Maserati to Add Plug-in Hybrid Variants by 2020, Even After Saying EVs Were 'Nonsense'
Despite its CEO saying electric vehicles were “nonsense,” Maserati will likely add electrified variants to its lineup by 2020.
In 2013, Maserati boss Harald Wester went on the record showing his reluctance towards EVs, saying that statistics suggest producing, powering and disposing of EVs resulted in more CO2 than the most efficient combustion-engine cars. At the time, he was quoted saying, “If we want a realistic solution, then the regulators need to be more honest in how they calculate emissions. Electric cars are not the answer.”
Still, it appears that the Italian automaker will introduce plug-in hybrid variants of the existing Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Ghibli models so that it can meet average emissions targets by 2020.
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It has already been reported that the upcoming Maserati Levante SUV will be offered with a plug-in hybrid variant. Recently spied testing, the Levante is expected to make its debut sometime this year.
The company’s European general manager, Giulio Pastore, recently said that Maserati has to add electrified variants. “In some countries where it is highly incentivised, they will be a success, in others maybe less so, but there is government and customer demand for such cars.”
Naturally, he added that Maserati will only electrify its vehicles if it doesn’t sacrifice performance.
[Source: Autocar]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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