When it comes to luxury cars with Italian temperament, Maserati is one of the first names that comes to mind. The brand is associated with exclusivity, speed and impeccable design, but many still wonder: Maserati - whose brand and what country does it belong to? The answer seems obvious - Italy, but the history of the brand is much more complex than just a geographical reference.
Today Maserati is part of the concern Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), but its roots go back to the beginning of the 20th century, when six Maserati brothers founded the company in Bologna. Over the past century, the brand has survived changes of owners, financial crises and even temporary withdrawal from the market, but has always remained a symbol of the Italian automobile industry. In this article we will figure out who runs the brand today, how the country of origin influences its identity, and why Maserati remains one of the most desirable brands among connoisseurs of premium cars.
Who founded Maserati: family history and the first steps of the brand
Origins Maserati closely connected with family Maserati - six brothers whose names are forever inscribed in the history of motorsport. Big brother Carlo Maserati, born in 1881 in a small town Voghera (Italy) and from his youth he was interested in mechanics. In 1914 he founded the company in Bologna Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati, which was originally involved in modifying cars Diatto for racing. However, the real start for the brand was given by his younger brother - Alfieri Maserati, who after the death of Carlo in 1919 headed the company.
The first car under the brand Maserati — Tipo 26 - appeared in 1926. It was a racing car with a 1.5-liter engine that immediately proved its competitiveness by winning the race Targa Florio in the class up to 1500 cc. see. The symbol of the brand has become trident of Neptune, inspired by the fountain in Piazza Bologna - suggested by the artist Mario Maserati, another one of the brothers. This logo has remained unchanged for almost a century.
- 🏁 1926 - debut Tipo 26, the first Maserati model.
- 👨👩👧👦 Six brothers: Carlo, Bido, Alfieri, Ettore, Ernesto and Mario.
- 🏆 Racing roots: Maserati originally created cars for motorsports.
I wonder what's up 1937 the company was officially called Officine Alfieri Maserati, and after Alfieri's death 1932 the brothers sold a stake in the business to the family Orsi, which took production to a new level. This period was a turning point: Maserati began to produce not only racing cars, but also road cars, while maintaining a sporty spirit.
Maserati today: who owns the brand and how the owners changed
Modern Maserati is part of a global concern Stellantis, but the path to this was long and thorny. After World War II the company encountered financial difficulties and 1968 control of the brand passed to the French concern Citroën. This union lasted until 1975when Maserati went bankrupt and was bought by an Argentine businessman Alejandro de Tomaso.
The de Tomaso era became one of the most controversial in the history of the brand. On the one hand, under his leadership, cult models like Maserati Bora and Maserati Merak, and on the other hand, the build quality left much to be desired. B 1993 Fiat acquired a controlling stake, and 1997 became the full owner. This saved the company from eventual collapse and laid the foundation for its modern revival.
| Year | Owner | Key events |
|---|---|---|
| 1926–1937 | Maserati family | Founding of the brand, production of the first racing cars. |
| 1937–1968 | Orsi family | Expansion of the model range, entry into the global market. |
| 1968–1975 | Citroën | Attempts to integrate with French technologies, financial problems. |
| 1975–1993 | Alejandro de Tomaso | Release of iconic models, but decline in quality. |
| 1993–present time | Fiat Chrysler / Stellantis | Revival of the brand, entry into the SUV market, electrification. |
Today Maserati included in Stellantis - a multinational automaker founded in 2021 after the merger Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. The Stellantis portfolio includes brands such as Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Chrysler and Peugeot, but Maserati remains the flagship of the premium segment. The brand's headquarters are still located in Modena (Italy), and production is concentrated at the plant in Jaliero and Turin.
Italy as a manufacturing country: why is it important for Maserati
Despite the change of owners, Maserati remains an integral part of Italian car culture. Italy is not just the country of registration of the brand, but the source of its DNA: design, engine sound, emotional component of driving. All models Maserati are developed and assembled in Italy, which emphasizes their exclusivity.
One of the key plants is located in Jaliero (province of Modena) - produced here Maserati Quattroporte, Ghibli and Levante. The second important center is Turin, where at capacity Grugliasco collect Maserati Grecale (compact crossover) and is preparing to release the first all-electric model Maserati GranTurismo Folgore. Italy also gives the brand access to unique suppliers: for example, engines for some models are developed jointly with Ferrari (up to 2018), and the bodywork is created by the legendary studio Pininfarina.
- 🏭 Plant in Gialliero: flagship sedans and crossovers.
- 🔧 Collaboration with Ferrari: joint development of engines (until 2018).
