Giant Ferrari showroom opens

Visitors taking a closer look at the exotic cars on display at the RM20 million Malaysian-Italian joint-venture showroom

PETALING JAYA: The largest showroom for Ferrari and Maserati outside of Italy, opened its doors at the Naza Italia centre, yesterday.

The RM20 million and 45,000 sq ft Malaysian-Italian joint-venture showroom displays several iconic marques, apart from Ferrari and Maserati memorabilia.

The rich history and heritage of the cars are also available for visitors to read besides an atelier for patrons to customize their cars.

Among cars on display are the Ferrari 430, 430 Scuderia, 599 GTB Fiorano and 612 Scaglietti, and Maserati Quattroporte and Gran Turismo.

Two modern-day supercar icons — the Ferrari Enzo, with a limited worldwide production of only 399 units, and the even more exclusive Maserati MC12, one of only 55 units manufactured — will be displayed for a limited period. One of the surprises at the launch was the presence of the limited-edition Scuderia Spider 16M, recently unveiled at the Mugello circuit in Italy to commemorate Ferrari's F1 Constructors title win in 2008.

The amazing car, of which only 499 units will be manufactured, will be on display at the showroom this week before being shipped back to Italy.

Late last night, Ferrari FI driver Felipe Massa made a grand appearance to launch a special limited Ferrari edition, before local jazz songbird Noryn Aziz performed a medley of songs.

This was followed by an artistic performance from a trio of acrobats.

Naza Italia is the sole importer and distributor of Ferrari and Maserati in Malaysia.

The centre marks a major step forward for Naza Italia only a year after it was appointed the sole importer and distributor for Ferrari in April last year.

It was the same with Maserati in February this year.

Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunaku Nur Zahirah were present at the opening of the centre.

Also present were International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Ferrari Asia Pacific president and chief executive officer Marco Mattiacci, Maserati Asia Pacific managing director Simone Niccolai, and Naza Italia and Naza Group chief executive officer S.M. Faisal S.M. Nasimuddin.

Faisal, the eldest son of the late Tan Sri S.M. Nasimuddin S.M. Amin, said Naza Italia was more than just a showroom for Ferrari and Maserati.

"It is in fact a state-of-the-art 4S (sales, service, systems and spare parts) centre and a total lifestyle boutique centered between both brands.

It offers something for anyone who lives and breathes Ferrari and Maserati," he said.

Faisal, who conceptualized the showroom and captured the signature touches of both marques, said it was a tribute to his late father who had a great passion for such fine cars.

"I wish to continue my late father's legacy in expanding the automotive industry and providing employment, training and exposure to Malaysians in the latest advanced engine technology from experts," said Faisal.