- Maserati will launch an electric SUV and an electric GT with Huawei and JAC.
- Vehicles from the brands will be marketed as Maextro models in China.
- Sales at the Italian brand collapsed last year, and it needs rescuing.
The long-term future of Maserati has been up in the air for quite some time, and its ultimate savior may come from an unexpected place. As per a new report from China, the Italian brand has finalized plans for a cooperation with Huawei and JAC that will lead to the creation of two new models.
Rumors of a potential tie-up involving Maserati, Huawei, and JAC first surfaced in May, but at the time, discussions between the three companies were only in their early stages. It’s now understood that the brands have agreed to a deal, with models co-developed between the brands to be marketed in China as Maextro models, while overseas, they will be badged as Maseratis.
Read: Stellantis Responds To Report Of Maserati EV Tie-Up With China’s Huawei And JAC
EET China claims to have heard from industry sources that the partnership will initially lead to a mid-to-large electric SUV in addition to an all-electric GT. The SUV is expected to be marketed as an alternative to the current Maserati Grecale Folgore, while the GT will complement the GranTurismo Folgore.
JAC Motors will reportedly handle vehicle engineering and manufacturing of the vehicles at the same site where it builds current Maextro models. Huawei will then provide its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) platform, including its Qiankun autonomous driving system, electric powertrain technology, and intelligent cockpit setup. As for Maserati, well, it would be tasked with designing the models and selling them.
While the idea of Maserati models being built in China will shock brand loyalists and enthusiasts, there will be significant input from Italy. In fact, it’s reported that JAC will only be responsible for manufacturing the body-in-white at its factory, before these are exported to Italy for final assembly.
Where Will They Be Sold?
Maserati will reportedly target the Middle East, Italy, France, and Germany to sell these two new electric models.
The unusual partnership could be enough to save Maserati. In the 2025 fiscal year, the Italian brand sold just 7,900 vehicles, a massive drop from the 11,300 sold in the previous fiscal year and the worst year since the early 2010s.