- 🎨 Design by Pininfarina: many Maserati models were created with the participation of this studio.
- 🇮🇹 100% Italian assembly: All cars are made in Italy.
However, there are exceptions. For example, Maserati MC20 - a supercar produced in 2020, - is assembled at the same plant in Modena as Ferrari, but this is more a symbol of close cooperation than a loss of identity. It is important to understand that even under the management of an international concern Maserati retains its Italian character, which is confirmed by every detail - from the exhaust sound to the interior leather trim from Poltrona Frau.
When purchasing a used Maserati, be sure to check the service history. Italian cars require special attention to their technical condition, especially when it comes to models before 2010.
Maserati and Ferrari: why these brands are often confused
Due to close historical ties and geographic proximity, many mistakenly believe that Maserati and Ferrari are one brand or subsidiaries of each other. In fact, despite the cooperation, these are two independent manufacturers with different histories. Main differences:
⚠️ Attention: Maserati was never owned by Ferrari, although 1997 to 2005 both brands were part of Fiat Auto. Today they are both part Stellantis, but are managed separately.
- 🏎️ Ferrari is a pure racing brand created by Enzo Ferrari in
1939(the first production car - Ferrari 125 S,1947). - 🏁 Maserati - originally a racing team, but with
1940sactively developed road models. - 🔧 Cooperation: in
2000sFerrari supplied engines to Maserati (for example, Quattroporte V and GranTurismo). - 💰 Pricing policy: Ferrari is positioned as a more exclusive brand, Maserati as “affordable luxury”.
Interesting fact: in 1997when Fiat bought it out Maserati, she also owned Ferrari (up to 2015when Ferrari became an independent company). This allowed the two brands to share technology. For example, engine Ferrari F136 installed on Maserati GranTurismo and Quattroporte, and the platform Maserati Kubang (prototype 2011) formed the basis Levante.
Today Maserati relies on its own developments. For example, a new engine Nettuno V6 (installed on MC20) was developed without the participation of Ferrari and became the first engine entirely created in Modena in recent decades. This is a symbol of a new stage - the brand seeks to emphasize its independence.
Maserati models: from legendary classics to modern innovations
For almost a century of history Maserati has produced dozens of models - from racing cars to luxury sedans. Some of them became legends, others failed in the market, but each left a mark in the history of the automotive industry. Let's look at the key milestones:
- Maserati A6 (1947–1956) - the first post-war car of the brand, equipped with a 1.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This was an attempt to return to road models after years of racing.
- Maserati 3500 GT (1957–1964) - first serial Gran Turismo from Maserati, which combined luxury and sporty performance. Design developed Carrozzeria Touring.
- Maserati Ghibli (1967–1973, 2013–present) - an iconic coupe named after the desert wind. The modern version is a four-door fastback, competing with Porsche Panamera.
- Maserati Quattroporte (1963–present) - a flagship sedan, which is often called the “Italian Mercedes”. Sixth generation (
2013) was the first with all-wheel drive. - Maserati Levante (2016–present) — the brand’s first crossover, created on the basis Jeep Grand Cherokee, but with Italian design and Ferrari engines.
A special place in the line is occupied by Maserati MC20 (2020) is a mid-engined supercar that became the brand's response to Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracán. His engine Nettuno V6 develops 630 hp and accelerates the car to 100 km/h for 2.9 seconds. This is the first Maserati model to be developed entirely without Ferrari.
Why is the Maserati Levante criticized for its reliability?
Many owners complain about problems with electronics and suspension, especially in the first batches (2016–2018). The fact is that the platform was borrowed from Jeep, and Italian engineers did not fully develop it for the premium segment. Before purchasing, a test drive is recommended to check all systems.
B 2023 Maserati unveils first all-electric model GranTurismo Folgore. This step was a response to the electrification trend and competition with Tesla and Porsche Taycan. Three electric motors produce 760 hp, and the power reserve is 450 km according to the WLTP cycle. This is a sign that the brand does not intend to remain in the past and is preparing for new challenges.
Where Maserati is made: factories and assembly features
As already mentioned, all cars Maserati They are assembled in Italy, but not in the same factory. Let's look at the key production sites:
| Factory | Location | Models | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maserati Modena | Modena, Italy | MC20, GranTurismo | Hand assembled, limited editions. |
| Grugliasco Plant | Turin, Italy | Ghibli, Quattroporte, Grecale | Automated lines, flexible production. |
| Mirafiori Plant | Turin, Italy | Levante (partially) | Co-production with Alfa Romeo. |
Factory in Modena is the heart of the brand. Here the most exclusive models are hand-assembled, such as MC20 and GranTurismo. The process is controlled at every stage, and many parts are made to order. For example, bodies for MC20 made from carbon fiber in partnership with the company Marelli.
