The long-term future of Maserati has been clouded in uncertainty, but now a glimmer of hope emerges from an unexpected direction. According to reports from China, the Trident brand has reportedly finalized plans to collaborate with Huawei and JAC to develop two new models. This news brings a breath of fresh air for automotive enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting a breakthrough from the Modena-based manufacturer.
Rumors of this partnership first surfaced in May, but at that stage, negotiations were still in the early phases with no certainty. Now, citing information from FormulaPassion, the agreement between the three parties is said to have been reached. This move marks a new chapter for Maserati, which is striving to revive its sales performance in the global market.
The strategy is quite intriguing. Vehicles produced jointly will be marketed in China under the Maextro brand, while for overseas markets they will retain the Maserati name. The initial plan of the partnership is to create a mid-to-large electric SUV and a fully electric GT. The SUV is positioned as an alternative to the Grecale Folgore, while the GT will accompany the GranTurismo Folgore. In this scheme, JAC will be responsible for engineering and production at the plant currently manufacturing Maextro models, while Huawei will provide the HIMA platform, including the Qiankun autonomous driving system, electric powertrain technologies, and smart cabin package. Maserati will focus on design and commercialization.
More surprisingly, the production chain is not entirely in China. Although the operation is rooted there, Italy still plays a significant role. JAC will only produce the body-in-white, which will then be exported to Italy for final assembly. Maserati aims to launch these two electric vehicles in key regions such as the Middle East, Italy, France, and Germany. This move could be decisive for the brand, especially considering the disappointing sales figures: in 2025, Maserati sold only 7,900 units, down from 11,300 in 2024, marking the lowest result since the early 2010s.
The partnership with tech giant Huawei and manufacturer JAC signals that Maserati is serious about transforming in the era of electrification. This cross-border collaboration also shows that the global automotive industry is becoming increasingly interconnected, with China as a hub for electric technology innovation and Italy maintaining its design heritage. If successful, this could become a blueprint for other luxury brands facing similar challenges.
Of course, the challenges are not small. Maserati must ensure that the resulting models still exude the sportiness and luxury DNA typical of the Trident, even though much of the technology comes from Chinese partners. Additionally, the fluctuating global market dynamics and fierce competition in the luxury EV segment will be a test. However, with Huawei's support on the software side and JAC on production, Maserati at least has a more solid foundation to move forward.
For fans, this news certainly brings new hope. After a long wait for surprises, Maserati is finally showing a clearer direction. Now the ball is in their court: can they execute this plan well and reclaim their place in consumers' hearts? Time will tell, but at least the first step has been taken.
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