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Maserati recalls 135 GranTurismos over door latches

Maserati issued a recall for faulty door latches on the GranTurismo. Only 135 examples are affected, though the GranTurismo is a low-volume product. The problem with the door latches is that they may not have been properly heat-treated, which means that in the event of a crash, the door could swing open. All of the affected GranTurismos (both coupes and convertibles) are from the 2016 model year and were produced between June 24, 2015, and September 2, 2015. While Maserati's sales figures (thanks largely to the introduction of newer models) continue to climb, the GranTurismo accounts for only a small portion of the company's overall production. Last year the company sold an all-time high of 36,500 units around the world, of which only 3,500 (or less than one tenth) were from the GranTurismo line - which remains the oldest in the Maserati lineup. Since introducing the GranTurismo in 2007, the Modenese automaker has rolled out the Ghibli, replaced the Quattroporte, and is preparing to delve into the SUV market with the forthcoming Levante. A new two-door model is expected to arrive in the form of the Alfieri, which won't replace the GranTurismo, per se, but we wouldn't expect the GranTurismo to stick around for long after the Alfieri comes along. RECALL Subject : Passenger Side Door Latch Not Heat Treated Report Receipt Date: NOV 10, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V744000 Component(s): LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Potential Number of Units Affected: 135 Manufacturer: Maserati North America, Inc. SUMMARY: Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2016 GranTurismo and GranTurismo Convertibles manufactured June 24, 2015, to September 2, 2015. The affected vehicles were built with passenger side door latch components that were not heat treated. CONSEQUENCE: If the door latch was not heat treated, in the event of a crash, the door latch may fail allowing the door to open, increasing the risk of injury. REMEDY: Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in November 2015. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2600. Maserati's number for this recall is 292. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Related Video:

Marchionne wants Maserati to be FCA's new Ferrari

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is gearing up to spin Ferrari, its most profitable brand, off into another company, and float its stock on the open market. That means it's going to need another profit-driver to generate income for the rest of the group. And according to its chief executive Sergio Marchionne, that mantle will soon be picked up by Maserati. FCA is betting big on Maserati, which has long stood as a niche marque with a limited array of models and low sales numbers. In addition to the recently introduced Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans – now crucially offered with diesels and all-wheel drive – Maserati is preparing to roll out the Levante crossover that promises to do for the Modenese marque what the Cayenne did for Porsche. Due in part to the success of its first crossover, Porsche turned itself from a niche sports car manufacturer into an immensely profitable automaker that was (nearly) capable of buying out the entire Volkswagen Group. Maserati's resurgence is part of a two-pronged assault FCA is plotting against its German rivals. Maserati will be charged with taking on the higher end of the Mercedes, BMW, and Audi ranges (from the E-Class, 5 Series and A6 upwards). Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo will go after the lower end of the luxury spectrum with the new Giulia (aimed at the C-Class, 3 Series and A4) and other models to follow. FCA aims to turn Maserati and Alfa Romeo (along with Jeep) into global brands, broadening the narrow geographical appeal they have held until now. In order to generate enough profit to support the rest of the group as Ferrari has, Maserati will need to find a way to increase its profit margins. Bloomberg reports that Ferraris command a 13-percent profit margin, and while the ten percent that Maseratis list for is still triple that of the FCA average, slow sales are forcing some dealers to offer deep incentives that cut significantly into that margin. Related Video:

Maserati offers Extra10 limited powertrain warranty on all new vehicles

Maserati is still trying to get its sales forecasts to match its sales results. A raft of new product should keep the Italians on the list of vehicles to compare when shopping for luxury performance, but reliability concerns continue to cast shadows. With the Grecale on the way, Maserati will likely begin luring buyers focused a lot more on reliability than the usual Quattroporte owner. To address potential mechanical doubts, Maserati's offering a new Extra10 Warranty Program around the world on every new model to allay some fears. The 10-year limited powertrain warranty covers the engine and transmission or transaxle. The good news is that not only will it be available to North and South American buyers from October 1, 2022, certain current owners whose Maseratis are no more than 9.5 years old will be eligible, and the warranty doesn't cap mileage.  It won't be free, but few such warranties are. It's offered as an add-on to Maserati's extended warranty offerings, which can cover a powertrain for up to seven years and unlimited miles so long as extensions are purchased within the warranty and mileage periods. The present plans already include benefits like roadside assistance and help with onward travel. Extra10 throws in other sweeteners like pick-up and return service and a courtesy car. The automaker has made Extra10 transferrable, too, "aimed at consolidating the value of its cars over time, guaranteeing total peace of mind by combining top performance and the driving pleasure typical of every Trident car." Finally, Maserati says "Customers have the option of purchasing extended powertrain coverage in one-year increments (e.g., 5th year to 10th year of ownership)," so there's no large lump sum necessary.  Once October hits, interested owners should visit their Maserati dealers to see if their vehicles are eligible. The program excludes cars that have been raced "or tampered with," cars that have been in major accidents, and cars that are stolen. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.