The Levante SUV, unveiled at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, is expected to push up the sales of Italian luxury carmaker Maserati in the Chinese market in upcoming years, said Harald Wester, chief executive officer of the company.

"The Asia market plays a crucial role in supporting Maserati's growth," Wester said. "Among those markets, China will have the biggest growth potential."

The SUV is expected to help China surpass North America to become the biggest market on Maserati's global map, he said.