KUBANG GT WAGON - A GIUGIARO CONCEPT CAR

One year after its return to the North American market, Maserati has succeeded in reaffirming its leading role across the Atlantic in the segment reserved for prestige cars with a longstanding tradition. A success confirmed by the almost 900 Spyder and Coupe model units delivered to customers since they went on sale in April (Spyder) and June (Coupe) 2002. The Company's dynamism is also immediately evident on its Stand at the 2003 NAIAS in Detroit, with the unveiling of the four-wheel-drive Kubang SUV concept car, a true GT Wagon in terms of performance and active safety engineering that unquestionably testifies to the Company's vision, even beyond the sports cars it traditionally builds (see separate release). In fact this concept car combines the traditional sporting structure of Trident-marque cars with superb versatility and an absolutely new interior design.

Other firsts at this Show are the 2003 models (already scheduled for delivery in Europe starting this month and in the USA and Canada from March) with their wealth of technical content. One special feature of the cars is the adoption of the MSP (Maserati Stability Programme) system. As already announced, the Maserati range will be rounded out later in 2003 with the presentation of the new four-door model, scheduled for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

TECHNICAL CONTENT OF THE MASERATI RANGE

Both the Spyder and Coupe have outstanding personalities: sports cars of character, boasting highly original styling combined with superb performance and top-class comfort. The main features of the two models are an extremely compact and light 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces 390 bhp, an electronic gearbox (on the Cambiocorsa version) or a manual one (on the GT), rear-mounted transaxle transmission and the Skyhook suspension system (electronically controlled damping). The Maserati Coupe is still the only true four-seater in its class. Every Maserati car can be unique, personalized by each single customer who can choose from the over three million combinations proposed by the Officine Alfieri Maserati customisation programme.

MASERATI TODAY

Over the past three years Maserati has worked hard to achieve top-level efficiency at its plants. This has included comprehensive restructuring in all areas, starting with the production lines that today are among the world's most advanced facilities for building luxury sports cars.

Construction of the second assembly line destined for production of the new four-door has also been completed, as have the office block and tower. Capital expenditure and investment in research and development for the five year period 2001-2006 will amount to around 400 million euros, which on average equates to 20% of annual turnover. An immense effort indeed. Currently Maserati has a total workforce of 450.

THE MARKET

Despite the difficult worldwide economic situation, efforts made this year have produced really significant results. Total Maserati sales have risen from 666 units in 1998, to 2,000 cars a year sold in both 2000 and 2001, and to more than 3,300 customer deliveries in 2002. As for markets, number one is the United States. Germany is the leading European market, followed by the UK and Italy, ahead of Japan, Switzerland and France. With the return to Canada and the United States, Maserati is now present in 43 markets worldwide. Always sensitive to customers' needs, all Maserati cars have a three-year warranty with unlimited mileage, except in North America where the warranty is four years or 50,000 miles. In addition a 24-hour call center is available in Italy, Germany, Switzerland and France to facilitate access to all types of roadside assistance and information.

THE COMPLETELY NEW OFFICIAL SITE

The Maserati site - www.maserati.com - has been completely revamped both in terms of graphic presentation and content, making it even more practical, comprehensive and elegant. The site is not only an on-line showcase for the Trident marque but also a valuable source of information about its activities and history. For instance there are many, many photos accompanied by technical details of all Maserati models, and also an area dedicated to its sporting successes. Then there's a section that provides visitors with in-depth information on products and all the options available through the Officine Alfieri Maserati customization program.

MASERATI AND RACING

This year Maserati will make its official comeback to racing by organizing a single-marque championship in Europe run over seven races. Two races - in Italy and the UK - will support Formula 1 Grand Prix events. The ‘Maserati Trophy’ championship will be for Coupe Cambiocorsa cars and the 26 units (plus 4 backup units) will all be assembled on the same production line already used to build the Coupe and Spyder models, at the legendary plant in Viale Ciro Menotti. The main modifications compared with standard models are a reduction in weight and installation of a racing kit. Starting in 2004, Maserati will participate officially in the FIA GT Championship with a new car. Initial sponsors for the Maserati European Trophy have already been decided: Pirelli and Vodafone. Pirelli will be the Trident marque's partner for all sporting activities, supplying PZero-type tyres for the Trophy and specially designed tyres for the cars that will compete in the 2004 FIA GT Championship. Vodafone, will be the title sponsor, giving its name to the Trophy. Motor racing has always played a fundamental role in Maserati's history and back in 1957 Juan Manuel Fangio won the Formula 1 World Championship driving a Maserati 250F.

MASTER GT

Participating in a Maserati Master GT driver course is the ideal way to really get to know the Spyder and Coupe - in the GT and Cambiocorsa versions - on the circuit. A situation where the cars can be driven in complete safety under all types of conditions, with the support of professional instructors and under the impartial eye of the circuit's telemetry. Master GT driver courses are open to all customers - even potential ones - and provide an opportunity to experience all the thrills and emotions of being at the wheel of a Maserati in a pleasant environment, and with a helping hand from traditional Italian hospitality.

