Fiat Divides Maserati from Ferrari to Bolster Alfa Romeo

So, will all of Ferrari's engineering expertise be lost and Maserati left without access to access to Maranello's V8 engine

Alfa Romeo sales have been in a slump, making the need to immediately share costs with Maserati imperative for future product development. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

supply, among other benefits? Not so, at least at first. Fiat stated that Maserati would continue to work closely with Ferrari on engine technology, as well as its commercial network.

And what will happen to ex-Rolls-Royce CEO Karl-Heinz Kalbfell who left the ultra-luxury brand to run Alfa Romeo, one of Fiat Auto's three brands which also include the Fiat nameplate and Lancia? That's difficult to say, as sales are down significantly which could mean another top exec is about to get the boot.

It seems that since new CEO Sergio Marchionne took over top brass have been vacating at an alarming rate, the next expected to be Maserati boss Martin Leach, the same man who

Fiat Auto's new CEO Sergio Marchionne, to his credit, is making bold moves at a time when Fiat Auto needs to use its recent payoff to strengthen its brands. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)

previously led Ford of Europe before jumping to Maserati last year.

Marchionne, to his credit, is making bold moves at a time when Fiat Auto needs to use its recent payoff to strengthen its brands.

"The move is essential for Alfa Romeo's future development," Marchionne said in a statement. "We believe that in the context of the re-launch of our car business, we need to pay close attention to the specific character of each brand."

But while initially it seems that Maserati will suffer without a direct tie to Ferrari, it could actually flourish next to Alfa Romeo.