Maserati confirms its future plans: it will produce electric SUVs and sports cars using Huawei’s technology
19/09/2026 09:30
Updated to
19/09/2026 09:30
When a century-old brand like Maserati begins to rely on a Chinese technology giant to design its next vehicles, it signals that something significant is changing in the luxury automotive sector. The Italian company has confirmed its plans to work with Huawei on developing two new electric cars: a large electric SUV and an electric GT.
The move is not a surprise. Previous reports disclosed last week indicated that Stellantis, Maserati’s parent company, was pushing the brand to deepen its cooperation with Huawei and manufacturer JAC, aiming to jointly develop premium electric vehicles. Since taking on the role of Stellantis CEO, Antonio Filosa has been seeking ways to save Maserati. Selling it was an option, though it was never taken seriously.
A clearly defined division of tasks
Under the existing collaboration framework, each party plays a distinct role. Huawei will contribute its technologies from the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance ecosystem, including intelligent cockpit systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and some electric propulsion technologies. JAC will use its Maextro Super Factory to handle the engineering and production of the vehicles, while Maserati will bring its brand assets, design expertise, and global sales channels to the partnership.
Future models might adopt a dual-brand strategy: being sold under the Maextro range in China while retaining the Maserati logo in international markets. Maextro is currently regarded as China’s best luxury brand. Created by the JAC-Huawei partnership, its first car, the Maextro S800, has been a huge sales success despite costing over 700,000 yuan, which is more than 85,000 euros at the current exchange rate. Recently, the company launched its second model, the Maextro V800, a luxury minivan.
Two models, two distinct missions within the range
The electric SUV is set to expand Maserati’s electric lineup following the Grecale Folgore, while the electric GT will replace the GranTurismo Folgore as the flagship for the brand’s premium positioning. According to available information, Maserati is placing greater emphasis on the electric GT than on the SUV, a decision that aligns with the brand’s traditional identity: GT models better reflect its focus on performance, driving dynamics, and Italian design compared to more general-purpose luxury SUVs.
In the era of electric cars, Maserati’s previous electric models relied heavily on upgraded versions of existing internal combustion engine platforms. The brand has struggled to match Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers in areas such as user experience, ADAS systems, and electrical performance. Developing a dedicated premium platform from scratch, however, requires significant investment and time. For Stellantis, which is undergoing restructuring, partnering with Chinese companies specializing in smart electric vehicles could offer a faster path to achieving this goal.
Numbers highlighting the urgency of change
The backdrop to this agreement are figures that leave little room for maneuver. Maserati’s global sales dropped below 8,000 units in 2025, a decline of over 80% from its record high in 2017. Profitability has also not improved. According to Stellantis’ financial report, Maserati recorded an adjusted operating loss of 198 million euros (228.5 million dollars) in 2025, with an adjusted operating margin falling to -27.3%.
The partnership also represents a significant step forward for Huawei. Maserati brings over a century of brand history, a well-established global dealership network, and a strong base of European luxury car customers. If the collaboration succeeds, Huawei could expand its presence in the global premium market, while Maserati could leverage China’s electric vehicle supply chain to accelerate its own brand transformation.
Source: 36Kr