TMC Chapter News
Maserati Celebrates Relaunch @the NYSE
04/23/2002: Yesterday Maserati commemorated their return to the U.S. via a gala celebration and display at the New York Stock Exchange. This was a V.I.P. only event to which myself and club historian, Willem Oosthoek, were invited. The celebration included a display of 4 beautiful new Maseratis at a tent set up in front of the New York Stock Exchange in Manhattan. About 3:00pm a new Spyder and a new Coupe arrived (above) after which a photographic frenzy ensued! Dignitaries arriving in the new Maseratis included Stuart Robinson of Ferrari/Maserati North America, Dick Grasso, chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, and Paolo Vannini, president & CEO of FIAT, USA.
Shortly after the presentation to the media, V.I.Ps were escorted under heavy security to the balcony of the NYSE trading floor itself where we were able to see the inner workings of America's economy first-hand. Previous to 9/11 this was a traditional NYC tourist attraction, a possibility which I'm sure is no longer available. Just before 4:00pm Massimo Petonciano, Stuart Robinson, Dick Grasso, & Paolo Vannini appeared at the NYSE podium where Mr. Robinson struck the commemorative gavel presented to him to signify the end of the trading day and the ringing of the closing bell.
Our group was then escorted up to the 6th floor of the NYSE to the NYSE private board room: an extremely beautiful area with high, decorated ceilings and a huge traditional meeting facility. There we enjoyed a quality buffet of Italian bread, cheese, and hors d'oevres and discussed the successful relaunch of the marque.
Shortly thereafter I was completely surprised by the presentation of a NYSE commemorative medallion from MNA to TMC in appreciation of my assistance for organizing the L.A. Auto Show display. The medallion is inscribed "Celebration of Maserati's return to the U.S.A., NYSE: FIA Closing bell ceremony, April 22, 2002." Thanks MNA, it meant a lot to me and portends favorably toward our future relations and joint collaborations.
