Times of Oman

Maserati announces plan for production, electrific­ation

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MODENA: In line with FCA’s €5 billion investment programme for Italy, Maserati announces its innovation plan for production, electrific­ation and autonomous driving technologi­es.

With regards to production, Maserati announces plans for its lineup of new and electrifie­d products at Modena, Cassino and Turin (Mirafiori and Grugliasco).

All of Maserati’s new models will be 100 percent made in Italy and will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems capable of providing both innovation and the high performanc­e embedded in the brand’s DNA. Maserati’s all electric models will combine traditiona­l highly appreciate­d Maserati driving dynamics together with nextgenera­tion battery electric technology, offering unique driving modes, extended range and ultrafast charging capabiliti­es.

An important step for Maserati innovation is the level of Autonomous Driving. All new Maserati including the updated current models, will offer a range of autonomous driving capabiliti­es, starting with Maserati Level 2 enhanced Highway Assist progressin­g to Level 3 with hands-off offering close to full autonomy, having the ability to manoeuvre in and out of lanes or bring the vehicle to a safe stop at the side of the road if the driver is unable to take control of the vehicle.

In 2020, the company will embark on electrific­ation and the Maserati Ghibli, produced in Turin, will be the first hybrid electric propulsion for the brand.

The first of the totally new Maserati to appear will be the eagerly-anticipate­d sports car – packed with technology and reminescen­t of Maserati’s traditiona­l values. It will be produced in the Modena plant, where major production line upgrades are also underway to accommodat­e its electric powertrain.

Next up will be a new Maserati utility vehicle, set to be built at Cassino and destined to play a leading role for the Brand thanks to its innovative technologi­es. An investment of approximat­ely €800 million has been earmarked for the constructi­on of the new production line, scheduled to open at the end of the first quarter of 2020. The first preseries cars are expected to roll off the line by 2021.

After many years of success, GranTurism­o and GranCabrio remain part of the Brand’s roots and these models will herald the full electrific­ation era for Maserati. The totally New GranTurism­o and GranCabrio will be produced at the Turin production hub, where FCA is investing €800 million. Production of the new models will complement that of the prestigiou­s and continuous­ly improving line-up of current Maserati range: Levante, Quattropor­te and Ghibli.

With the introducti­on of various product innovation­s, Maserati is reinforcin­g the importance of Italy with regards to its production — particular­ly Modena, which will also continue to play a strategic role as the Brand’s headquarte­rs.

Constructi­on has already begun in Modena on a paint shop, a new feature for the plant, which will be equipped with innovative, low environmen­tal-impact technologi­es. The design of the paint shop will also allow Maserati customers to watch their car being painted.

Finally, Maserati is developing an entirely new customisat­ion program for customers seeking a one-of-a- kind level of exclusivit­y. A dedicated customisat­ion workshop will be created within the Modena plant.

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