A Maserati GranTurismo. The Italian luxury carmaker reportedly plans to develop an electric GT and SUV with Huawei and JAC. Credit: Maserati
- The planned models include a mid-to-large-size electric SUV and a large electric GT, with Maserati leaning toward launching the GT first.
- The overseas production plan calls for body shells to be built in China, with interiors and calibration completed in Italy to cut costs and utilize local factories.
Maserati has reportedly finalized plans for 2 new models with Huawei, as the Italian luxury carmaker seeks to tap Chinese technology and manufacturing resources to reverse a sales slump.
Auto Time, a media outlet under 36Kr, reported on Thursday, citing multiple industry sources, that the models would comprise a mid-to-large-size electric SUV and a large electric GT. Maserati currently favors launching the GT first.
The report offers a clearer product roadmap for the previously reported collaboration between Maserati, Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC).
The SUV would complement the market coverage of Maserati’s existing Grecale Folgore, while the GT would strengthen its position in the segment served by the GranTurismo Folgore and reinforce the brand’s sporty positioning, according to Auto Time.
The report did not disclose specific launch dates for either model or indicate whether the parties had signed a definitive commercial agreement.
The plans also cover overseas production. Maserati intends to adopt an SKD (semi-knocked-down) model, with body-in-white structures produced in Hefei, Anhui province, China, before Italian factories complete luxury interior assembly and calibration, according to the report.
The arrangement aims to reduce costs while preserving Maserati’s luxury positioning and making greater use of its Cassino and Modena plants, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.
Maserati would have greater decision-making authority over overseas sales, with the Middle East, Italy, France and Germany among the initial target markets, according to the report.
Reports of Maserati’s potential collaboration with Chinese companies have surfaced before. On May 13, another Chinese media outlet, Yunjian Insight, reported that Huawei, JAC and Maserati parent Stellantis were in talks to jointly develop new energy vehicles (NEVs).
That report said Huawei would lead product definition and provide core technologies, JAC would handle joint development and manufacturing, and Maserati would contribute styling and brand support.
The models would be sold under the Maextro brand in China and carry Maserati badges overseas, with the first model expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2027, according to the May report.
Auto Time’s latest report also said JAC would handle vehicle engineering and manufacturing at its Maextro plant, while Maserati would contribute styling and overseas sales channels.
The potential partnership comes as Maserati faces pressure on sales and profitability. The brand’s global shipments fell below 8,000 vehicles in 2025, down more than 80% from their 2017 peak, Auto Time noted.
Maserati posted an adjusted operating loss of 198 million euros in 2025, with an adjusted operating margin of negative 27.3%, according to the report.
Huawei and JAC have already entered China’s premium car market through Maextro. The brand, part of Huawei’s HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business, launched its first model, the S800, in May 2025.
In August this year, Maextro added the V680 and V800 extended-range MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), expanding its lineup beyond luxury sedans into the business transportation market.
Co-developed models will include a domestic Maextro version and an overseas Maserati version, with mass production planned for the second half of next year.
