Huawei, JAC and Maserati Explore NEV Partnership for Global Premium EV Expansion

Huawei, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC), Stellantis NV and the automaker’s luxury brand Maserati are reportedly discussing a collaboration to develop new energy vehicle models targeted at premium domestic and international markets. According to local media reports, the proposed cooperation structure mirrors the operating model currently used under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) ecosystem, where multiple automotive brands jointly leverage Huawei’s intelligent vehicle technologies. The first jointly developed model is expected to enter mass production during the second half of next year if discussions progress successfully.

Under the proposed arrangement, Huawei would reportedly lead product definition and contribute core intelligent vehicle technologies, while JAC would oversee collaborative research, development and vehicle manufacturing operations. Maserati would contribute styling expertise and provide global brand positioning support for overseas markets. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that two different versions of the jointly developed vehicle are being planned. The domestic market version is expected to be launched under the Maextro brand, while the international version could carry Maserati branding for overseas sales channels.

People familiar with the discussions stated that negotiations between the companies began early last year and have continued over several phases. Although a final commercial agreement has not yet been officially signed, related vehicle development activities are reportedly already underway. The potential alliance highlights increasing collaboration between Chinese intelligent vehicle technology companies and established international automotive manufacturers seeking to accelerate electrification and software-driven vehicle capabilities in highly competitive premium vehicle segments.

Stellantis and Maserati Face Intensifying Market Pressure

The reported cooperation discussions emerge at a challenging time for Stellantis and its Maserati luxury division. Stellantis reportedly recorded a net loss of 22.3 billion euros during 2025, reflecting severe pressure across multiple markets. Maserati’s global deliveries also experienced a significant decline over the past two years, falling from nearly 27,000 units in 2023 to approximately 7,900 units in 2025. The sharp decline has intensified pressure on the brand to improve its competitiveness in electrification, intelligent cockpit systems and advanced driving technologies.

In China, previously Maserati’s largest individual market globally, sales reportedly dropped to slightly above 1,000 vehicles last year. The contrast with earlier performance has been substantial. In 2017, Maserati sold 14,498 vehicles in the Chinese market, accounting for nearly 30% of its total global deliveries at that time. Industry observers believe the company’s slower transition toward electrified and software-defined vehicles contributed to weakening competitiveness against rapidly evolving Chinese premium NEV manufacturers.

Huawei and JAC Premium EV Collaboration Gains Momentum

The proposed cooperation could also strengthen Huawei and JAC’s growing presence in the premium intelligent vehicle segment. Their jointly developed Maextro S800 luxury sedan has already generated significant market attention in China’s high-end vehicle category. The model carries a starting price of 708,000 yuan ($104,260), positioning it among the most expensive domestically available passenger vehicles in the market. The collaboration demonstrates Huawei’s strategy of expanding its intelligent mobility ecosystem through partnerships with multiple automotive manufacturers.

According to the report, cumulative sales of the Maextro S800 have exceeded 16,000 units since its launch last year. Huawei additionally announced an upgraded version of the vehicle featuring an 896-channel LiDAR system, which the company described as the highest specification globally. The development reflects intensifying competition in premium intelligent driving systems and advanced sensor integration among Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers.

Reported Maserati and Huawei NEV Cooperation Structure

The discussions also align with Stellantis’ earlier strategy of partnering with Chinese NEV companies to strengthen its competitiveness in electrified mobility. The automotive group previously acquired an approximately 20% stake in Leapmotor to support its position in the mass-market electric vehicle segment. The reported Huawei-JAC-Maserati cooperation would represent another major step toward leveraging Chinese intelligent vehicle capabilities to revive premium brand performance in both domestic and overseas markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reported partnership between Huawei, JAC and Maserati?
The reported partnership involves Huawei, JAC, Stellantis and Maserati discussing the joint development of premium new energy vehicles for both domestic Chinese and international markets. Under the proposed framework, Huawei would provide intelligent vehicle technologies and product planning support, JAC would manage development and manufacturing, while Maserati would contribute vehicle design and premium brand positioning. The cooperation structure is reportedly similar to Huawei’s HIMA ecosystem, where multiple automotive brands collaborate using Huawei’s intelligent mobility technologies.

Why is Maserati exploring collaboration with Chinese NEV companies?
Maserati has faced declining global sales and increasing pressure in the transition toward electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies. The brand’s deliveries reportedly dropped significantly between 2023 and 2025, while competition from Chinese premium NEV manufacturers intensified rapidly. Collaborating with Huawei and JAC could help Maserati strengthen its software-defined vehicle capabilities, intelligent cockpit technologies and advanced driving systems while accelerating product development for both Chinese and overseas premium electric vehicle markets.

What is the significance of the Maextro S800 in this collaboration?
The Maextro S800 represents an existing premium collaboration between Huawei and JAC in China’s luxury NEV market. The vehicle has attracted attention due to its high pricing, intelligent vehicle technologies and advanced LiDAR integration. Reported cumulative sales have exceeded 16,000 units since launch, demonstrating early market traction in the premium segment. The model’s performance is viewed as evidence that Huawei and JAC can jointly develop competitive high-end intelligent vehicles, which may support future collaborations with global automotive brands like Maserati.