Major car firm halts development of ‘flagship’ EV over performance concerns – after 1,000 staff temporarily laid off
A MAJOR car firm has been halted the development of its flagship electric vehicle over performance concerns.
Luxury car brand Maserati is reportedly set to temporarily lay off 1,000 members of staff in a setback to its aims to become completely electric.
The long-awaited Quattroporte Folgore battery-powered large saloon car is at the heart of the issues as development has been stopped.
The official explanation by Maserati lays the blame on the car's performance.
Italian media has reported that Stellantis - the automotive company behind Maserati - is currently looking at making some crucial cost-cutting methods.
Italian newspaper reported in December that Stellantis was looking to cut costs and has asked suppliers, including those linked with the new Quattroporte, to reduce prices.
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The automaker has reportedly requested its trusted suppliers to lower prices of new car parts by six per cent.
A similar reduction request was also made in 2023.
A company spokesman for Stellantis announced it is having to make the tough decision to at the Mirafiori factory in Turin, Italy.
The move is due to start February 12 and last until March 3, according to the union statement.
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Unions said they were concerned about the lay-offs and have called for talks to settle the dispute.
This Mirafiori facility produces the Quattroporte and other flash models like the Levante large SUV and GranTurismo large coupe.
Three massive setbacks have delayed Maserati's EV lineup after the launch event for the battery-electric versions of the GranTurismo coupe and Grecale midsize SUV were postponed.
The Grecale midsize SUV was supposed to be released to the public last year but fans are now having to wait until later on this year.
A zero-emissions version of the GranCabrio is also under development and is expected to be released sometime in 2024.
Maserati has said that by 2030 none of its vehicles will offer a gas engine.
Back in 2023, Maserati made waves in the motoring world when they unveiled a brand new super car which can reach speeds of up to 202mph.
The sleek MCXtrema is a V-6 supercar with brand new turbo technology that make it extremely powerful.
But those looking to get their hands on a model may be disappointed to learn that you can only drive the car on a race track, as it remains illegal on the streets.
Maserati has been contacted for a comment on the situation.
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It comes after another huge car brand is set to release two new EV off-road vehicles including a luxury SUV.
Car giant Toyota is preparing an affordable electric Land Cruiser and a top of the range luxury model.