Ferrari Maserati UK will, from October 1, take over the import and and distribution activities currently managed by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, a subsidiary of Inchcape plc.

This change is in line with the Ferrari Maserati Group’s strategy of managing its key markets directly and follows recent changes made to its western European operations.

As part of the continuing partnership with the Ferrari Maserati Group, Inchcape plc will continue to manage the spare parts, including classic parts, business until 30 September 2005 and, importantly, will continue to retail Ferrari and Maserati cars through Maranello Sales Ltd.

In November 2003 Maranello Sales Ltd increased its retail footprint with the Ferrari Maserati Group to three showrooms, which together account for about 35% of the total UK sales for these brands. In addition to its flagship site, Tower Garage, in Surrey, Maranello Sales Ltd now also has dealerships in Sevenoaks and St. Albans.

Martin Leach, chief executive of Maserati SpA, says: “The UK market is a key growth area for Maserati worldwide. New models, such as the Quattroporte, and our return to GT racing with the MC12 will further raise the profile of the Trident and power the development of the brand.”