserati’s history, its current ownership, and the impact that ownership has on the brand’s direction and performance. If you’re a car enthusiast or just curious about who holds the reins of this iconic marque, read on.

A Brief History of Maserati

Maserati was founded in 1914 by the Maserati brothers—Alfieri, Ettore, and Ernesto—in Bologna, Italy. Initially, the company focused on building race cars, and it quickly gained recognition for its engineering prowess and performance on the track. Throughout its history, Maserati has undergone several changes in ownership, which have had a significant impact on the brand’s identity and direction.

In the 1960s, Maserati was purchased by Citroën, the French automaker, which led to a period of expansion and innovation. Under Citroën, Maserati developed new technologies and introduced models that were ahead of their time, such as the Maserati Bora, the brand’s first mid-engine car. However, by the mid-1970s, financial struggles at Citroën led to Maserati being sold off. Alejandro de Tomaso, an Argentinian entrepreneur known for his work in the automotive industry, took control of Maserati, marking a new era for the brand.

The de Tomaso era saw Maserati focus on more affordable luxury cars, including the launch of the Maserati Biturbo, a car that helped bring the brand to a wider audience. However, the financial challenges persisted, and by the 1990s, Maserati was acquired by the Fiat Group. Fiat’s acquisition was pivotal in stabilizing the brand and allowing it to expand its lineup, emphasizing luxury sports cars that blended performance and style.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Maserati underwent significant changes under Fiat’s ownership, with Ferrari taking an active role in Maserati’s operations. Ferrari’s involvement brought much-needed technical expertise and investment, leading to the development of new models that revitalized the brand’s image. The collaboration resulted in a range of vehicles that showcased Maserati’s commitment to both luxury and high-performance engineering.

Current Ownership: Who Owns Maserati Today?

Today, Maserati is owned by Stellantis, a multinational automotive company formed in January 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group. Stellantis is one of the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, with a portfolio that includes iconic brands such as Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Jeep, and Dodge, alongside Maserati.

Stellantis’ ownership has given Maserati access to a wider range of resources, including cutting-edge technology and a global distribution network. This allows Maserati to stay competitive in the luxury and performance car market. The merger also provides Maserati with opportunities to benefit from the shared research and development capabilities of Stellantis, particularly in areas like electrification, autonomous driving, and advanced connectivity features.

Under Stellantis, Maserati is part of a strategic plan that focuses on leveraging synergies between the different brands within the group. This means that Maserati can take advantage of Stellantis’ economies of scale, from shared platforms and powertrains to joint research initiatives. This collaborative approach helps Maserati maintain its luxury status while adopting innovative technologies more efficiently.

How Stellantis Influences Maserati’s Future

Under Stellantis, Maserati has set ambitious goals for its future, focusing on both innovation and heritage. Maserati aims to be a leading player in the luxury electric vehicle market, and Stellantis’ resources are helping to bring this vision to life. Maserati’s recent models, such as the Maserati MC20, showcase the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge technology, high performance, and luxury.

The Maserati MC20, a high-performance supercar, marks a significant milestone for the brand. It features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and a powerful Nettuno engine that incorporates Formula 1 technology, highlighting Maserati’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation. The MC20 is not only a statement of Maserati’s engineering capabilities but also a symbol of its renewed commitment to its racing heritage.

Maserati has also introduced its Folgore lineup, which consists of electric versions of its popular models. The brand plans to transition to offering fully electric variants by 2030, aligning with Stellantis’ broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality and transforming its lineup to meet the needs of an evolving automotive market. This focus on electrification is part of Stellantis’ strategy to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry, where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important.

Stellantis’ commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in Maserati’s future plans. Maserati has announced that its entire lineup will feature electric options, with models such as the Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante all receiving electric versions. The upcoming Maserati GranTurismo Folgore will be the brand’s first all-electric sports car, blending the classic styling and luxury that Maserati is known for with cutting-edge electric powertrain technology.