MASERATI IN NORTH AMERICA

At the close of its first year back in North America, Maserati has succeeded in re-establishing itself in the United States and Canada as one of the world’s great marques. Around 900 Maserati Spyder and Coupes have been delivered to customers since the Spyder reached showrooms in April. The Coupe followed in June to complete the 2002 line-up. Of the 900 cars delivered to customers, 75% are Spyders and 25% Coupes. Maserati enters 2003 with several styling changes which add to this successful formula.

Both models embrace highly advanced technology, enjoying a 4.2-litre V8 engine that produces 390 horsepower providing a top speed of more than 175 mph. The occupants experience a cabin environment that at once combines Maserati’s timeless elegance with modern sophistication and safety engineering. Each Maserati sold in North America comes with a comprehensive four-year, 50,000-mile warranty. In addition, there is a 24-hour call center that answers questions, and help provide swift roadside assistance.

One of the areas that sets Maserati apart from competitors is ‘personalization’. Under a customisation programmme known as Officine Alfieri Maserati, each client commissions their own distinct Maserati from a palette of colours and accessories that add up to over three million different possible combinations. In this way, the client forms a tight bond between him or herself, their car, their dealer and the Maserati factory itself.

North American Maserati customers report an appreciation of the exclusivity, craftsmanship and Italian design from the design house of Giugiaro. The Maserati Coupe has been lauded by North American clients and press for being the only true four-seat car in its class; the same spaciousness that has established the car as a favourite of European and Pacific Rim clients. Understandably, the Maserati Spyder has found a particularly strong following in warm weather climates. A true Gran Turismo, Maserati customers embrace not only the performance of the car, but appreciate plentiful space and convenience for everyday driving with a trunk that fits two golf bags.

Maserati has appeared in almost 40 films from 1950 to date, directed by artists of world wide fame such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Vincente Minnelli, Vittorio de Sica, Don Siegel, and starring such actors as Kirk Douglas, Glenn Ford, Donald Sutherland, Peter Sellers and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Maserati Spyder has quickly picked up where great Maseratis from the past left off, as a favourite of Hollywood. The car is a featured prominently on "Fastlane" which drew over 10 million viewers on FOX to its premiere episode. The car was also featured in "The Bachelor" on ABC and has many promising opportunities in store for 2003.

Established in January 2001, Maserati North America is located in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The team dedicated to Maserati's return to North America has completed its initial planning and organization work and is now focusing on the marketing and service of Maserati products. Along with success in sales, Maserati North America is also experiencing growth in personnel. Over 20 new positions have been created over this past year, with most concentrating on sales and field technical services.

All Maserati dealers in the USA also represent Ferrari, the other marque in the Ferrari Maserati Group. Both Ferrari and Maserati benefit from a separate showroom and exclusive staff in order to help ensure the highest level of service for each brand. Maserati currently has 31 retail and service points in North America (28 in the USA and 3 in Canada). Over the next few years the Maserati retail network will grow into areas not currently covered, in line with the forecast expansion of sales over this time.

A comprehensive re-structuring has taken place both at the dealer level and in the corporate office in New Jersey. New Corporate Identity for both Maserati and Ferrari will have been adopted by all dealers. Each Ferrari-Maserati dealer has added staff and renovated their facility in order to ensure that both Ferrari and Maserati customers receive exceptional service.

Maserati North America has partnered with Chase Auto Finance, a leading provider of automotive financial services, to offer U.S. Maserati customers a wide selection of retail finance, retail balloon and lease products that will meet their needs. Thanks to Maserati’s relationship with Marsh Private Client Services, Marsh is able to facilitate coverage for our clients with an insurance provider who is the leader in providing insurance solutions through innovative product offerings, unmatched customer service and unmatched claims advocacy.

MASERATI AND RACING

Motor racing is a significant part of Maserati’s history. In fact, so much of Maserati’s illustrious racing history took place in the United States, that the official colours of Maserati racing program are the blue over white colours of North America. From winning the Indianapolis 500 back-to-back to dominating road racing at venues such as Sebring, Riverside and Watkins Glen, motorsports in the United States has had many chapters written by Maserati. In 1939 and 1940, Wilber Shaw drove a Maserati to two consecutive victories in the Indianapolis 500, making Maserati the first and only Italian car to have won "The World’s Most Famous Race." The Boyle Special Maserati now resides in The Hall of Fame Museum at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. At the 2002 USGP at Indianapolis, Michael Schumacher drove this car as well as the new Trofeo Maserati Coupe Cambiocorsa around the famous course just before the start of the Formula 1 race. In the golden era of racing in the 1950s and 1960s, great drivers such as Moss, Gurney and others found success in the US and Europe in both open wheel and sports racing Maseratis.

Maserati North America on the Internet: www.maseratiusa.com

The Maserati North American web site reflects the company’s new-found vitality, giving users both a detailed insight into the company’s rich heritage, and a glimpse of its future programs. The Maserati USA website is divided into three main areas, Legacy, Craft and Masterpiece, and allows the browser to learn all aspects of the rich history of Maserati, its hand built tradition, and all of Maserati’s current products. Since the all new Maserati.com website was launched in late November 2002, the global presence of Maserati has been greatly enhanced. Over 30,000 visitors to the USA portion of the site have explored Maserati’s rich history and technologically advanced products. Potential clients are even able to sign up for a test drive online, while receiving personalized service and a unique motoring experience.


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