Stellantis explores a partnership with Huawei and JAC Motors for Maserati’s next-gen EVs. Will Italian design survive Chinese tech? Find out more!
Maserati, the storied emblem of Italian luxury and performance, may be heading toward a transformative—and controversial—new era. Reports suggest that its parent company, Stellantis, is in deep negotiations with Chinese tech giant Huawei and automotive manufacturer JAC Motors to co-develop the next generation of Maserati electric vehicles (EVs).
The Italian Soul, The Chinese Heart
Under the proposed agreement, Maserati would maintain its prestige through design and brand identity, ensuring the “Italian essence” remains visible. However, the heavy lifting of engineering, core technology, and mass production would shift to Asia.
The collaboration is expected to follow a model similar to Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility alliance. In this ecosystem, multiple automotive brands leverage a shared technological foundation while maintaining their own unique brand personalities. Specifically:
- Huawei: Will lead the development of core software, intelligent systems, and overall product direction.
- JAC Motors: Will be responsible for the R&D and physical manufacturing of the vehicles.
- Maserati: Will focus on the aesthetic design, luxury craftsmanship, and global brand positioning.
The “Lotus Effect”: A Risk to Heritage?
If this partnership comes to fruition, the role of Italy in Maserati’s production will shrink significantly, potentially limiting the “Made in Italy” label to the drawing board. Industry analysts are already drawing parallels to brands like MG and Lotus—legendary European names that now operate with Chinese ownership and technological backbones.
For purists, the idea of a Maserati powered by Chinese tech is a bitter pill to swallow. Yet, for Stellantis, it may be the only viable path to rapid electrification in a hyper-competitive market.
A Desperate Move to Combat Falling Sales
The urgency behind this pivot is written in the numbers. Maserati has faced a staggering decline in sales over the last few years. In the previous year, the brand sold only 11,127 vehicles—a brutal 58% drop from the prior year.
The decline is even more pronounced in China, once a stronghold for the Trident brand. In 2017, China consumed nearly 14,500 Maseratis; today, that number has plummeted to just over 1,000 units per year. To survive, Maserati must recapture the interest of the modern, tech-savvy luxury buyer.
Stellantis’s Broader Chinese Strategy
This isn’t an isolated incident for Stellantis. The conglomerate has been aggressively courting Chinese expertise to stay relevant in the EV race:
- Leapmotor: In 2023, Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor to bring affordable Chinese EV tech to the European market by 2028.
- Opel: An electric SUV from Opel is currently being co-developed, with production slated for the Zaragoza plant in Spain.
What’s Next for the Trident?
Early reports indicate that two models are already in the initial planning stages. One is expected to be launched exclusively in China under the brand name Maextro, while the second will be refined and branded as a Maserati for global distribution.
While the exact body styles—whether a sleek sedan, a high-performance sports car, or a luxury SUV—remain secret, the shift in power is clear. The “Italian” aspect of these future cars may soon be limited to the badge and the beauty of the lines, while the intelligence and power come from the East.
When asked for comment, Stellantis issued a generic statement, noting that they “regularly engage with various global industry partners to provide the best mobility options for customers,” but declined to confirm the specific rumors regarding Huawei and JAC Motors.