Maserati is discussing new electric models with two Chinese companies. Sources in China point to Huawei and JAC as the leading partners. If a deal goes through, Maserati’s next SUV and grand tourer would use Chinese technology and be built in Italy.
Last year, Maserati sold just 7,800 cars, compared with more than 13,600 for Ferrari. Stellantis, Maserati’s parent, keeps saying “Maserati is not for sale.” CEO Antonio Filosa said in June that Stellantis was in advanced talks with two major technology partners. Chinese industry sources now identify them as Huawei and JAC. Bloomberg and other industry outlets report that Stellantis is planning a major overhaul of Maserati, centered on two flagship electric models. The brand recently had its weakest sales year in recent memory.
Stellantis has said it will unveil a comprehensive new strategy for Maserati at the investor day in Modena this December.
Chinese outlet Auto Time reports that the partnership has already produced concrete plans for two all-electric Maseratis. The first, an SUV, would join the Grecale Folgore in the lineup. The second would be a grand tourer, strengthening Maserati’s sports image alongside the Gran Turismo Folgore. Both models are expected to rely heavily on Huawei’s technology. JAC would handle parts and manufacturing, while Maserati would oversee design and use its European sales network. This matches accounts in Chinese and international media: Huawei would take charge of software and the smart platform, including advanced driver assistance systems. JAC would lead engineering and production.
Maserati Spain told Motorpasión España that “nothing is 100% officially confirmed” yet, although Chinese sources say the deal is next. The reported plan uses a semi-knocked down (SKD) model, with kits shipped from China and final assembly at Maserati’s Cassino and Modena plants. Other carmakers have tried bringing Chinese new idea to Europe under European brands, with final assembly there. Several industry analysts have cautioned, but, that the SKD arrangement and local assembly plan remain unconfirmed. Stellantis has not made it official.
Huawei and JAC already have a luxury brand in China called Maextro. They launched the S800 sedan first, followed by the V680 and V800 electric models. Industry reports say the cars will be sold as Maextro in China and as Maserati in Europe. The arrangement echoes other recent cross-border car deals. For example, GWM’s expansion into Spain, as reported earlier, followed a similar approach.
Bloomberg cited multiple independent sources saying Maserati’s global deliveries fell to around 7,800-7,900 vehicles in 2025, down from approximately 11,300 in 2024. The decline has added pressure for a rapid relaunch of the brand.
Stellantis has announced neither a timeline nor a joint venture structure. Early projections suggest production of these Maseratis with Chinese roots could begin in the second half of 2027 if talks stay on track. AutoScout24 and other European automotive publications report that Stellantis continues to stress Maserati is not for sale. Any decisions will be part of a broader brand plan to be revealed later this year.
The electric car market is changing, and competition is intensifying. Maserati’s move to Chinese technology and manufacturing could shape its future. Huawei’s technology and JAC’s production could give Maserati’s design-led brand a boost.
