Luxury auto party over in China as economic growth slows and graft drive bites

Shanghai

WHEN Italian luxury carmaker Maserati entered China a decade ago, with a brand virtually unknown to Chinese customers, it sold fewer than 40 vehicles in its first year.

Last year, the Asian giant was Maserati's second largest market as sales of its sports cars - including the Quattroporte, which can cost up to US$377,000 - reached 9,400, more than doubling from 2013.