Maserati “China-Italy Centennial Rally" Kicks Off

Italian luxury car brand, Maserati, today launches its grand “China-Italy Centennial Rally” from the Imperial Ancestral Temple in Beijing. The rally is part of Maserati's centennial celebration taking place this year and also marks the tenth anniversary of Maserati’s successful entry into China. A fleet of Maserati cars driven by their owners and journalists sets off from Beijing today, aiming to cross six countries -Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany and Austria - before arriving in Maserati’s home of Italy. The “China-Italy Centennial Rally” will cover 12,000Km in 35 days, finishing in Modena, Italy, in mid-September to form part of Maserati's global centennial gathering.

The launch ceremony will culminate in 82 Maserati cars, representing the entire Maserati series, forming the figure “100" - a majestic sight to behold at the grand Imperial Ancestral Temple. The temple in Beijing is a historic site in the heart of the city, outside the Forbidden City, a place of worship used during the Ming and Qing dynasties for ceremonies on the most important occasions to honor the imperial family’s ancestors. Maserati whole line-up - Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo, Gran Cabrio - will be displayed there together with classic models to tell the story of Maserati's 100-year history of the brand’s timeless legacy.

Maserati’s birthplace, Modena, is also the hometown of the celebrated opera star Luciano Pavarotti who held a deep passion for Maserati. The Maserati “China-Italy Centennial Rally” launch ceremony begins with Puccini’s aria “Nessun Dorma”, performed by the singers of the Luciano Pavarotti Foundation with Maestro Paolo Andreoli bringing back memories of Pavarotti’s own performance of the aria in 2001 at the same location. Set to that operatic background, the last of the 82 Maseratis will be slowly driven into position to complete the figure "100”, representing not only Maserati China’s tribute to the 100th anniversary of the brand, but also the aspiration for its future development. With a drum roll and flag dance, the Maserati “China-Italy Centennial Rally” will officially start. The great journey that began in 1914 carries on.

In 1914, the Maserati brothers established the Maserati company. In 2014, Maserati celebrates the brand's centenary with a series of exciting events around the world. The three-day rally from Modena to Turin from September 18 to 20 will be the climax of the celebrations. During that time, the small town of Modena will become a global focus and over 300 car owners will get together for a grand three-day celebration.
The Maserati "China - Italy Centennial Rally" is not only a tribute to the global centennial celebrations; it also marks Maserati’s tenth anniversary in China. The China market plays a significant role for Maserati’s growth "from a niche brand to gradually becoming a major player in the global luxury car market," and will play a key role in the second century of Maserati's successful development.

Sponsors for this rally include GAC Fiat Freemont, responsible for providing working vehicles all route, IVECO that will provide the service vehicles with its New Daily, Shell Helix Ultra, appointed sponsor for lubrication oil, and Pirelli P Zero, official tyre sponsor.