Maserati’s new electric vehicle, jointly developed with China’s Huawei and JAC, has reportedly completed its exterior design. The project, internally called “Maserati Design,” is targeting further progress toward mass production in the fourth quarter of 2027, according to a November 9 report by Chinese media outlet Yicai.
The project involves three companies: Huawei, JAC, and Maserati’s parent company Stellantis. The vehicles will reportedly be manufactured by JAC and use Huawei technology. They are expected to be sold under the Maextro brand in China and carry Maserati badges in overseas markets. However, neither a production start date nor a delivery schedule has been confirmed.
As CarNewsChina previously reported in September, Maserati is planning two electric models with its Chinese partners: a large electric GT and a mid-to-large electric SUV. The GT is reportedly the preferred candidate for the first launch, although the latest report does not specify which model has completed its exterior design.
Under the proposed division of responsibilities, Huawei would provide the electric vehicle technology, including its HarmonyOS-based cockpit and Qiankun intelligent driving system. JAC would handle vehicle development and manufacturing at its facility in Hefei, Anhui province, while Maserati would contribute vehicle styling and its international sales network.
The overseas manufacturing arrangement could also involve production in Italy. According to previous reports, vehicle body shells would be manufactured in China and shipped to Italy for final assembly, including interior installation and chassis calibration. Maserati’s factories in Modena and Cassino have been mentioned as potential beneficiaries of the cooperation.
Maextro is a luxury brand jointly developed by Huawei and JAC under Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA). It currently sells three models: the S800 sedan and two MPVs- the V680 and V800 flagship.
Its first model, the S800 sedan, launched in May 2025, competes in China’s luxury sedan segment with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The S800 was introduced with both battery-electric and extended-range powertrains, priced between 708,000 and 1,018,000 yuan (102,000–146,700 USD).
Despite the reported progress in vehicle development, the cooperation has not been formally finalized. In a September 30 regulatory filing, JAC confirmed that it was discussing potential cooperation with Huawei and Stellantis but stated that no legally binding agreement had been signed. The company also said the scope and structure of the partnership remained uncertain.
The cooperation comes as Maserati faces declining sales and mounting financial losses. The Italian automaker delivered fewer than 8,000 vehicles globally in 2025, compared with roughly 49,000 units at its peak in 2017. Maserati also recorded an adjusted operating loss of 198 million EUR (approximately 230 million USD) in 2025.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has previously indicated that industrial partnerships could play a role in Maserati’s future. The company is expected to present a new long-term strategy for the Italian brand in December 2026.
The news comes at a time when Maextro is reportedly preparing to launch a new sub-brand focused on SUVs priced between 400,000 and 500,000 yuan (56,200–70,300 USD). According to a November 9 report citing people familiar with the matter, the new sub-brand and Maserati cooperation are two separate projects. Details of the sub-brand have not yet been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Maextro is also preparing to launch its own large luxury SUV in early 2027, according to Huawei executive Richard Yu.
