Who makes Maserati: from the family workshop to Stellantis

When it comes to Italian luxuryThe name Maserati inevitably comes to mind. The brand, whose Neptune trident logo is recognized by those far from the motor world, has been associated for decades with impeccable engineering and sporting character. But behind the facade of fame lies a complex corporate history that has seen owners, production strategies, and even the geography of key factories change.

Today. Maserati It is part of one of the world’s largest automakers, but the company’s roots go back to the early twentieth century. Many motorists mistakenly believe that the production of cars is fully automated on giant conveyors, like those we see in the mass market. In fact, manufacturing. exclusive models retains a significant share of manual labor and unique assembly technologies, which forms their high cost.

In this article, we will examine in detail who is behind the wheel of the company these days, where exactly these legendary cars are assembled and how the brand ownership structure has changed. You'll find out why. factory The company remains the heart of the company, despite globalization, and the impact of the merger with the giant corporation on product quality.

Modern owner: Stellantis Corporation

The answer to the question of “who is is issuing Maserati” is in the plane of large corporate mergers. Since January 2021, the brand is owned by the international automotive concern. Stellantis. This structure was formed as a result of the merger of two powerful players: the French-Italian group PSA (Peugeot-Citroën) and the American-Italian holding FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). It was the FCA that owned Maserati until the merger.

The entry into Stellantis was a turning point for the brand. On the one hand, it opened access to huge financial resources and advanced developments in the field of energy. electrification and digital platforms. On the other hand, enthusiasts worried that the brand’s personality could dissolve into mass production. However, the management strategy aims to see Maserati take the position of an "affordable suite" within the group, competing with Porsche and BMW.

The brand is managed through a separate division that oversees not only Maserati, but also other premium assets of the group, such as Alfa Romeo. This allows you to maintain a specific engineeringIt is typical for Italian sports cars, using common platforms to reduce costs. For example, some units and assemblies may be unified, but configuration and assembly remain the prerogative of Maserati.

Despite its international status, the operational management and key model decisions are still made in Italy. This ensures that DNA It will not be lost in favor of global process optimization.

Historic Roots: The Alfieri Brothers and the Bologna Factory

To understand who makes Maserati, you need to go back to the beginnings when the company was not part of giant conglomerates. The founders of the legendary brand were the Maserati brothers: Alfieri, Bindo, Ettore and Ernesto. It was in 1914 that Bologna was founded. Officine Alfieri Maserati. At first, the company was not engaged in the production of its own cars, but tuning and preparing cars of other brands for racing.

The first car under the brothers’ name, the Maserati Tipo 26, was released in 1926. This car immediately declared itself a victory in the races, which laid the foundation. sporting philosophy brand. For many years, the Bologna plant was the only place where these masterpieces of engineering were born. Here, in cramped workshops, enthusiastic engineers created engines that later became legends of motorsport.

It is important to note the role of Ernesto Maserati, who was the chief engineer and in fact the "brain" of the company in the first decades. He led the development of the famous 6CM, 8CM and A6 models. These cars were not only fast, but also incredible for the time. technologically.

Why is the Maserati logo a trident?

The logo was designed by Mario Maserati, one of the brothers who was an artist. He was inspired by the statue of Neptune in the Square Maggiore in Bologna. The trident symbolizes strength and energy, as well as a connection with the founding city, where this symbol is part of the coat of arms.

The Maserati brothers’ period of independence ended in 1937 when they sold the company to the Adolfo Orsi family. However, it was the years of work in Bologna that formed the handwritingIt is something we value in the brand to this day.

The Age of Adolfo Orsi and the Modena Modena

A new chapter in the brand’s history, answering the question of “where and by whom Maserati is produced”, began with the purchase of the company by industrialist Adolfo Orsi. In 1937 he acquired the business from the Maserati brothers and made the strategic decision to move production from Bologna to Modena. This city, located in the Emilia-Romagna region, still remains today. global headquarters stamps.

Modena allowed to scale production and introduce more modern for the time assembly methods. Orsi set out to not only build racing cars, but also create luxury road cars for the wealthy public. So there were models that combined in themselves. racing-driven and the comfort of gran-turismo.

In the postwar years, the Modena plant became a symbol of the restoration of Italian industry. Outstanding designers and engineers worked here, creating such masterpieces as the A6GCS and the 3500 GT. The 3500 GT was the first production car of the brand, marking the beginning of the era. GT coupeThe series that Maserati has produced with varying success to this day.

The Orsi family owned the company until 1968, when it sold a controlling stake to Citroën. Despite the change of ownership, the Modena plant remained the only place where all cars were finalized and debugged. This highlights the importance of location for conservation. brand authenticity.

Geography of production: where are Maserati assembled today

In today’s globalized world, car production is often dispersed across countries. Maserati, however, remains true to its Italian roots, albeit with some exceptions. The main production center is still the Modena plant, but other sites were used for some models.

