Maserati overseas head Phillipe Claverol said the company’s main focus in India is on improving customer experience with its products rather than growth in sales figures.
Italian luxury carmaker Maserati expects to register triple-digit growth in sales volume in India in the next 3-5 years due to rising number of entrepreneurs, a booming economy and a population with a strong appreciation for luxury products, overseas director Phillipe Claverol told Business Standard on Friday.
Maserati, which currently operates a single dealership in India, sold fewer than 50 cars in the country in 2023.
The company plans to open two new dealerships in Delhi and Bengaluru early next year, Claverol said after the launch of the second-generation GranTurismo here at a starting price of Rs 2.72 crore (ex-showroom).
However, he clarified that Maserati’s primary focus in India is on improving customer experience with its products rather than growth in sales figures.
“I am not going to talk about (sales) figures now. They are important, but the numbers are not what is important. What is important to me as Maserati is the product experience that we can offer to our customers,” explained Claverol.
He said the product experience includes not only the experience of discovering and purchasing cars, but also the maintenance of them.
“This is really what we need to build to deliver a superior experience to customers. This is what luxury buyers expect. They want a unique experience,” he added.
Asked what kind of sales volume growth he expects in the next 3-5 years in India, he said it would be in the “higher double digits”.
He explained the reasons for his optimism.
“The Indian economy is growing rapidly. Maserati customers are mainly entrepreneurs, people who have created companies and are running them. We see in India a lot of people who are creating companies and who are also making their mark on the international scene. These are the people who are buying Maseratis. That is the first reason why we see potential in India,” he said.
“India is an ancient civilization with a long tradition in jewelry, diamonds, perfumes, textiles, etc. In this country, there is a good understanding of what luxury is, what it means to buy, drive and experience a luxury product like a Maserati. Therefore, it is a good base for expanding our operations in India,” he added.
In 2022, sales figures were quite similar, he explained.
“The big trend in the automotive world in recent years is the decline in popularity of sedans in favor of SUVs (sports utility vehicles). About 30 years ago, the successful businessman drove a big sedan. Today, the successful businessman drives an SUV,” he added.
First published: August 30, 2024 | 21:15 IS
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