B Turin at the factory Grugliasco mass production is concentrated. They collect here Ghibli, Quattroporte and a new crossover Grecale. Interestingly, this plant previously belonged to Bertone and was used for assembly Alfa Romeo. After rebranding to 2013 it became Maserati's main production site.
⚠️ Attention: If you are buying a used Maserati, pay attention to the VIN. The first three characters indicate the country of assembly:ZAM— Italy (Modena),ZAR— Italy (Turin). Vehicles assembled outside Italy (e.g. in Mexico for some markets) may have different quality standards.
☑️ What to check when buying a used Maserati
The future of Maserati: electrification, new models and brand strategy
B 2021 Maserati has announced a plan to fully electrify its lineup by 2030. This is an ambitious goal, given that the brand is traditionally associated with loud petrol engines. However, the transition to electric vehicles is not just a fashion statement, but a necessity for survival in a market where more and more countries are introducing bans on internal combustion engines.
The first step was GranTurismo Folgore (2023), followed by electric versions Grecale (2026) and Quattroporte (2026). Interestingly, Maserati is not giving up on hybrids: for example, Ghibli Hybrid (2020) became the first hybrid in the history of the brand, combining a 2.0-liter turbo engine and an electric motor.
- ⚡ GranTurismo Folgore - the first Maserati electric car (760 hp, 450 km range).
- 🔋 Grecale Folgore - electric crossover, debut in
2026. - 🚗 New platform — Maserati is developing a modular architecture for all future EVs.
- 🌍 Eco-friendly materials — recycled and natural materials will be used in the interiors of new models.
In parallel with electrification, Maserati continues to develop traditional models. For example, in 2023 updated debuted Quattroporte with a hybrid power plant, and MC20 got the open top version - MC20 Cielo. The brand also announced the return of the legendary name GranCabrio in the form of an electric convertible.
Maserati's strategy for the coming years includes:
- Expansion of the range of electric vehicles (to
2026each model will have an electric version). - Increased sales in China and the USA (main markets).
- Cooperation with Dallara for the development of sports technologies.
- Entering the premium services market (for example, personalization through a Maserati Fuoriserie).
Maserati is betting on electrification, but is not abandoning the internal combustion engine. Hybrid models will be a transitional stage, and by 2030 the brand plans to switch completely to electric vehicles.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Maserati
🔹 Is Maserati an Italian or an American brand?
Maserati is an Italian brand founded in Bologna in 1914. Today it belongs to the concern Stellantis (headquartered in the Netherlands), but all cars are still developed and assembled in Italy. American influence is manifested only in management (some of Stellantis shareholders are American investors), but not in production.
🔹 Who owns a Maserati today?
C 2021 Maserati included in Stellantis N.V. - a multinational automobile concern formed after the merger Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. Previously (before 2014) brand belonged Fiat S.p.A., and before that - family de Tomaso and Citróen.
🔹 Why are Maserati so expensive to maintain?
Service Maserati is more expensive than the average premium car for several reasons:
- 🔧 Exclusive spare parts: many parts are made by hand and have no analogues.
- 🛠️ Complex engines: engines developed jointly with Ferrari require highly qualified maintenance.
- 🇮🇹 Italian assembly: Labor in Italy is more expensive than in Germany or Japan.
- 📉 Low prevalence: There are few certified service stations, which increases prices.
For example, replacing a timing belt with Maserati GranTurismo may cost 2–3 times more than on BMW 5 Series.
🔹 What is the most reliable Maserati model?
Among modern models Maserati The most reliable are:
- Maserati Ghibli (2014–present) - easy to maintain platform, less electronics.
- Maserati Quattroporte (2013–present) — more reliable than its predecessors, but requires regular maintenance.
- Maserati MC20 (2020–present) — a new platform, fewer “childhood diseases”.
But Levante first years of production (2016–2018) is often criticized for problems with the suspension and electronics. It is recommended to check the history of a particular vehicle before purchasing.
🔹 Will Maserati be cheaper after switching to electric cars?
Hardly. Despite the simplified design (no internal combustion engine, no gearbox), Maserati is positioned as a premium brand, and prices will be maintained at a high level due to:
- 🔋 Expensive batteries (high-performance elements are used).
- 🎨 Exclusive design (hand assembly, premium materials).
- 📈 Brand markup (Maserati will not compete with Tesla on price).
For example, GranTurismo Folgore costs from ~200,000 euros, which is comparable to the gasoline version.