Maserati is reportedly working with Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC) on a new vehicle project that could bring the Italian luxury automaker into China’s new-energy vehicle market through localized production.
The proposed collaboration, known as “Maserati Design,” involves Maserati parent company Stellantis, Huawei and JAC, according to a report by Yicai. The project would use the Maextro brand for vehicles sold in China, while models intended for international markets would carry Maserati branding.
The exterior design of the new vehicle has reportedly been finalized, with further preparations for mass production expected to advance in the fourth quarter of 2027. However, the companies have not announced a confirmed production start or delivery schedule.
Huawei and JAC to Support Localized Vehicle Production
Under the reported arrangement, JAC would handle manufacturing, while Huawei would contribute technology and support the vehicle development process.
The structure is intended to address challenges surrounding Maserati’s production qualifications in China while allowing the project to use the manufacturing capabilities and technology resources of its local partners.
Maserati would contribute its design expertise and luxury brand identity, while Maextro would provide the domestic market branding and access to Huawei’s automotive ecosystem.
The proposed division of responsibilities would allow the partners to develop a vehicle using Chinese manufacturing and technology resources while maintaining different brand identities for domestic and international customers.
JAC Previously Confirmed Discussions With Huawei and Stellantis
The latest report builds on an earlier disclosure by JAC. In a September 30 filing, the Chinese automaker confirmed that it had been discussing potential cooperation with Huawei and Stellantis.
However, JAC stated that the scope and structure of the proposed collaboration had not been finalized. No legally binding definitive agreement had been signed at the time, and the company highlighted significant uncertainty over whether the project would proceed.
Local media outlet Yunjian Insight had also reported in May that the three companies were discussing the joint development of Maserati-branded new-energy vehicles.
According to that earlier report, Huawei would lead product definition and supply core technologies, JAC would manage joint development and manufacturing, and Maserati would contribute vehicle styling and brand positioning.
Different Branding Planned for China and Overseas Markets
The proposed dual-brand strategy would give the project separate commercial identities depending on its destination market.
Vehicles sold in China would be marketed under Maextro, while overseas versions would use Maserati badges. This approach could allow the partners to leverage Huawei’s established technology and JAC’s manufacturing capabilities in China while retaining Maserati’s international luxury positioning.
For Maserati, the arrangement would offer a potential route to develop vehicles with Chinese partners without relying entirely on its existing production infrastructure. For Maextro, the collaboration could provide access to Italian automotive design expertise and a broader international brand presence.
Maextro Expands Its Position in Huawei’s Automotive Ecosystem
Maextro is the highest-positioned brand within Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), which brings together technology and automotive manufacturing partners.
Its current portfolio includes the S800 luxury sedan and two extended-range electric MPVs, the V680 and V800.
Separately, Cailian reported that Maextro could introduce a new sub-brand focused on SUVs. However, that potential initiative is understood to be independent of the reported Maserati collaboration.
If completed, the Maserati project would represent another example of international automakers exploring partnerships with Chinese technology companies and manufacturers to accelerate vehicle development and expand their presence in the country’s rapidly evolving new-energy vehicle market.
Nevertheless, the proposed cooperation remains subject to further clarification, as the companies have not publicly confirmed a finalized agreement or production timetable.