Maserati/Alfa tie-up for sales and manufacture??
Discussion
According to to the FT report here: -
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/1c1d1c90-7fbf-11d9-8ceb-00000e2511c8.html
....Maserati could be sold with Alfa and Maserati sharing Alfa components as opposed to using expensive Ferrari components!
One thing that brought me over to Maserati from Porsche was the v.close link with Ferrari and the sharing and joint manufacture of the 2 marques.
Now if the tie up will be with Alfa, not Ferrari, then I see this as a massive dilution of everything Maserati/Ferrari have built in terms of quality, brand loyalty, brand image and professionalism over the past 5 years or so.
I can see the value of my new Gransport dropping even further on the back of this,,,,, if it happens of course.
It will save me money in the long run as my nearest Alfa dealer is nearer to me than the Ferrari dealer!!
Stuart
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/1c1d1c90-7fbf-11d9-8ceb-00000e2511c8.html
....Maserati could be sold with Alfa and Maserati sharing Alfa components as opposed to using expensive Ferrari components!
One thing that brought me over to Maserati from Porsche was the v.close link with Ferrari and the sharing and joint manufacture of the 2 marques.
Now if the tie up will be with Alfa, not Ferrari, then I see this as a massive dilution of everything Maserati/Ferrari have built in terms of quality, brand loyalty, brand image and professionalism over the past 5 years or so.
I can see the value of my new Gransport dropping even further on the back of this,,,,, if it happens of course.
It will save me money in the long run as my nearest Alfa dealer is nearer to me than the Ferrari dealer!!
Stuart
exint2 said:
Fiat have just got $2 billion from GM - nothing is going to happen in the short term.
Already happened.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2005-02-16T171235Z_01_L16718332_RTRIDST_0_PICKS-AUTOS-EUROPE-DC.XML
in left hand column click on "Fiat Moves Maserati from Ferrari Towards Alfa"
that !As usual, the Financial Media agencies cannot agree. A slightly later news article to those shown above released through the AFX News Service directly quotes Fiat Spa as follows:
http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/050216/323/fclyu.html
Of particular interest is the quote "Maserati will closely co-operate technically and commercially with Alfa Romeo, a brand of Fiat's car unit Fiat Auto SpA, the group said.
Maserati will however also continue its industrial and commercial co-operation with Ferrari, it added."
As for Maserati being able to use cheaper Alfa parts instead of from Ferrari as quoted by FT, what a load of cobblers. What parts are they referring to? Gearbox ( at least the manual) is Getrag; Brakes are Brembo; Digital wiring network is Digitek; engine, well perhaps. The chassis and bodywork were, I believe, contracted out with the 3200GT and possibly still are.
However, lets not forget that the basis of the current Coupe is actually the 3200GT which was not a Ferrari concept or design at all - 100% Italdesign/Maserati. True Ferrari put up the readies, productionised and commercialised it but the engine was an evolution of the Shamal unit several years earlier and the active ride suspension, now known as Skyhook, similarly came from other models of that vintage.
The main difference Ferrari have made to Maserati, is the commercial, research and development expertise and not least Ferrari's extensive worldwide dealership. None of this looks like changing.
http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/050216/323/fclyu.html
Of particular interest is the quote "Maserati will closely co-operate technically and commercially with Alfa Romeo, a brand of Fiat's car unit Fiat Auto SpA, the group said.
Maserati will however also continue its industrial and commercial co-operation with Ferrari, it added."
As for Maserati being able to use cheaper Alfa parts instead of from Ferrari as quoted by FT, what a load of cobblers. What parts are they referring to? Gearbox ( at least the manual) is Getrag; Brakes are Brembo; Digital wiring network is Digitek; engine, well perhaps. The chassis and bodywork were, I believe, contracted out with the 3200GT and possibly still are.
However, lets not forget that the basis of the current Coupe is actually the 3200GT which was not a Ferrari concept or design at all - 100% Italdesign/Maserati. True Ferrari put up the readies, productionised and commercialised it but the engine was an evolution of the Shamal unit several years earlier and the active ride suspension, now known as Skyhook, similarly came from other models of that vintage.
The main difference Ferrari have made to Maserati, is the commercial, research and development expertise and not least Ferrari's extensive worldwide dealership. None of this looks like changing.
McNab said:
Fiat have just got $2 billion from GM - nothing is going to happen in the short term.
Already happened.
http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=reutersEdge&storyID=2005-02-16T171235Z_01_L16718332_RTRIDST_0_PICKS-AUTOS-EUROPE-DC.XML
in left hand column click on "Fiat Moves Maserati from Ferrari Towards Alfa"
And that's why I'm in IT and not playing the markets, because it doesn't make any sense!!!
Update 17.2.04
Maserati ownership to transfer from Ferrari to Fiat
Relevant extract as follows:
"The move is designed to strengthen the Alfa Romeo brands through facilitating the closer technical and commercial collaboration between Alfa and Maserati, particularly in important international markets where Alfa does not have a presence.
However, Fiat was keen to point out that Maserati will continue its co-operation with Ferrari especially in industrial, technical, engine and sales network terms which has helped re-vitalize the marque.
"This is a significant step forward for both Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The synergies between the two marques will bring benefits to both and will allow us to strengthen our portfolio offering in the sports car market" said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman of Fiat and of Ferrari.
"This move is essential to the future development of Alfa Romeo" said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat. "We believe that as part of the re-launch of Fiat Auto, we need to devote great attention to the distinctiveness of our brands.
"The technical and commercial collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo will give the latter the necessary impetus to re-establish itself as a leading contender in its segment and to expand its presence in international markets, as has occurred for Maserati."
Maserati ownership to transfer from Ferrari to Fiat
Relevant extract as follows:
"The move is designed to strengthen the Alfa Romeo brands through facilitating the closer technical and commercial collaboration between Alfa and Maserati, particularly in important international markets where Alfa does not have a presence.
However, Fiat was keen to point out that Maserati will continue its co-operation with Ferrari especially in industrial, technical, engine and sales network terms which has helped re-vitalize the marque.
"This is a significant step forward for both Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The synergies between the two marques will bring benefits to both and will allow us to strengthen our portfolio offering in the sports car market" said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, chairman of Fiat and of Ferrari.
"This move is essential to the future development of Alfa Romeo" said Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat. "We believe that as part of the re-launch of Fiat Auto, we need to devote great attention to the distinctiveness of our brands.
"The technical and commercial collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo will give the latter the necessary impetus to re-establish itself as a leading contender in its segment and to expand its presence in international markets, as has occurred for Maserati."
... and just yesterday (18.2.05) Maserati CEO, Martin Leach is to resign!!
Fiat's Maserati CEO Leach to quit within a week
Fiat's Maserati CEO Leach to quit within a week
..and the saga continues
21st February 2005
Fiat's Kalbfell appointed CEO of Fiat's Maserati ops from 22nd February 2005
Is this really negative for Maserati?
I don't think so for one minute. IMO, Maserati's relationship to Alfa would seem little different to that of Ferrari with Maserati in the first place and if managed correctly could easily reverse the fortunes of the whole Italian car industry. Better a strong parent company than one haemorrhaging cash.
21st February 2005
Fiat's Kalbfell appointed CEO of Fiat's Maserati ops from 22nd February 2005
Is this really negative for Maserati?
I don't think so for one minute. IMO, Maserati's relationship to Alfa would seem little different to that of Ferrari with Maserati in the first place and if managed correctly could easily reverse the fortunes of the whole Italian car industry. Better a strong parent company than one haemorrhaging cash.
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