November 10 2026 – Maserati is moving closer to a joint electric-vehicle program with Huawei and JAC Motors, with the project reportedly named “Maserati Design.” The design of the first models has reportedly been confirmed, and the partners are aiming for further production milestones in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Under the reported division of labor, Huawei would lead product definition and supply its HarmonyOS smart cockpit, Qiankun ADS advanced driver-assistance system, and high-voltage electric drive solutions. JAC would handle vehicle engineering, chassis tuning and manufacturing at its Hefei Maextro super factory, while Maserati would focus on exterior styling and overseas sales and brand operations.
The collaboration is said to include two all-electric models: a mid-to-large pure-electric SUV positioned against the Levante, and a large pure-electric GT, with the GT potentially launching first. The vehicles would follow a dual-brand strategy. In China, they would be sold primarily under the Maextro brand, while overseas versions would carry the Maserati badge and use Maserati’s existing dealer network.
Production would reportedly use a semi-knocked-down assembly model. Major body structures and components would be built in Hefei, then shipped to Italy for interior fitting, calibration and final assembly, allowing the cars to retain an Italian manufacturing identity.
None of the three parties has fully confirmed the details. JAC said in late September that it had discussed cooperation with Huawei and Stellantis, but that no binding agreement had been signed and that key terms remained uncertain. Stellantis has declined to comment on market rumors, and Maserati’s full brand strategy is expected to be revealed at an investor event in Modena in December.
The push for a Chinese partnership reflects Maserati’s deteriorating sales. Global deliveries fell to fewer than 8,000 units in 2025, down more than 80 percent from the 2017 peak, while China sales dropped to just 1,374 units, a decline of more than 90 percent from its high point. Developing a complete electric and intelligent vehicle system independently would be costly and slow for a brand of Maserati’s current scale. Partnering with Huawei and JAC could shorten development time and reduce investment, while giving Huawei and JAC a route into overseas luxury markets through Maserati’s brand and channels.
