Alexandre
The Maserati Grecale SUV, to be launched in 2022, faces a significant drop in production figures. Between 2023 and 2024, production of this SUV fell by 58%from 17,242 to just 7,250 units produced at the Cassino plant in Italy. This drop is particularly striking when compared with rival models such as the Porsche Macan, which sold almost 83,000 units in 2024, including over 18,000 electric versions.
Grecale Folgore: a commercial failure?
The Grecale was first offered in a combustion version, with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a 3.0L V6, before the launch of the electric model, the Grecale FolgoreAt the end of 2023, it was rather timid. As far as we know, sales of the electric version have not taken offThis raises the question of how to position Maserati about the future of its SUV. For example, in Germany, out of 541 Maseratis registered in 2024, only 25 are Folgore. Over the same period in Italy, out of 2,242 registrations, only 43 are Folgore.
Looking at Porsche, the Macan, a direct competitor, seems to be making a more successful transition to electric, with an all-electric version accounting for a more significant share of sales. Nevertheless, Porsche seems to be considering bringing back a combustion version in the new Macan for Europe, while the old combustion model is still available for the US market. The question here is: should Maserati follow a similar strategy or persist with its unique Folgore version of the Grecale?
Is the Grecale upgrade only for electric vehicles?
According to our information, Maserati is planning a mid-career update (MCA) for the Grecale, to boost sales. Although the details of this update remain unclear, several changes seem likely. First of all, the front end could be revamped, as many customers have found the current design too conservative, with some even seeing a resemblance to the Ford Puma. An evolution of the design, particularly at the front, would give the Grecale a more assertive character, like that of the Levante, in line with the image of the Maserati brand.
As far as the thermal range is concerned, uncertainties persist. While Maserati has clearly expressed its desire to become an all-electric brand in the future, one wonders whether this update will concern only the Folgore version or whether the combustion version will continue to exist alongside the electric version. Could the Grecale thermic, with its 2.0L and 3.0L V6 combustion engines, survive the era of energy transition, or will Maserati decide to offer only the Grecale Folgore in the future?
A risky strategy
As Europe and China push for ever more electrification, Maserati must juggle this pressure while maintaining its identity.. Luxury customers want thermal models. At the same time, Maserati continues to prepare for the future with models such as the new Levante SUV, scheduled for 2027, and the new Quattroporte for 2028. Will Maserati choose to focus solely on electric power with the Folgore, or will it opt for a more nuanced approach by retaining a combustion version as well? Alfa Romeo, the sister brand, has confirmed the return of combustion engines in future models in its range. and Porsche, the rival brand, is also studying it.
Zu bedenken ist, Porsche hat hier einen enormen Stellenwert, die ist verbunden mit einer hohen Qualität.
Der Name Maserati ist ein italienisches " Auto mit nicht so perfekter zuverlässiger Technik. Also für Liebhaber!
Nur Folgore wird in Deutschland nicht aus der Krise helfen.
The Grecale revival will begin with a hitherto non-existent communication campaign, followed by a fare replacement. As far as I know, the Grecale's lines are not due to change.
I've seen an MCA. Then it could just be the front bumper like the MC25.
Wenn (lt. KBA Daten) in den letzten Monaten zwischen 0 und 1 Grecale Folgore zugelassen werden (wobei da sicher auch noch Händlerfahrzeuge dabei sind), ist das kein Marketingproblem, sondern meines Erachtens ganz klar ein Problem von Produkt und Preis. Im Gegensatz zum V6 hat der elektrische Antriebsstrang kein wirkliches Alleinstellungsmerkmal, die Technik ist ok aber in zentralen Punkten schon nicht mehr auf der Höhe der Zeit (400V, 150kW Ladeleistung, ...), die Ausstattung/Materialien nicht überall 'Premium' und die Möglichkeiten der Individualisierung des Folgore begrenzt. Der (jetzt reduzierte) Listenpreis mag gerade noch ok sein (bes. angesichts der zur Konkurrenz weniger zeitgemäßen Technik). Die bei BEVs aber viel wichtigeren Leasingkonditionen sind aber - soviel ich erfahren habe (musste) - vollkommen inakzeptabel, auch weil die Händler bzgl. zukünftiger Rückläufer von Maserati allein gelassen werden und verständlicherweise das Risiko nicht tragen können/wollen. Ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass angesichts der aktuellen Entwicklung des E- Auto Marktes in Deutschland und vor allem der Konkurrenz, ein 'Facelift' da etwas ändert. Meines Erachtens bräuchte es da deutlich mehr Ideen und Engagement um die ohnehin wenigen BEV- Käufer in dem Segment 'abzuholen' - aber viellicht lieg ich ja falsch ...