Maserati to Build Huawei Cars in China, Finish in Italy
Maserati has agreed to a split-manufacturing deal with Huawei and JAC that moves body production to China while keeping finishing work in Italy.
Maserati has agreed to a split-manufacturing deal with Huawei and JAC that moves body production to China while keeping finishing work in Italy. According to reports from the Chinese outlet 36Kr, the partnership will produce two battery-electric vehicles: a large grand tourer and a mid-to-large SUV. This arrangement marks a significant shift in how the Italian brand constructs its electric lineup, blending Chinese industrial capacity with Italian craftsmanship.
The plan involves assembling the bare metal chassis, known as the body-in-white, at a JAC plant in Hefei, China. These unfinished shells will then be shipped to Italian facilities where teams will install interiors, calibrate systems, and perform final quality checks. This semi-knocked-down approach is designed to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining the luxury image associated with the Maserati name. It also aims to revive production lines at the brand's Cassino and Modena plants, offering a potential solution to declining output in recent years.
Electric grand tourer takes priority
Industry insiders indicate that the electric grand tourer is expected to be the first model to roll off the line, rather than the SUV. This choice may seem counterintuitive for a brand seeking higher sales volume, as the SUV segment typically sells more units. However, the grand tourer aligns more closely with Maserati's core identity as a performance-oriented manufacturer. The vehicle will support the existing GranTurismo Folgore, which uses a high-voltage electrical architecture designed for speed and handling, whereas the SUV relies on more standard group hardware.
This sequencing fills gaps left by previous production delays. Earlier plans outlined by Maserati's former leadership included a large electric SUV for 2027 and a fully electric sedan for 2028. Both models were delayed after Stellantis reduced its investment in the brand's electrification efforts. The new collaboration with Huawei and JAC effectively resurrects these slots, allowing the company to move forward with projects that were stalled by financial and operational constraints.
Market strategy avoids key regions
The initial launch markets for these vehicles will focus on the Middle East, Italy, France, and Germany. Notably, the United States and the United Kingdom, which are traditionally strong markets for Maserati, are excluded from this first wave. In China, the cars will be sold under the Maextro brand, a luxury label launched by Huawei and JAC. Overseas, they will carry the Maserati badge, allowing the Italian company to retain control over its brand positioning and distribution channels outside of the Chinese domestic market.
This dual-branding strategy reflects the complex division of labor in the partnership. Huawei provides the intelligent mobility platform, including the digital cockpit and driver-assistance systems. JAC handles the heavy engineering and manufacturing tasks in China. Maserati contributes its design expertise and manages the brand's global image. This structure allows each partner to leverage its specific strengths while sharing the financial and operational risks of bringing new electric models to market.
Financial pressure drives new approach
The decision to outsource body production is driven by urgent financial needs. Maserati shipped fewer than 8,000 vehicles in 2025, a figure down more than 80 percent from its peak in 2017. The brand posted an adjusted operating loss of nearly 200 million euros, highlighting the strain on its resources. By utilizing JAC's manufacturing infrastructure, Maserati can lower production costs without having to invest heavily in its own factory capacity. This cost-saving measure is critical for improving the brand's profitability and sustaining its electric vehicle program.
Stellantis, Maserati's parent company, has stated that it is evaluating various options for the brand's future. The partnership with Huawei and JAC represents a pragmatic step to keep the electric lineup alive while navigating a difficult financial landscape. While the company has not officially confirmed every detail of the arrangement, the reported plans suggest a strategic pivot toward collaboration. This approach allows Maserati to continue developing electric models despite internal resource constraints and shifting market dynamics.
