Reports have surfaced suggesting a potential long-term industrial collaboration between Stellantis Group’s luxury brand Maserati, Chinese tech giant Huawei, and Chinese automaker Jianghuai Automobile (JAC). However, Stellantis has officially responded by stating they do not comment on market rumors or speculation.
Stellantis’s Cautious Response
The initial report, published by Italian media outlet Milano Finanza, indicated that Stellantis was in talks regarding a partnership that could see Huawei’s HarmonyOS intelligent ecosystem applied to Maserati vehicles. Wang Chao, Stellantis’s Vice President of Communications for the Asia-Pacific region, informed National Business Daily on September 5th that the group “does not comment on market rumors or speculation.”
Wang Chao elaborated that as part of its normal business operations, Stellantis continuously communicates and exchanges ideas with global industry partners on various topics, always aiming to deliver the best mobility solutions for customers. He also highlighted that Maserati’s future strategy and development plans will be officially unveiled at the upcoming Investor Day event in Modena, Italy, this December. Until then, no further comments would be made.
Details of the Alleged Deal
According to the previous reporting by Milano Finanza, the negotiations were said to be in an advanced stage. The publication suggested a plan to integrate Huawei’s HarmonyOS Intelligent Mobility platform into Maserati models. The objective was to launch the first jointly developed production car by the end of 2027. The proposed cooperation model might involve a dual-brand strategy, with the vehicle being sold under the ‘Maextro’ brand in the Chinese market, while bearing the Maserati badge for global markets.
Maserati’s Recent Performance and Strategic Context
Maserati has faced performance pressures in recent years. A Reuters report indicated that the brand’s global shipments for 2025 were projected to be fewer than 8,000 units, accompanied by an adjusted operating loss of 198 million euros.
The potential collaboration with Huawei and JAC could be seen in the context of Stellantis’s broader strategy. Earlier this year, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares mentioned that production cooperation, including for Maserati, is a key pillar of the group’s new long-term strategy. He stated that new partnerships would positively impact production capacity at the Cassino and Modena plants in Italy.
This news follows other developments within Stellantis’s operations, including the recent establishment of DPCA Technology Company, a joint venture with Dongfeng Motor, which plans to launch four new energy vehicle models in its initial phase. The industry will be closely watching Maserati’s Investor Day in December for official updates on its strategic direction and potential new partnerships.