Let’s look at the main production sites of the brand:

• 🏭 Viale Ciro Menotti (Modena) The most exclusive models are hand-assembled here, such as the MC20 and GranTurismo. It is the heart of a company where every car is thoroughly inspected.
• 🏭 The plant in Graliasco (Turin): For a long time, this site, owned by Pininfarina, was engaged in the assembly of the Quattroporte and Ghibli models. However, as part of the optimization of processes, production here was curtailed or repurposed.
• 🏭 Cassino factory: At the Stellantis plant, some components or components have been assembled at certain times to ensure supply chain flexibility.

Particular attention should be paid to the plant. Viale Ciro Menotti. Unlike fully automated mass-market lines, assembly is largely done manually. Qualified masters assemble engines, install interiors and conduct final fine-tuning. This approach allows us to maintain a high level of finishing-qualityExpected from a luxury brand.

It is important to understand that even if some components are manufactured outside Italy (e.g. electronics or separate powertrain units), final assembly and setup always takes place in Italian factories. This is a key condition for maintaining the status Made in Italy.

Model evolution and key milestones

Over its nearly century-long history, Maserati has produced a number of iconic cars, each reflecting the spirit of its time and the technological capabilities of the era. From racing prototypes to luxury sedans, the brand’s journey has been saturated with innovation.

The table below presents some of the most important models that have defined the face of a company:

Model	Years of issue	Key feature	Body type
Maserati A6	1947–1956	The first post-war car	Coupe/Cabriolet
Maserati 3500 GT	1957–1964	First production GT	coupe
Maserati Ghibli (I)	1967–1973	Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro	coupe
Maserati Quattroporte	From 1963 to the present.	Combination of sports and luxury sedan	sedan
Maserati MC20	From 2020 to the present.	Return to supercars, the engine of Nettuno	Supercar

Model Quattroporte deserves special attention. This is one of the first four-door cars in the world, which was able to combine the capacity of a full-fledged sedan and the dynamics of a sports car. The release of this model has been going on for several generations, which indicates the success of the concept.

These days, the brand is betting on a model. MC20This marks the return of Maserati to the top segment of the supercar. This car is equipped with a proprietary engine. NettunoThis will emphasize the engineering independence of the company in the creation of power units.

Engines and technology: the heart of the Italian beast

One of the main prides of Maserati has always been the engines. The company has long collaborated with Ferrari, using their V8 and V12 engines. However, in recent years, the strategy has changed, and Maserati has returned to self-development of power plants.

Modern engines such as the V6 and V8 series TrofeoThe project is being developed by Maserati engineers in Modena. They differ in the characteristic sound, which is achieved thanks to the special design of the exhaust system and the setting of the valves. The sound of the Maserati engine is not just noise, it is noise. acousticIt is something that fans around the world will recognize.

⚠️ Note: Maserati engines, especially the V8 series, are extremely sensitive to oil quality and replacement intervals. Neglect of the maintenance regulations can lead to expensive repairs of turbines and lubrication system.

An important step was the introduction of technology combustion chamber It's in a Nettuno engine. This allows achieving high power and efficiency of fuel combustion, remaining within the framework of modern environmental standards. This technology has previously been used only in Formula 1 racing cars.

The brand is also moving towards electrification. Plans have already been announced to release fully electric versions of popular models such as the GranTurismo Folgore. This requires the restructuring of production lines and the introduction of new competencies in the field of work with the company. high-voltage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Maserati part of Ferrari?

Maserati and Ferrari are independent companies, although their stories overlap. Ferrari was spun off from Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) into a separate public company. Maserati remained with the Stellantis. Ferrari previously supplied engines for Maserati, but now the brands develop their power units independently.

Where is the main Maserati factory located?

The main production center and headquarters are located in Modena, Italy, on Viale Ciro Menotti. It is here that the most exclusive models are assembled and the final acceptance of all the cars of the brand is carried out.

Why is Maserati considered a luxury brand?

Luxury status is due to the use of premium materials (leather, carbon, aluminum), manual assembly of a significant part of the units, limited production and high engine performance. In addition, the brand has a rich racing history, which adds to its value in the eyes of collectors.

Who owns Maserati in 2026?

In 2026, Maserati is owned by the international automaker Stellantis, formed by the merger of PSA Group and FCA. The brand is part of the premium segment of the company’s portfolio alongside Alfa Romeo.

Are Maserati produced in China or the United States?

All Maserati cars are assembled exclusively in Italy. The main plants are located in Modena and Turin. This is an important part of the marketing strategy and the quality guarantee of Made in Italy. China or the US may only have assembly lines for the local market in rare cases of joint ventures in the past, but the bulk of the flow comes from Italy.