An Italian legend with a global reach
When it comes to luxury sports cars, Maserati invariably occupies one of the central places in this elite club. Founded over a century ago in Italy, the brand has become a symbol of speed, sophistication and engineering excellence. But who is behind the production of these masterpieces today? The answer may surprise: despite its Italian origin, the geography of the assembly spread far beyond the Apennines.
From 2021 Maserati officially part of the transnational concern Stellantis - the result of the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA group. This means that the brand's production facilities are now integrated into a global network of factories, while maintaining the unique Italian character of each model. In this article we will look at where exactly they collect Maserati, how the geography of production has changed over the past decades and what models are produced at certain enterprises.
It is important to understand that even with changes in ownership and expansion of geography, Maserati remains true to its roots. The company's main office is still located in Modena, and key models such as Quattroporte and Ghibli, assembled in historic Italian factories. However, globalization dictates its own rules: some models (for example, Levante and Grecale) are now produced outside of Italy to optimize logistics and reduce costs.
Historical background: from an independent brand to part of Stellantis
History Maserati began in 1914, when the Maserati brothers - Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore and Ernesto - founded the company in Bologna Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati. Initially, the company specialized in the production of spare parts for cars, but already in 1926 the first racing car was introduced Maserati Tipo 26. This moment is considered to be the official birth of the brand.
Over the next decades Maserati has cemented its reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports and racing cars. However, financial difficulties led to a change of owners: in 1968 the company was absorbed Citroën, and then, after bankruptcy, came under control De Tomaso in 1975. In 1993 Maserati became part of the concern Fiat, which marked a new stage in its development.
Key milestones in the brand's history:
- 🏁 1926 - debut of the first car Tipo 26 with the trident emblem (symbol of Bologna).
- 🏆 1957 - winning the race 1000 km Nürburgring on the model Maserati 450S.
- 💼 1993 - purchase by company Fiat and the beginning of integration with Ferrari.
- 🌍 2021 — education Stellantis and a new round of globalization of production.
Today Maserati is not just a car brand, but part of a huge corporation, which also includes Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Chrysler, Peugeot and other brands. However, despite this, Italian heritage remains a key element of the company's identity.
Main plant in Modena: the heart of Maserati production
If we talk about who produces Maserati in the classical sense, then there is only one answer - plant in Modena (Italy). This is a historical enterprise located at Viale Ciro Menotti, 322, is the brand's flagship production hub. The most famous models, including the sedan, are assembled here Quattroporte and sports coupe GranTurismo.
The Modena plant was opened in 1939 and since then has undergone many modernizations. Today it is a high-tech enterprise where the manual labor of craftsmen is combined with advanced robotic systems. For example, car bodies are welded by robots, but interior trim and final assembly are carried out manually - this guarantees the same Italian charm, for which they appreciate Maserati.
The Modena plant is the only place where flagship models are assembled Quattroporte and GranTurismo. The traditional approach to assembly is preserved here, which emphasizes the exclusivity of the cars.
Interesting fact: the same company previously produced models Ferrari, such as 360 Modena and 456M, which underlines the close connection between the two Italian brands. Today the plant in Modena operates in two shifts and produces approximately 20–25 thousand cars per year, which by the standards of the premium segment is considered a small edition.
Among the features of the plant:
- 🤖 Robotic body welding followed by manual finishing.
- 🎨 Individual interior decoration according to the client's order (more than 100 leather options and 50 shades of paint).
- 🔧 Test site at the factory to inspect each vehicle before shipment.
Other Italian enterprises: Turin and Giglione
In addition to Modena, there are two more key enterprises in Italy involved in production Maserati:
- Plant in Turin (Grugliasco) — the crossover has been assembled here since 2016 Maserati Levante. This company previously belonged to Fiat and was modernized specifically for the needs of the premium brand. The plant capacity is approx. 30 thousand cars per year.
- Plant in Giglion (Grugliasco) is a small enterprise where final assembly and customization of cars is carried out. The best specialists in interior finishing and engine tuning work here.
The plant in Turin deserves special attention. He was selected for production Levante no coincidence: models were previously produced here Alfa Romeo and Lancia, and the infrastructure made it possible to quickly repurpose production to meet the needs Maserati. Today it is one of the most automated enterprises of the group Stellantiswhere the system is used Industry 4.0 with digital quality control.
Why is the Levante assembled in Turin and not Modena?
The main reason is logistics. The plant in Turin has better transport links with ports and railways, which reduces the cost of exporting crossovers to the USA and Asia. In addition, Modena's capacity was busy with the production of sedans and coupes, and demand for Levante required a separate line.
In Gilon, in turn, there is a division Maserati Corse, which prepares racing versions of cars. Limited editions are also put through their finishing touches here, such as MC20 in the back Cielo.
Foreign factories: USA and Mexico
With the expansion of the model range and growing demand for crossovers Maserati began to develop foreign production sites. Today, some cars are assembled outside of Italy:
1. Plant in Detroit (USA, Michigan) — a crossover has been produced here since 2022 Maserati Grecale on the same platform as Alfa Romeo Tonale. This company belongs to Stellantis and was previously used for production Jeep and Chrysler.
2. Plant in Toluca (Mexico) — from 2023 it will be partially assembled here Maserati Levante for the North American market. This is due to US trade policy, where local assembly avoids high import duties.
The decision to move part of the production overseas was dictated by several factors:
- 💰 Cost reduction for logistics and customs duties.
- 📦 Acceleration of deliveries to key markets (USA and Canada).
