“Italian luxury automobile producer Maserati will be viewing the government’s new electric vehicle (EV) policy as it intends to inaugurate its first EV next year”, Philippe Claverol, Head of Overseas at Maserati, said. Claverol was talking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the GranTurismo in India at an opening price of Rs 2.72 crore.
“As we have seen in every market, it truly helps when governments take proactive steps to encourage the use of electric vehicles. The governments imposing severe fines on ICE vehicles is the second factor that is highly beneficial. It indicates a close connection between the tax code, tax incentives, and the expansion of the electric sector. Thus, it goes without saying that we shall give this careful thought,” says Claverol.
The new EV policy was introduced by the government in March of this year in an attempt to draw in international players. The minimum investment required under the new five-year EV policy is Rs 4,150 crore, or $500 million. In accordance with the policy, localization must reach 25% by the third year and 50% by the fifth.
“From our observations across the globe, the legislative context plays a major role in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) in every market. As you are aware, we must prioritize focusing on the kind of experience that electric vehicles can offer before forcing them on consumers”, says Claverol.
Claverol, however, addressed that for charging to occur, the charging framework needs to be enhanced.
The company inaugurated less than 50 cars in India in CY23 across its one dealer outlet in Mumbai.
In CY23, the company opened one dealer outlet in Mumbai and introduced fewer than fifty cars to the Indian market. The company intends to open another shop in Bangalore early next year in addition to its first dealer outlet in Delhi, which it opened as part of its network expansion. Furthermore, the company is receiving logistical support from its parent company, Stellantis.
Notably, the company is placing a large bet on the expansion of its future SUV line to propel it worldwide. SUVs make up between 70-80% of the company’s global portfolio, according to Claverol. “SUVs are in. Nowadays, consumers do not really seem to be that interested in sedans. These days, everyone desires an SUV,” says Claverol.