Maserati’s Place in Stellantis’ Brand Portfolio

Within the Stellantis group, Maserati holds a unique position as the flagship luxury brand, emphasizing exclusivity, Italian craftsmanship, and high performance. Maserati’s lineup, which includes the Ghibli, Quattroporte, Levante, and the new MC20, is designed to compete with other luxury automakers like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The brand’s focus on luxury, style, and performance helps it carve out a niche in the high-end automotive market.

Stellantis has also leveraged Maserati’s racing heritage to differentiate the brand in a crowded market. The Maserati MC20, for example, is a supercar that draws on the brand’s storied history in motorsports while incorporating the latest in automotive engineering. Maserati has plans to return to racing with the MC20, further enhancing its brand image and solidifying its association with high-performance vehicles.

The emphasis on performance and craftsmanship helps Maserati stand out, even as it moves towards a future defined by electric powertrains. By combining Italian craftsmanship with modern technology, Maserati aims to maintain its reputation as a producer of aspirational vehicles that offer an unparalleled driving experience.

The Role of Ferrari in Maserati’s Past

It’s important to note that Ferrari also played a significant role in Maserati’s history. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Ferrari—which was under the Fiat umbrella at the time—took control of Maserati, leading to a period of revitalization for the brand. During this time, Ferrari provided technical expertise and shared engine technologies, helping Maserati enhance its lineup of luxury sports cars.

Ferrari’s influence on Maserati was significant, as it helped elevate the brand’s performance capabilities and establish it as a true competitor in the luxury automotive market. Ferrari’s engineering input led to the development of models such as the Maserati GranTurismo and Maserati Quattroporte, which featured Ferrari-derived engines that delivered exceptional power and performance.

While Ferrari no longer has any ownership stake in Maserati, the influence of Ferrari’s engineering can still be seen in some of Maserati’s vehicles. For example, several Maserati models still use engines developed in collaboration with Ferrari, known for their distinctive sound and impressive performance. The legacy of Ferrari’s involvement continues to shape Maserati’s brand identity, particularly in terms of its focus on high-performance luxury cars.

Future Prospects for Maserati

The future for Maserati looks promising under Stellantis’ ownership. With a renewed focus on electrification and sustainability, Maserati is positioning itself as a modern luxury automaker that respects its heritage while embracing future technologies. Upcoming models, such as the Grecale SUV and the fully electric versions of the Quattroporte and Levante, highlight Maserati’s commitment to adapting to the changing automotive landscape.

Maserati’s ambitious plans to electrify its lineup are part of a broader strategy to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers while retaining the brand’s signature luxury and performance characteristics. The combination of Stellantis’ global reach, technological expertise, and Maserati’s iconic Italian design ethos makes the brand well-positioned for success in the luxury automotive segment.

The Maserati Grecale, an all-new SUV, is set to play a significant role in Maserati’s expansion. Positioned below the Levante, the Grecale aims to attract a broader audience while maintaining the luxury and performance expected from Maserati. The Grecale will be available with both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains, showcasing Maserati’s commitment to offering diverse options for consumers.

Maserati also plans to reintroduce itself to the world of motorsports, with the MC20 expected to compete in racing events. This move is part of Maserati’s strategy to leverage its racing heritage and increase brand visibility. The brand’s return to motorsports will not only enhance its reputation but also provide a platform to demonstrate its technological advancements and engineering prowess.

Conclusion

Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis, a global automotive powerhouse formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. This ownership has provided Maserati with access to extensive resources, enabling the brand to pursue an ambitious future focused on luxury, performance, and electrification. Maserati’s evolution—from its founding by the Maserati brothers to its current status as part of Stellantis—reflects a rich history full of challenges, innovation, and resilience.

With Stellantis backing its efforts, Maserati is poised to remain a significant player in the luxury automotive market, continuing to deliver high-performance vehicles that reflect both its storied past and its forward-looking aspirations. Maserati’s focus on electrification, sustainability, and performance ensures that it will remain relevant in an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

Whether you’re interested in classic Maserati models or the future of luxury electric vehicles, Maserati’s journey is one of passion, heritage, and innovation. As the brand moves forward under Stellantis’ guidance, it remains committed to delivering vehicles that embody the perfect balance of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The combination of Maserati’s storied heritage and Stellantis’ resources and expertise makes the future of this iconic brand an exciting one to watch.