The Maserati Quattroporte has won five automotive awards in the first four weeks of 2006, following close on its extraordinary success in 2005 when it played a starring role in Maserati's significant 25 per cent worldwide growth and the spectacular 54 per cent increase in the United States.

Germany's motoring magazine, Auto Motor und Sport, judged the Quattroporte to be the best import car in the Luxury Sedan category with 36 per cent of the vote. This figure was 20% greater than that of its closest competitor. The Quattroporte's typically Italian styling, its elegance and refined 'made to measure' finish were highlighted as reasons for the choice. The car triumphed over its rivals in a survey of 100,000 readers as it took the prize awarded by one of the most prestigious publications in German motoring. The awards ceremony was held in Stuttgart in the presence of Maserati's CEO, Karl Heinz Kalbfell. The Quattroporte was also awarded the first prize in the luxury sedan category by the Dutch edition of Auto Motor und Sport magazine.

In Italy, the monthly magazine Quattroroute, celebrating this month its 50th anniversary, awarded the Quattroporte yet another prize. The magazine's readers judged the vehicle to be 'The car I prefer 2006'. The Maserati Quattroporte claimed the prestigious award in the 'Flagship' class for the third consecutive year, gathering 42 per cent of the vote - more than twice than that of its closest competitor.

Important recognition also came from France and the respected Automobile Magazine. In its January issue, the publication elected the Quattroporte the 'Best Car' in the luxury saloon category. As Stephane Meunier, editor of the French monthly, pointed out, the Maserati flagship model is the only car to have received this award three consecutive times.

Finally, the Quattroporte was voted the 'Best Car 2006' in the Luxury class by the Swiss magazine Auto Illustrierte. For the second time in a row the Quattroporte took the prize, attracting 25 per cent of the votes polled - almost 10 per cent more than its nearest rival.

Following its international launch in September 2003, the Maserati Quattroporte has received a total of 27 international awards.

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