Index
A Historic Turning Point for the Stellantis Group
The latest news about Stellantis is generating significant attention in the automotive world. The group formed by the merger of FCA and PSA is reportedly in advanced negotiations with United Arab Emirates investors for the possible sale of the Maserati brand, with the possibility of including Alfa Romeo and the Cassino plant, where Giulia and Stelvio are produced.
The operation would represent an epochal turning point for the Italian automotive industry, as it would involve two historic Made in Italy brands and a major national production site.
Rumors about Stellantis Selling Maserati and Alfa Romeo to the United Arab Emirates
At the end of September 2025, several international media outlets reported rumors about potential negotiations between Stellantis and a group of investors linked to the United Arab Emirates for the sale of Maserati and Alfa Romeo.
According to sources, the operation would align with Stellantis’s objective to restructure its brand portfolio, improving profitability and simplifying the group’s structure.
However, at present, there are no official confirmations from either Stellantis or UAE government entities. These are therefore rumors and speculations, but the geopolitical context and economic relations between Italy, France, and the Middle East make the scenario plausible.
Alfa Romeo is not for Sale: Confirmation with the New Tonale
After weeks of speculation, comes the official denial: Alfa Romeo is not for sale and is not closing.
The confirmation came during the presentation of the new Alfa Romeo Tonale, in October 2025, as reported by Avvenire (article by Paolo Ciccarone, “New Tonale, for Alfa Romeo the first step towards a future yet to be written“, October 18, 2025).
“I can definitely say one thing: Alfa Romeo is not for sale and is not closing. The only things for sale are our cars,” stated Cristiano Fiorio, Global Head of Marketing and Communication for the brand.
The Tonale restyling marks the first step towards a new course for Alfa Romeo, which will continue to be a strategic pillar of the Stellantis group.
The new Giulia and Stelvio will remain in production until 2027, while the Tonale — built at the Pomigliano d’Arco plant — has already exceeded 100,000 registrations since launch, with double-digit growth in several European markets.
Al Tayer Motors: Maserati’s Face in the United Arab Emirates
In case of acquisition or partnership, a key role could be played by Al Tayer Motors, already Maserati’s official dealer and partner in the United Arab Emirates since 1998.
Main Headquarters
The Maserati showroom of Al Tayer Motors is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Manara area in Dubai, one of the city’s most prestigious thoroughfares.
Awards
Over the years, Al Tayer Motors has received various awards from Maserati, including “Best Importer” and “Best Global Dealer“.
Services Offered
In addition to selling new and certified pre-owned vehicles, the company operates after-sales service centers, provides original spare parts and offers dedicated maintenance and diagnostic services, with operational locations across the Emirates.
This established network makes Al Tayer Motors a natural partner for potential future operations, capable of ensuring continuity and added value to the Maserati brand in the Arab market.
Stellantis Strategy in the Middle East: Innovation and Electric Mobility
Regardless of sale hypotheses, Stellantis is strengthening its presence in the Middle East with a strategic approach focused on industrial growth and technological innovation.
In 2025, the group signed a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to develop an integrated automotive ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates.
- Objective: to make Abu Dhabi a hub for vehicle exports, industrial research, and advanced mobility technology production.
- Electric mobility: the agreement includes investments in electric vehicles (EV) and charging infrastructure, in line with the region’s sustainability and energy transition policies.
- “Dare Forward 2030” Plan: Stellantis’s MEA (Middle East & Africa) strategy aims to achieve a fully electrified range by 2030, greater production autonomy and a significant market presence in the area.
This expansion confirms the group’s intention to transform the Middle East into a strategic hub for the automotive industry of the future, regardless of the outcome of negotiations on Maserati and Alfa Romeo.
What Will Happen to Stellantis Dealers?
The possible sale of the Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands opens a new chapter for the Stellantis dealer network in Italy and Europe.
The group has already initiated a rationalization of the sales network in recent years, reducing the number of dealers to increase efficiency and margins.
In case of ownership transfer, dealers of the involved brands might be restructured or absorbed by new distributors, with transitional agreements ensuring service continuity for customers.
Cassino: an Italian Automotive Symbol in the Balance
The Cassino plant, Alfa Romeo’s historic production heart, is currently experiencing a phase of deep uncertainty.
With 2,400 employees and a 28.3% production decline in the first nine months of 2025, the factory has experienced over 80 days of stoppage and increasingly relies on social safety nets and solidarity contracts.
Sale rumors fuel employment concerns: estimates already indicate about 600 redundancies, of which 250 through incentivized layoffs. Without a concrete industrial plan, the prospect of further production reductions or line relocation to Mirafiori represents a real risk.
An Uncertain Future for Made in Italy
The potential sale of Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Cassino marks one of the most delicate phases for the Italian automotive sector.
On one hand, the entry of Arab capital could bring resources to relaunch the brands in the premium segment; on the other, losing industrial control over two historic icons of Italian design and engineering raises concerns about the sector’s national identity.
Conclusion
The Stellantis group is at a crossroads: continue the path of global integration or sell part of its Italian heritage to focus on electrification and industrial efficiency.
Between market speculations, strategic partnerships in the Middle East and employment challenges in Italy, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for the future of Maserati, Alfa Romeo and the Cassino plant.
FAQ
1. What is the current status of negotiations for the sale of Maserati and Alfa Romeo by Stellantis?
Reports indicate that Stellantis is in negotiations with United Arab Emirates investors for the possible sale of the Maserati brand, with the possibility that the Alfa Romeo brand and the Cassino plant might also be included. However, there is currently no official confirmation from either Stellantis or the investors involved.
2. What is the future of production at the Cassino plant?
The Cassino plant (Piedimonte San Germano, near Cassino) is part of Stellantis’s production network and currently assembled Alfa Romeo and Maserati models. In recent months, it has experienced significant production interruptions due to weak demand for some models. Stellantis had announced that the plant would be dedicated to the STLA Large electric platform. However, the exact future roadmap has not yet been publicly defined.
3. How might Stellantis dealers in Italy be affected by this reorganization?
Stellantis is rethinking its relationship with its dealer network in Italy. For Alfa Romeo and Maserati dealers, any sale or change of ownership could involve contractual modifications, restructuring, or dealership transfers. In any case, the official network will likely continue to guarantee assistance, spare parts, and after-sales services for some time.
4. What services does the official Maserati dealership offer in the United Arab Emirates?
Al Tayer Motors has been the official Maserati dealer in the United Arab Emirates since 1998. It offers sales of new and certified pre-owned vehicles, after-sales service, original spare parts, and a dedicated Maserati center.
5. What is Stellantis’s strategy for the Middle East?
Stellantis has initiated strategic partnerships in Middle Eastern countries and Africa with the aim of strengthening production and electric mobility in the MEA region. For example, it plans to develop electric vehicles and infrastructure in collaboration with local entities. (Note: this part is based on hints and general statements, not always confirmed publicly with complete details.)
6. What is the role of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands in Stellantis’s portfolio?
Alfa Romeo and Maserati are premium/luxury brands within the Stellantis group and hold strong symbolic value for Italy and Made in Italy. However, the profitability of these brands is perceived as below expectations in the group’s global context, which is why they are subject to strategic evaluation. The sale rumors are testament to this.
