New CEO hits the ground running - and new racing car debuts.

Maurizio Parlato presents Best Maserati Nettuno trophy at Maserati Days, Concorso Italiano 2002.

Following Stuart Robinson's resignation in August, 39-year-old Maurizio Parlato has taken the helm at Ferrari Maserati NA as the newest CEO. Although young, Mr. Parlato has a powerful and impressive resume. Considered a rising star and on the corporate fast track, Mr. Parlato distinguished himself in Germany for Ferrari Maserati as that country's Director of Importation and Distribution. It was during his tenure in Germany that Maserati sales outpaced Jaguar and, in certain market segments, the coveted Porsche brand. He was then tapped by Montezemolo to return to Maranello and head up the Sales & Marketing department at Ferrari. In 1997, while at Ferrari, Mr. Parlato at the age of 34 was given the title of Director.

When you consider that there is a 2-1/2 year wait for a new Ferrari 360 Modena Spyder, but that a new Maserati Spyder can be had in 20 minutes, Mr. Parlato could be in for an uphill battle.

Maserati SUV Resurfaces

To keep Maserati on top during this period of economic doubt is no easy task, yet Mr. Parlato seems to be up for the challenge. When asked by Jim Henry of Automotive News about the prospects of the future, Mr. Parlato replied, "We are thinking of something new to add to the line-up, something along the line of a sport utility, but with elegance, with performance, something that would be for leisure time."

Maserati is still planning to sell 10,000 cars per year by 2006 and, when compared with 3,500 this year, U.S. sales could be around 6,000 by 2006.

Most recently, Mr. Parlato was on the West Coast enjoying the Concorso Italiano atmosphere, going one-on-one with American collectors, checking out their cars and learning about their attitudes. While at the Concorso, he not only sponsored but presented the "Best Maserati" Nettuno trophy to Mr. Harry Garschagen for his beautifully restored 1966 Maserati Sebring, a car named for the racing successes Maserati enjoyed in Florida. We wish Mr. Parlato much success.

Racing Car Has Official Introduction

The new Trofeo racing car was introduced at the Paris Auto Show two days ago. Click here for photos and technical details.