At the NAIAS Motorshow in Detroit, Maserati confirmed today that they will start producing a SUV-model at the ‘Jefferson North assembly plant’. The first Maserati ever to be build in the United States, will be produced in the same assembly plant where also the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are build at the moment. Sales in the United States start in the second half of next year and shortly thereafter sales will start in Europe and Asia. This last continent is very important for Maserati, as China is now one of their most important markets. Meanwhile in Turin at that time, Maserati will start producing a new car which will compete in the ‘executive class’ (similar cars: BMW 5 series, Mercedes E-Class). Fiat intends to increase the production numbers by introducing some new models spread over the brands (e.g. Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia). Maserati also confirmed that they will not use the name ‘Cinqueporte’ for their new SUV.