Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati sees a promising future for itself in India, envisioning the country as a potential addition to its top ten global markets in the near term. Philippe Claverol, Maserati’s Head of Overseas Markets, expressed this optimistic outlook following the launch of the GranTurismo model, which carries a starting price of Rs 2.72 crore. The company is also exploring the viability of introducing its electric vehicle lineup in India.
Claverol emphasized that the company’s focus is not on achieving high sales volumes but rather on reaching a significant market presence. “Maserati is a luxury brand, so our goal isn’t to achieve massive volumes. For us, a successful market is one where we can sell around 500 cars annually,” he explained. He is confident that India could potentially reach this target within a few years.
Despite this, Claverol stressed that high sales figures are not the sole objective for Maserati. Currently, Maserati’s primary markets include North America, Italy, Switzerland, China, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and the UAE. India, with fewer than 50 units sold last year, is still considered a minor market in comparison.
However, Claverol noted that India holds significant value for the company. “India is a land of entrepreneurs, with around 80 percent of our Indian clientele being entrepreneurs,” he pointed out. He further highlighted the country’s strong appreciation for luxury products, suggesting that this cultural affinity aligns well with Maserati’s brand.
To bolster its presence in India, the company is expanding its dealership network. In addition to its existing showroom in Mumbai, the company inaugurated a new dealership in the national capital on Friday and plans to open another one in Bengaluru later this year.
Claverol remarked that the North Indian market appears to be larger than the Mumbai market, while Bengaluru is seen as a crucial third pillar in Maserati’s strategy. “This expansion is driven by our aim to be present in key markets with substantial volume potential,” he noted.
Regarding the electric vehicle segment, the company is evaluating the feasibility of introducing its Folgore range in India. “We already have electric versions of our conventional engine models under the Folgore range globally,” Claverol said.
The company plans to assess market conditions, train personnel and technicians, and develop appropriate offerings and pricing strategies before launching the electric vehicles in India. Although a specific timeline for the launch has not been set, Claverol expressed eagerness, stating, “The sooner we can introduce these cars, the better. The vehicles are ready for launch.”
Maserati is an esteemed Italian luxury car manufacturer renowned for its high-performance vehicles and elegant designs. With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and innovation, the company delivers premium sports cars and SUVs that blend style with power. Committed to luxury and exclusivity, the brand caters to discerning clients worldwide, embodying sophistication and cutting-edge technology.
