Maserati new electric models planned with Huawei, JAC

Maserati Plans Electric SUV and GT With Huawei, JAC

Maserati has reportedly finalized plans for two new electric models with Maserati, Huawei, and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC), as the Italian luxury automaker looks to use Chinese technology and manufacturing resources to address its sales decline. Auto Time, a media outlet under 36Kr, reported on Thursday, citing multiple industry sources, that the planned vehicles are a mid-to-large-size electric SUV and a large electric GT. Maserati reportedly currently favors introducing the GT first, although the report did not provide specific launch dates or confirm whether the parties have signed a definitive commercial agreement.

Electric SUV and GT Would Expand Maserati's Lineup

The reported SUV would broaden Maserati's coverage alongside the Grecale Folgore, while the electric GT would reinforce the segment represented by the GranTurismo Folgore and support the brand's established sporting identity. The latest report provides additional details about a collaboration previously associated with Maserati, Huawei, and JAC. Auto Time said JAC would be responsible for vehicle engineering and manufacturing at its Maextro facility, while Maserati would contribute vehicle styling and overseas sales channels. The proposed division of responsibilities would combine Chinese engineering and production capabilities with Maserati's design expertise and international brand presence.

Production Could Use a China-Italy SKD Model

The reported arrangement would also extend to overseas production through a semi-knocked-down, or SKD, manufacturing model. Under the proposal, body-in-white structures would be produced in Hefei, Anhui province, China, before Italian factories undertake luxury interior assembly and vehicle calibration. According to the report, this structure is intended to lower costs while retaining Maserati's luxury positioning and increasing utilization of its Cassino and Modena facilities. The proposed manufacturing approach would therefore divide production activities between China and Italy, with the Chinese side handling selected upstream manufacturing work and the Italian plants completing later-stage processes associated with the vehicles' final configuration.

Overseas Sales Would Give Maserati Greater Control

Maserati would reportedly retain greater decision-making authority over overseas sales under the potential arrangement. The Middle East, Italy, France, and Germany were identified as initial target markets in the report, indicating that the planned vehicles could be positioned primarily outside China under Maserati branding. Earlier reports provided a different view of the proposed commercial structure, saying the vehicles could be sold under the Maextro brand in China while carrying Maserati badges in overseas markets. The May report also suggested that the first model could enter mass production during the second half of 2027, although the latest report did not independently confirm that timing.

Earlier Reports Linked Huawei, JAC and Stellantis

Reports of a potential collaboration emerged before Auto Time's latest account. On May 13, Chinese media outlet Yunjian Insight reported that Huawei, JAC, and Maserati parent Stellantis were discussing the joint development of new energy vehicles. That report described Huawei as responsible for product definition and core technologies, JAC as responsible for joint development and manufacturing, and Maserati as contributing styling and brand support. It also said the vehicles would use the Maextro brand in China and Maserati branding overseas. The earlier report expected the first vehicle to reach mass production in the second half of 2027, but neither report established a definitive production schedule.

Maserati Faces Significant Sales and Profitability Pressure

The potential partnership comes as Maserati deals with substantial pressure on shipments and financial performance. Auto Time reported that the brand's global shipments fell below 8,000 vehicles in 2025, representing a decline of more than 80% from the 2017 peak. Maserati also recorded an adjusted operating loss of 198 million euros in 2025, while its adjusted operating margin was negative 27.3%, according to the report. Against that backdrop, access to Chinese engineering, technology, and manufacturing resources could become an important element of the brand's effort to expand its electric portfolio while addressing cost and production considerations.

Maextro Already Has a Premium Vehicle Presence

Huawei and JAC have already entered China's premium automotive market through Maextro, a brand within Huawei's HIMA, or Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, business. Maextro launched its first model, the S800, in May 2025. In August, the brand added the V680 and V800 extended-range MPVs, expanding its product range from luxury sedans into business-oriented transportation. The existing relationship between Huawei and JAC provides the reported Maserati project with an established technology and manufacturing framework, although the precise commercial terms, final vehicle specifications, launch schedule, and production commitments for the Maserati-branded models remain undisclosed.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The reported collaboration could give Maserati access to Chinese engineering and manufacturing capabilities while allowing it to retain design, luxury-brand positioning, and greater control over selected overseas sales activities. For the automotive industry, the proposed China-Italy production model illustrates how established luxury automakers may divide development and manufacturing responsibilities across regions as they expand electric portfolios and manage costs. The immediate significance depends on whether Maserati, Huawei, JAC, and Stellantis formalize the reported plans, establish definitive vehicle specifications, and confirm production and launch schedules. If those steps occur, the arrangement could affect how Maserati uses its Italian facilities and approaches selected international electric-vehicle markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What electric vehicles is Maserati reportedly planning with Huawei and JAC?
Maserati is reportedly planning a mid-to-large-size electric SUV and a large electric GT with Huawei and JAC, with the GT currently favored for an earlier launch. The SUV would complement the Grecale Folgore, while the GT would expand the segment covered by the GranTurismo Folgore. The reported manufacturing plan would use body-in-white production in Hefei, China, followed by luxury interior assembly and calibration at Italian facilities. Specific launch dates and definitive commercial agreements had not been disclosed in the reports.