Maserati sails through the storm
The Trident maintains course for another record year

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- New CEO appointed to Maserati North America - Green flag drops on FIA GT Championship Defense - Maserati sails through the storm

When the going gets tough, the tough get going – and the tough look like they’re going there in a Maserati. Despite the economic downturn and the spreading impact of the sub-prime scandal, Maserati North America is having another record year. In 2007, Maserati posted their highest-ever sales in North America – yet the 2008 figures are also growing, and have been for five straight months.

While sales of the Quattroporte remain strong, it is the GranTurismo which is proving to be the real powerhouse behind the numbers. The appeal of the car is obvious; with its gorgeous Pininfarina-designed curves, its 4.2-liter V8 engine sourced from Ferrari, and the elegant Poltrona Frau leather interior, it brings together the finest craftsmanship Italy can offer, and combines them all to devastating effect. The GranTurismo arrived in North America with a sizeable waitlist that production is still trying to satisfy, so it is no surprise that its breathtaking performance has seen it go from zero to a 12% share of the luxury coupe market in just five months.

Production at the Modena factory has intentionally shifted from Quattroporte production to the GranTurismo to help satisfy the insatiable demand for the coupe.  That’s not to say demand for the Quattroporte has diminished; in fact a visitor to the factory will likely see one of the 100 super-exclusive Quattroporte Collezione Cento models on the line, as well as many of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, the highest performance version of the sedan, which has been incredibly well received by the press and owners alike.

Every other company in the luxury sports sedan and coupe categories have seen sales fall this year – a list which is a roll-call of prestigious marques. Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche models are all suffering from falling sales. And yet, despite the growing numbers who are coming to appreciate both the Quattroporte and GranTurismo as offering stylish, practical alternatives to the norm, there is no danger of the exclusivity which many owners treasure coming under threat; while sales are growing for Maserati the cars are still hand-crafted limited production vehicles and Maserati remains a niche brand.  In fact, more Mercedes-Benz S-class sedans are sold in a single month than Maserati sells in six months.  Maserati is growing, but growing within very exclusive circles.

Visit your local authorized Maserati dealer to arrange a test drive in the Quattroporte sedan or GranTurismo coupe; find out for yourself why discerning drivers are increasingly turning to Maserati, making it the one bullish success story in a bear market.