Its head of Asia Pacific, Takayuki Kimura, said the new models would include those powered by traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), mild hybrids and the 'Folgore' battery electric vehicles (BEV).
"Among the models coming to Asean markets next year is the 'Folgore' BEV version of the GranTurismo, " he said at the launch of the Maserati Grecale GT hybrid in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Naza Italia, a unit of the Naza Automotive group, is the importer of Maserati cars in Malaysia.
Kimura at the launch of the Grecale GT hybrid with (from left) Farid and Rizal.
Also present at the launch were Naza Automotive group chief executive officer Mohd Rizal Jailan and Naza Italia chief operating officer Farid Sulaiman.
Kimura said Maserati's brand image was strong in the region as Maserati is associated with Italian taste, design and high craftsmanship with fine materials.
He said some German brands have cars with powerful engines but many customers do not recognise their level of luxury.
"The quality of our luxurious materials is higher although our vehicle sales volume is lower by comparison.
"Having a lower or limited volume means being exclusive which is also a definition of luxury. In a way, we are quite unique without competitors," he said.
He said Maserati had switched its strategy towards enhancing its line-up of sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
"Obviously the trend is shifting from sedans to sports utility vehicles.
"In the past, we only have the Levante. Now, we have added the Grecale which offers the best size that is more suitable for the Asean market.
"I think the Asean and Japanese customers preferred smaller-sized vehicles, compared with those in China and the US who liked larger models.
"The Grecale still has enough interior space for a comfortable ride," he said.
Kimura.
Kimura also said the company was committed to introducing the successor to the Levante.
"So in our important markets, we will introduce our SUV models which will be the volume sellers.
"We will still place emphasis on sedan models as they are still important in certain markets," he said adding new Maserati sports sedans are in the works.
For its global powertrain development, Kimura said Maserati is also moving from internal combustion engines to mild hybrid and finally settling for BEVs.
"Before 2030, we will try to make all our vehicles BEVs as our customers will be able to afford such models.
"As there will be countries that prefer BEV more than mild-hybrid or ICE powertrain, we will customise our offerings to meet market demands," he said.
He also said Maserati BEVs would still retain the characteristics of their ICE siblings such as high performance, driving dynamics, interior space and 'vehicle sounds.'
Kimura said Maserati BEVs have an efficient design as the batteries would be placed along the vehicle's spine and under the seats, allowing the floor to remain low and create a comfortable seating position.
He said many current BEVs store their batteries under the floor and thus resulted in a high-floor environment that could tire out the passengers' legs during long drives.
GranTurismo Folgore.
Kimura also said Maserati BEVs would still produce sounds that are exciting to the driver and passengers.
"In order to attract car enthusiasts, the sound is very important.
"The Maserati BEV will get its sound from the electric motors and we will add some distinctive elements to increase aural excitement.
"The overall sound will be new and customers will still be able to feel that the vehicle is a Maserati," he said.
He said many motoring journalists had test driven the GranTurismo Folgore in Italy and they had appreciated the vehicle's sound.
"You will like it if you hear it," he said.
Without sounds, Kimura said driving cars would be boring.
"That is the challenge of BEVs," he added.