- 🔄 Production flexibility — the ability to quickly respond to changes in demand.
If you buy Maserati Levante in the USA, check the VIN: if the car is built in Mexico, it will have a factory code 3C (Toluca) instead of Italian ZAM (Modena).
Critics point out that moving production overseas could impact perceived quality brand. However, the company says that all key components (engines, transmissions, interiors) are still sourced from Italy, with overseas factories only responsible for final assembly.
Who supplies components for Maserati?
Manufacturing a car is a complex process that involves hundreds of suppliers. Maserati is no exception: despite its premium status, the brand actively cooperates with external companies. Here are the key partners:
| Type of components | Main suppliers | Examples of parts |
|---|---|---|
| Engines | Ferrari (until 2018), VM Motori, Stellantis | V6 and V8 for Quattroporte, Ghibli, Levante |
| Transmissions | ZF Friedrichshafen | 8-speed automatic 8HP for most models |
| Electronics | Bosch, Continental, Magna | ADAS systems, multimedia complexes MTC+ |
| Interiors | Faurecia, Gruppo Mastrotto (leather materials) | Ventilated seats, heated steering wheels |
| Chassis and suspension | Brembo, KW Suspensions | Brake systems CCM, adaptive shock absorbers |
Particular attention should be paid to engines. Until 2018 Maserati used motors from Ferrari (for example, the legendary V8 in GranTurismo). However, after the reorganization of the concern, it was decided to switch to its own power units, developed within the framework Stellantis. New generation of engines such as Nettuno V6 (installed on MC20), is created from scratch and is positioned as completely “Maserat”.
If you choose between Ghibli with engine Ferrari (until 2018) and a new version with a motor Stellantis, please note: the former are considered more reliable, but the latter comply with modern environmental standards Euro 6d.
Interesting fact: some details for Maserati come from unexpected sources. For example, steering wheels for limited editions manufactured by the company Momo, known for its racing accessories, and audio systems are being developed in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins.
How to distinguish an original Maserati from a “gray” import?
With the growing popularity of the brand, many cars appeared on the market, imported bypassing official dealers. Such machines often have a dubious history and may be assembled in uncertified factories. Here key features, which you should pay attention to when purchasing:
☑️ Maserati authentication
Pay special attention VIN code. For official cars it starts with:
- ZAM - plant in Modena (Italy).
- 3C - plant in Toluca (Mexico).
- 1C - plant in Detroit (USA).
If the VIN starts with other characters (for example, XTA or VF3), this may indicate that the car was assembled at a contract factory or is a replica. Also worth checking engine and body numbers — they must match the data in the vehicle title and service book.
Before purchasing, ask the seller for a report CarVertical or Carfax. It must contain the complete history of the car, including data on accidents, mileage and country of original registration.
Another important point - warranty service. Official dealers Maserati provide a warranty of 4 years or 100,000 km (depending on the model). If the seller cannot provide documentation of a warranty or service history, this is a reason to be wary.
The future of Maserati production: electrification and new factories
By 2026 Maserati plans to fully electrify its lineup. This means that production facilities will be modernized to produce electric cars. Several key changes are already known today:
1. New plant in Cassino (Italy) — production of an electric crossover began here in 2023 Maserati Grecale Folgore. The enterprise is equipped with new lines for the assembly of batteries and electric motors.
2. Partnership with Dallara — an Italian engineering company is helping to develop lightweight bodies for electric vehicles, which is critical for maintaining dynamic performance.
3. Expansion of the plant in Modena - production of the electric version will be established here GranTurismo Folgore, which promises acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
I wonder what Maserati does not plan to completely abandon the internal combustion engine. In the coming years, the brand will offer hybrid versions of its models, as well as limited editions with traditional engines for collectors. For example, MC20 with V6 Nettuno will be produced in parallel with the electric version.
By 2028 Maserati plans that 100% of its lineup will have an electric or hybrid powertrain. However, classic models with internal combustion engines will remain in production in limited quantities.
Among the future new products:
- ⚡ Maserati GranCabrio Folgore - electric convertible based on MC20.
- 🔋 Maserati Quattroporte Folgore — a flagship sedan with a power reserve of more than 600 km.
- 🚗 New compact crossover (code name Project M24) to compete with Porsche Macan Electric.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Maserati production
Where is Maserati Quattroporte assembled?
Maserati Quattroporte assembled exclusively at the factory in Modena (Italy). This is the only company where this model is produced. When purchasing, pay attention to the VIN code: it must begin with ZAM.
Is it true that Maserati is now owned by the Chinese?
No, it's a myth. Maserati is part of the concern Stellantis (a merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA), which is registered in the Netherlands. Chinese investors do not control the brand, although part of the shares Stellantis traded on an exchange and may be owned by international funds.
Which Maserati models are assembled in Mexico?
A crossover is partially assembled in Mexico (plant in Toluca) Maserati Levante for the North American market. However, key components (engine, transmission) are still supplied from Italy. Full assembly Levante for Europe and Asia is carried out in Turin.
Will Maserati be assembled in Russia?
At the moment we have Stellantis no plans to open factories Maserati in Russia. Until 2022, the possibility of contract assembly at the facilities was considered GAS in Nizhny Novgorod, but the project was frozen. Now all cars for the Russian market are imported from Italy or Mexico.
How can I check where my Maserati is assembled?
You can find out the assembly location by VIN code:
ZAM— Modena, Italy.3C— Toluca, Mexico.1C— Detroit, USA.
Information can also be clarified through the official service Maserati VIN Decoder or at the dealer.