Maserati Delays 50,000 Sales Target to 2016

Maserati SpA, which had hoped to reach global sales of 50,000 units this year, tells reporters it now expects to achieve that goal in 2016.

The ultra-luxury brand sold 36,400 vehicles last year and expects to reach about the same volume in 2015. The company, a unit if Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, reiterates a target of 75,000 annual sales in 2018.

Maserati CEO Harald Wester cautions that meeting next year's sales goal will depend upon a smooth debut of the brand's first crossover vehicle, the Levante, in February. The model had been expected to go into production late this year.

Maserati's current lineup consists of three cars: the Ghibli midsize sedan, GranTurismo sport coupe and Quattroporte large sedan.