A MAJOR car firm has been forced to halt the development of their flagship electric vehicle over worrying performance concerns.
Luxury car brand, Maserati, is also reportedly set to temporarily lay off 1,000 members of staff as their journey to being completely electric continues to face huge setbacks.
motor1.comMaserati has halted the development of their ‘flagship’ EV over performance concerns[/caption]
motor1.comThe Quattroporte Folgore battery-powered large saloon car is set to be the latest motor in their EV range[/caption]
The long-awaited Quattroporte Folgore battery-powered large saloon car is at the heart of the issues as development has been stopped.
The official explanation by Maserati lays the blame on the car’s performance but some reports suggest this is just one of several major issues.
Italian media has reported that Stellantis – the automotive company behind Maserati – is currently looking at making some crucial cost-cutting methods.
Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera reported in December that Stellantis was looking to cut costs and has asked suppliers, including those linked with the new Quattroporte, to reduce prices.
The automaker has reportedly requested their trusted suppliers to lower prices of new car parts by a staggering six per cent.
A similar reduction request was also made in 2023, highlighting the concerns
A company spokesman for Stellantis announced they were having to make the tough decision to temporarily lay off 1,000 Maserati production workers at the Mirafiori factory in Turin, Italy.
The shock move is due to start February 12, and last until March 3, according to the union statement.
Unions said they were concerned about the lay-offs and have called for talks to settle the dispute.
Maserati has been contacted for a comment on the situation.
This Mirafiori facility produces the Quattroporte and other flash models like the Levante large SUV and GranTurismo large coupe.
Three massive setbacks have delayed Maserati’s EV lineup after the launch event for the battery-electric versions of the GranTurismo coupe and Grecale midsize SUV were postponed.
The Grecale midsize SUV was supposed to be released to the public last year but fans are now having to wait until later on this year.
A zero-emissions version of the GranCabrio is also under development and is expected to be released sometime in 2024.
Maserati has said that by 2030 none of its vehicles will offer a gas engine.
Back in 2023, Maserati made waves in the motoring world when they unveiled a brand new super car which can reach speeds of up to 202mph.
The sleek MCXtrema is a V-6 supercar with brand new turbo technology that make it extremely powerful.
But those looking to get their hands on a model may be disappointed to learn that you can only drive the car on a race track, as it remains illegal on the streets.
It comes after another huge car brand is set to release two new EV off-road vehicles including a luxury SUV.
Car giant Toyota is preparing an affordable electric Land Cruiser and a top of the range luxury model.