Does Ford Own Maserati And The Answer Might Surprise You

So, does Ford own Maserati? The short answer is no — Ford once held a major stake, but Maserati is now part of the Stellantis family. Many car fans are surprised to learn about the tangled history between Ford Motor Company and this iconic Italian luxury brand. Understanding this connection helps you appreciate the rich automotive history behind every Maserati on the road today.

Have you ever wondered, does Ford own Maserati? It is a question that pops up often among car enthusiasts and casual fans alike. The answer might just surprise you. The relationship between Ford Motor Company and Maserati is a fascinating tale of corporate deals, luxury cars, and big shifts in the automotive world.

Maserati is one of the most iconic luxury car brands on the planet. People associate it with Italian style, speed, and elegance. But who actually owns this prestigious brand today? And did Ford ever really own it? Let us dive deep into the history and find out.

Many people assume that because Ford is such a huge car company, it must own or have owned Maserati. The truth is more complicated and a lot more interesting. Over the years, Maserati has changed hands multiple times. Each owner left their mark on the brand in different ways. From the De Tomaso family to Ford to Fiat and now Stellantis, the journey has been anything but boring.

Key Takeaways

• Ford once owned a 33% stake in Maserati during the 1990s, but the partnership ended in 1999.
• Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis, the global automotive giant formed from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
• The De Tomaso family played a key role in Maserati ownership before Ford stepped in.
• Ford’s involvement with Maserati was brief but impactful, influencing some model development.
• Maserati remains a luxury Italian automaker competing with brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
• The car industry is full of ownership changes, and Maserati’s story is a perfect example.
• Knowing who owns what helps car buyers make smarter decisions about premium vehicles.

The Short Answer: Does Ford Own Maserati?

Let us get the big question out of the way first. No, Ford does not currently own Maserati. The Ford Motor Company does not have any ownership stake in Maserati today. But that was not always the case. Back in the 1990s, Ford did hold a significant share of Maserati for a few years.

So if Ford does not own Maserati now, who does? Maserati is currently part of Stellantis. Stellantis is a massive global car company that was formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. Under Stellantis, Maserati sits alongside brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Peugeot, and Citroën. It is a big automotive family with dozens of famous nameplates.

The history of Maserati ownership is a wild ride. And understanding it helps you see why the brand is the way it is today. Let us go back in time and trace the full story.

A Brief History of Maserati

The Early Days: A Family Passion

Maserati was founded in 1914 in Bologna, Italy. The Maserati brothers — Alfieri, Bindo, Carlo, Ettore, and Ernesto — built the brand from scratch. They started by making race cars. And boy, did they succeed. Maserati quickly gained a reputation for speed, engineering excellence, and Italian craftsmanship.

In the beginning, Maserati was an independent company. It was not tied to any large corporation. The brothers poured their hearts into building some of the most beautiful sports cars ever made. Models like the Maserati A6 and the Maserati 250F became legends on the racetrack.

But running a car company is expensive. Even a legendary one. Over time, the Maserati family faced financial struggles. They needed a partner or an owner who could invest money and help the brand grow. That is where the first big ownership changes came in.

The De Tomaso Era

In 1975, the De Tomaso family stepped in. Alejandro de Tomaso was an Argentine-born Italian businessman. He had a background in racing and a passion for cars. De Tomaso purchased Maserati and became the new owner of the legendary Italian brand.

Under De Tomaso, Maserati continued to produce luxury cars. But the focus shifted a bit. De Tomaso also owned other car brands, including Alfa Romeo for a time. He tried to use Maserati’s prestige to boost his wider automotive empire.

The De Tomaso years were a mixed bag. On one hand, Maserati survived and kept making cars. On the other hand, the quality and reputation of the brand suffered. Some models from this era were not well received. The company needed fresh investment and new direction.

That is when Ford Motor Company entered the picture.

When Ford Stepped Into the Maserati Story

The Ford Acquisition of Maserati

In 1993, Ford Motor Company made a big move. Ford acquired a 33% stake in Maserati from De Tomaso. This was a significant moment in the history of both companies. Ford saw potential in the Maserati brand and wanted to bring some of its engineering and business expertise to the table.

But why would Ford, a giant American car maker, be interested in a small Italian luxury brand? The answer comes down to strategy. Ford wanted to expand its presence in the premium car market. Maserati offered a ready-made luxury identity that Ford could leverage. It was a smart business move on paper.

However, the partnership was not without its challenges. Ford and Maserati had very different corporate cultures. Ford was known for its mass-market approach and focus on practicality. Maserati was all about passion, style, and high-performance luxury cars. Bridging that gap was not easy.

What Ford Did With Maserati

During the time Ford had a stake in Maserati, not much changed in terms of the cars themselves. Ford did not completely redesign the Maserati lineup. The brand continued to produce luxury sedans and sports cars that stayed true to its Italian roots.

One thing Ford did do was help stabilize Maserati financially. The investment gave Maserati the resources it needed to keep operating. Ford also provided some engineering support and shared certain platforms and components with Maserati.

