- 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.
- The move aims to boost Maserati's persistently sluggish sales and help Stellantis navigate electrification challenges.
Huawei, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp (JAC), Stellantis NV and the European auto giant's Maserati brand are in talks to jointly build new energy vehicle (NEV) models for the Maserati brand, local media Yunjian Insight reported on Wednesday.
The cooperation approach is similar to the five brands under Huawei's HIMA (Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance) business, with the first model expected to enter mass production in the second half of next year, according to the report.
Under this highly specialized framework, Huawei will lead product definition and provide core technologies. JAC will be responsible for joint research and development as well as manufacturing, while Maserati will offer styling design and brand endorsement.
The co-developed models will be launched in two versions for different markets. The domestic version will fall under the Maextro brand, a collaboration between Huawei and JAC, while the overseas version will carry the Maserati badge, the report said.
People familiar with the matter revealed that negotiations among the parties have been underway since early last year. Although a formal commercial agreement has not yet been signed, related vehicle R&D work is already in progress.
The potential partnership comes as Stellantis faces severe financial and sales pressure. In 2025, Stellantis recorded a massive net loss of 22.3 billion euros.
Global deliveries of the Maserati brand have also plummeted, plunging from nearly 27,000 units in 2023 to about 7,900 units in 2025.
In China, once its largest single market, Maserati's sales dwindled to just over 1,000 units last year, the report noted.
China was previously its largest single market globally — in 2017, Maserati sold 14,498 vehicles in the country, accounting for nearly 30% of its global total.
The brand has suffered setbacks in its electrification transition, with its smart cabin and driving experiences lagging behind local competitors.
In contrast, the collaboration between Huawei and JAC in the premium market has already shown initial results. The Maextro S800 luxury sedan jointly built by the two companies has a starting price of 708,000 yuan ($104,260), making it one of the most expensive vehicles on the Chinese market.
Cumulative sales of the Maextro S800 have exceeded 16,000 units since its launch last year. Huawei also announced an upgraded version of the model equipped with an 896-channel LiDAR, the highest specification globally.
Stellantis has a precedent of forming alliances with Chinese NEV companies. The automaker previously acquired an approximate 20% stake in Leapmotor to boost its performance in the mass market.
($1 = 6.7910 yuan)
