“The turnaround for Maserati has already started”
In conversation with Philippe Claverol, Head of Maserati Overseas;
From the one dealer (in Mumbai), Maserati are now spreading their wings across India. Maserati North India based in Delhi-NCR have officially commenced operations with the inauguration of Maserati South India, operating out of Bengaluru, scheduled just a week later. And to mark the occasion Maserati have launched the MCPura – the first time the super-sport car has been seen outside of Europe and North America. Priced at Rs 4.12 crore for the standard version and Rs 5.37 crore for the Cielo the MCPura gets a 3-litre, twin-turbo, V6 that puts out 621hp and 720Nm. With rear-wheel drive only it launches to 100kmph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 320kmph. Developed with GT2 racing expertise, the super-sport car uses a carbon chassis made by Dallara and, says Philippe Claverol, head of Maserati Overseas, “delivers an unfiltered, authentic experience free from hybrid or electric distraction.” Excerpts from the conversation with evo India editor Sirish Chandran on the sidelines of the inauguration of Maserati North India.
Philippe Claverol alongisde the MCPura super-sport car with a 3-litre, twin-turbo, V6 putting out 621hp and 720Nm
We are committed to India
“We want to do things well. We really want to cater for the Indian customers. India has a significant number of very successful entrepreneurs that have a very high appreciation for luxury and exclusive products. We need to open step by step because Maserati is all about the experience. Obviously, the products are super important, this is what people buy, but at the same time, we are at a price point where the experience is very important.”
We want to identify very good business partners
“I'm very happy that in Delhi we have found a very good business partner. Obviously, there is a very nice showroom with the latest concept. But the after sales is also ready; they even have a body shop so they are able to cater to the customer and bring a high level of experience."
“This is what we will do in India, step by step. I'm not going to tell you we want to have 50 or 100 dealerships, that's not the point. We really want to open step by cautious step. New dealership in Delhi, new dealership in Bangalore. And then we will grow.”
Inauguration of Maserati North India in Delhi-NCR ahead of Bengaluru dealership opening next week
Maserati is sport and luxury at the same time
“In India the road conditions are a bit different. But I think for GranTurismo, GranCabrio, obviously the Grecale, it's not an issue. Even the MCPura can be driven every day. If we talk about SUVs, we are working on future products. It is clear we will increase the offering in the SUV category because this is where the worldwide demand is. And it's also suitable for the Indian market.”
There is some serious wealth in India
“People are really appreciating this kind of product [MCPura]. I know that the track culture is not so developed so that's why for GT2 Stradale, we don't see such a big market. But on the contrary, MCPura, it is a supercar, but it's also a cool car."
“We also have the Cielo option. So I think, yes, there will be people interested in buying this kind of car. Obviously, we don't talk about big volumes. But I see that there is an appreciation for this kind of product.”
We rely on Stellantis for logistics
“Homologation is done by the Stellantis India offices. We use the Stellantis resources like a service provider. If the business in India grows significantly, obviously that will be an option [to do a National Sales Company]. It's not the plan for now. I have a very focused approach which is customer by customer, city by city. And when the day comes where we have a significant number of dealers and enough customers to have an NSC, we will do it."
“Keep in mind that Maserati is a small company. Yes, inside a very big group, but we have to act like a small company taking care of our customers one by one individually.”
We are coming back steadily, but firmly
“We were very optimistic about the growth of electric vehicles. We invested a lot. Now we realise, like the whole car industry, that electric cars will grow but it will take more time than expected."
“We made a huge bet that is not really bringing the benefits we were expecting. We stopped the Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli. We yet do not have the replacements. We are in a restructuring time, but I think the turnaround has already started. You will see that sales are starting to recover. It's a turnaround process, it is taking time, and we are lucky to have Stellantis supporting us.”