But the partnership was relatively short-lived. By 1999, Ford sold its stake back. Fiat, the Italian car giant, bought Maserati from both Ford and De Tomaso. This marked the end of Ford’s involvement with the brand.

So to answer the question again: does Ford own Maserati? Ford owned a one-third share for about six years. But it was never a full ownership situation. And today, Ford has zero connection to Maserati.

Who Owns Maserati Now?

The Fiat and Stellantis Connection

In 1999, Fiat acquired Maserati and brought it back into the Italian automotive fold. Fiat saw Maserati as a perfect addition to its portfolio of brands. It gave Fiat a luxury halo that could elevate the entire company’s image.

Under Fiat, Maserati got a fresh start. The brand introduced new models and updated its existing lineup. The Maserati Quattroporte and the Maserati Ghibli became popular choices in the luxury sedan market. Maserati also entered the SUV segment with the Maserati Levante, which became one of the brand’s best-selling models.

Then came the big merger. In 2014, Fiat merged with Chrysler to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, commonly known as FCA. This created an even larger global car company. Maserati became part of this bigger family, sitting alongside Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler.

In 2021, FCA merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis. This was a massive deal that created one of the largest automotive groups in the world. Today, Stellantis owns 14 different car brands across multiple continents. Maserati is one of the crown jewels in that lineup.

Maserati’s Current Model Lineup

Under Stellantis ownership, Maserati continues to thrive. The brand offers a range of luxury vehicles that compete with the best in the business. Here are some of the current Maserati models you can find on the market:

• Maserati Quattroporte — A sleek and powerful luxury sedan that embodies Italian elegance.
• Maserati Ghibli — A smaller, more affordable sedan that brings Maserati style to a wider audience.
• Maserati Levante — The brand’s flagship SUV, combining luxury with sporty performance.
• Maserati GranTurismo — A stunning sports car that harks back to Maserati’s racing heritage.
• Maserati MC20 — A supercar that shows Maserati can compete at the highest level of performance.

Each of these models carries the Maserati DNA. They are bold, stylish, and packed with Italian flair. And they all benefit from the resources and technology that come with being part of Stellantis.

Ford’s Current Automotive Portfolio

To understand why Ford does not own Maserati, it helps to look at what Ford owns today. Ford Motor Company is focused on its core brands and markets. The company has a clear strategy that centers on its most profitable and well-known nameplates.

Here is a look at Ford’s current brand portfolio:

• Ford — The main brand, covering cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
• Lincoln — Ford’s luxury division, competing with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

That is it. Ford operates primarily under these two brands. Lincoln serves as Ford’s luxury arm, offering premium versions of Ford vehicles and some unique models of its own.

Ford does not need Maserati in its portfolio. Lincoln already fills the luxury role. And Ford’s strength has always been in trucks, SUVs, and practical vehicles for everyday drivers. The company has found its niche, and it is a successful one.

Why Ford Sold Its Maserati Stake

When Ford sold its Maserati stake in 1999, there were several reasons. First, the partnership had not delivered the results Ford had hoped for. Maserati was not a major revenue driver for Ford. The costs of maintaining the stake outweighed the benefits.

Second, Ford was going through its own challenges at the time. The company needed to focus on its core business and streamline operations. Selling off non-core assets like Maserati made sense strategically.

Third, Fiat was eager to bring Maserati back into the Italian fold. Fiat had the expertise and resources to grow the brand properly. Ford recognized that Maserati would be better off under Fiat’s care.

The decision was a smart one for both sides. Ford freed up capital and focus. Maserati got a new owner that understood the luxury car market deeply.

Maserati vs. Ford: Two Very Different Brands

Even though Ford and Maserati have a shared history, they are fundamentally different companies. Understanding these differences helps explain why they are not connected today.

Ford is a mass-market automaker. It builds cars for millions of people around the world. The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in America. Ford Focus, Ford Explorer, and Ford Mustang are household names. Ford’s strength is volume, reliability, and accessibility.

Maserati is the opposite. It is a niche luxury brand that produces a few thousand cars per year. Maserati targets wealthy buyers who want something exclusive and special. The brand competes with Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Maserati’s strength is prestige, style, and driving excitement.

These two brands serve very different markets. They have different goals, different customers, and different brand identities. That is why Ford’s ownership of Maserati never made long-term sense.

Aspect	Ford	Maserati
Founded	1903	1914
Country of Origin	United States	Italy
Current Owner	Ford Motor Company (public)	Stellantis
Brand Positioning	Mass market, practical	Luxury, premium
Annual Production	Several million vehicles	A few thousand vehicles
Key Competitors	Chevrolet, Toyota, RAM	BMW, Mercedes, Porsche
Luxury Division	Lincoln	N/A (already luxury)

As you can see from the table, Ford and Maserati operate in completely different worlds. Ford is a global giant focused on volume. Maserati is a boutique luxury maker focused on exclusivity and passion.

