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Maserati Trims Production
Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV's Maserati luxury car unit will suspend production during the first week of November to match slower sales, according to Italy's FISMIC labor union.
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Fiat Chrysler Automobile NV's Maserati luxury car unit will suspend production during the first week of November to match slower sales, according to Italy's FISMIC labor union.
The shutdown will idle about 2,000 workers and halt output of the brand's €63,000 Ghibli entry-level sport sedan and high-end €89,000 Quattroporte sedan.
The suspension comes as Maserati is expanding its lineup with its first crossover vehicle, the Levante due in 2016, and perhaps a future sports car. The company had hoped its new €63,000 entry-level Ghibli would help it reach global sales of 50,000 units this year. But an initial surge in demand for the sport sedan has turned into a slump.
Maserati now expects this year's sales to be about equal to last year's 36,400 total. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne is trying to boost the brand to help offset losses when the company spins off Ferrari SpA in 2016.
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