Italy is famous for its luxury cars, and Modena based car manufacturer Maserati has been playing a large part in the production of premium Italian vehicles since its founding in December 1914 in Bologna by the Maserati brothers Alfieri, Carlo, Ettore, Bindo and Ernesto. In 1937, the brothers sold their shares in the company to the Adolfo Orsi family, and the company has changed hands a number of times, until Fiat S.p.A. acquired the automaker in 1993 and remains its owner to this day. However, it wasn't until July 1997 when Fiat sold 50% of its shares to Maserati's arch rival Ferrari, who took control of production, built a new factory, and were credited with bringing Maserati right back into business, following a number of years flirting with bankruptcy.
Maserati's largest market in in the US, which has become the largest market for the company, and the company currently has 5 active models, the Quattroporte, the Ghibli, the GranTurismo, the GrabCabrio and the 5-door Levante.
Throughout their history, Maserati has competed in Formula One, sports car racing and touring car racing, and has seen varying success including three FIA GT championships between 2005-2007.