Why the Confusion Exists

So why do so many people ask, does Ford own Maserati? The confusion comes from a few sources. First, Ford did own a stake in Maserati for several years. Many people remember this period and assume the connection still exists.

Second, Ford is such a well-known brand that people naturally associate it with other car companies. When someone hears that a famous car maker was once involved with Maserati, it is easy to assume the relationship is still active.

Third, the automotive industry is full of complex ownership structures. Companies merge, acquire, and sell brands all the time. Even seasoned car fans can lose track of who owns what. The story of Maserati ownership is a perfect example of how fluid the car industry can be.

The good news is that the answer is clear. Ford does not own Maserati. And it has not owned Maserati for over two decades. The current owner is Stellantis, a global giant with deep expertise in luxury and premium vehicles.

What This Means for Maserati Buyers

If you are considering buying a Maserati, the ownership story matters. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Stellantis backing means Maserati has the financial support of a massive global company. This gives the brand stability and resources for future development.
• Parts and service are generally well-supported under Stellantis. Maserati dealerships have access to a wide network of parts and expertise.
• Resale value can be affected by brand perception. Maserati holds its value reasonably well, especially for limited-production models like the MC20.
• Technology and innovation benefit from Stellantis’s research and development investments. Maserati can access advanced tech that a smaller independent company could not afford on its own.

Buying a Maserati is about more than just the car. It is about owning a piece of automotive history. And that history includes the brief but notable chapter when Ford Motor Company was part of the story.

Key Takeaways

• Ford does not own Maserati today. The Ford Motor Company has no current ownership stake in the luxury Italian brand.
• Ford once held a 33% stake in Maserati from 1993 to 1999, but sold it to Fiat.
• Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis, the global automotive giant formed from FCA and PSA Group.
• The De Tomaso family was a key owner before Ford, and their era shaped Maserati’s modern identity.
• Maserati and Ford are very different brands with different target markets, philosophies, and strengths.
• Understanding car ownership history helps buyers make informed decisions about luxury vehicles.
• The Maserati brand continues to thrive under Stellantis with a strong lineup of luxury sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.

Final Thoughts

So, does Ford own Maserati? The answer is a clear no. Ford once had a significant stake in Maserati, but that chapter closed in 1999. Today, Maserati belongs to Stellantis, and it is thriving as a luxury Italian automaker.

The story of Maserati ownership is a reminder of how dynamic the car industry can be. Brands change hands, mergers happen, and fortunes shift. But through it all, Maserati has remained true to its roots. It is still a brand that stands for Italian passion, luxury, and performance.

Whether you are a Ford fan, a Maserati enthusiast, or just someone who loves cars, this history is worth knowing. The next time someone asks you, does Ford own Maserati, you can give them the full story. And now you have the answer — and it is more interesting than most people realize.

Maserati’s journey from a small Italian racing team to a global luxury brand is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. And while Ford’s role in that journey was brief, it was an important chapter. The road ahead for Maserati looks bright, and car fans around the world will be watching closely to see what the brand does next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Ford ever fully own Maserati?

No, Ford never fully owned Maserati. Ford held a 33% stake in Maserati from 1993 to 1999. The rest of the company was owned by De Tomaso at the time. Ford sold its share back when Fiat stepped in to acquire the brand.

Who owns Maserati right now?

Maserati is currently owned by Stellantis. Stellantis is a global automotive giant formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group in 2021. Under Stellantis, Maserati benefits from strong financial backing and shared technology.

Why did Ford sell its stake in Maserati?

Ford sold its Maserati stake because the partnership was not delivering the expected results. The costs of maintaining the stake were high, and Ford needed to focus on its core business. Selling to Fiat was a strategic move that benefited both companies.

Is Maserati a Ford brand?

No, Maserati is not a Ford brand. Maserati has no current connection to Ford Motor Company. It is part of the Stellantis family, which includes brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, and Peugeot.

What luxury brand does Ford own instead?

Ford owns Lincoln, which is its luxury division. Lincoln offers premium versions of Ford vehicles and some unique models. Lincoln competes with other luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi in the American market.

Can I still find Ford-era Maserati cars on the market?

Yes, you can find Maserati models from the Ford era, particularly from the mid-1990s. These cars are collectible and have a unique place in Maserati history. However, they are relatively rare and may require specialized maintenance due to their unique position in the brand’s timeline.

=== CONCLUSION ===

The question, does Ford own Maserati, opens up a fascinating window into automotive history. Ford’s brief ownership of Maserati was a notable chapter, but it is not the whole story. Today, Maserati stands as a proud Italian luxury brand under the Stellantis umbrella, free from any Ford connection.

Understanding the ownership history of luxury car brands like Maserati gives you a deeper appreciation for the vehicles on the road. It also helps you make smarter buying decisions and have better conversations with fellow car enthusiasts.

So the next time someone asks about Ford and Maserati, you will know the full story. And you can share it with confidence. The world of luxury cars is always changing, but the passion behind brands like Maserati remains timeless and true.