Maserati reportedly to partner with Maextro on localized production in China

• The project involves Huawei, JAC and Stellantis, with the new car’s exterior design finalized.
• Vehicles will be sold through Maextro in China and retain Maserati branding overseas.

Maserati will reportedly partner with Maextro, the brand jointly developed by Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC), to pursue localized production in China, using different brands for domestic and overseas sales.

The project, called “Maserati Design,” is a 3-way collaboration involving Huawei, JAC and Maserati’s parent company Stellantis, Yicai reported on Monday.

The new car’s exterior design has been finalized, with further progress toward mass production planned for the fourth quarter of 2027, according to the report. No firm production or delivery date has been disclosed.

Given issues surrounding Maserati’s production qualifications in China, the project will involve manufacturing by JAC and technology support from Huawei, Yicai said, citing a person familiar with the matter.

The partnership will follow separate paths for China and overseas markets. Vehicles will be sold through Maextro domestically and carry Maserati badges overseas, according to the report.

The arrangement would allow Maserati to draw on its Chinese partners’ manufacturing and technology resources to advance the vehicle project, while giving Maextro access to the Italian luxury brand’s design expertise.

The report adds detail to the previously disclosed interest in a 3-way partnership. JAC confirmed in a September 30 filing that it had been in discussions with Huawei and Stellantis about potential cooperation.

However, JAC said at the time that the scope and structure of the cooperation had not been determined. No legally binding definitive agreement had been signed as of the filing, and significant uncertainty remained over whether the partnership would proceed.

Local media outlet Yunjian Insight reported in May that the parties were in talks to jointly develop Maserati-branded new energy vehicles (NEVs), with plans to use different brands in China and overseas.

Under the division of responsibilities outlined in the May report, Huawei would lead product definition and provide core technology, JAC would handle joint development and manufacturing, and Maserati would contribute styling and brand backing.

The Maserati project is also separate from another potential expansion plan for Maextro. Cailian reported earlier today, citing a person familiar with the matter, that Maextro could launch a new sub-brand focused on SUVs, but that this initiative and the Maserati partnership are 2 separate projects.

Maextro is the highest-positioned brand under Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) umbrella. It has launched the S800 sedan and 2 extended-range MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), the V680 and V800.

The planned models include a mid-to-large-size electric SUV and a large electric GT, with Maserati leaning toward launching the GT first.