A few days ago, we reported that the project to The collaboration between Maserati, Huawei, and JAC Motors had reached several important milestones. But behind the industry discussions, many uncertainties still remained. A Chinese media outlet is now reporting some particularly interesting new details: two cars are reportedly already in the works, and, more importantly, plans for their production—to be split between China and Italy—are beginning to take shape.
According to information published by Futur Car Daily, which claims to draw on several local industry sources, Maserati has reportedly already outlined two projects as part of its partnership with Huawei: a large all-electric SUV and a large GT, which is also fully electric.
The electric GT might be the first to arrive
The two models are said to have different purposes. The SUV would expand the lineup centered on the Grecale Folgore (or replace it), while the GT would aim to consolidate the position currently held by the GranTurismo Folgore.
But contrary to what one might have imagined, the SUV would not necessarily be the first to be released. A source close to the project tells Futur Car Daily that internal discussions currently seem to favor the electric GT as the first model under this new partnership.
Above all, this gives a much more concrete dimension to the project that has been discussed for several months. Huawei would provide its technology ecosystem, including the HarmonyOS cockpit and driver-assistance systems Qiankun ADS as well as other technologies related to electric propulsion. JAC would handle the engineering and a major portion of the manufacturing, while Maserati would contribute its design, brand image, and international network.
Made in China… then finished in Italy?
This is probably the most interesting detail revealed by the Chinese media. For cars intended for export, Maserati is reportedly considering an SKD-style production setup, which stands for «Semi Knocked Down.» Production of the cars would begin at the Chinese plant in Hefei before being shipped to Italy for final assembly. By “final assembly,” we mean that the work related to the luxurious interiors, adjustments, and final assembly would then be carried out at the Italian facilities.
According to a source cited by the media outlet, this solution would make it possible to reduce costs while preserving the luxury image associated with Maserati. Above all, the automaker would like to take advantage of this program to make better use of the manufacturing capacity at its Italian plants, such as Cassino. The question we posed a few days ago—China or Italy?—might therefore have an unexpected answer: both.
Maserati is reportedly staying out of China
The sales strategy is also beginning to take shape. The concept of a car with a dual identity remains on the table: the models would be marketed in China under the Maextro brand—the result of a partnership between Huawei and JAC—while retaining the Trident emblem and the Maserati name internationally.
And in those foreign markets, Maserati would have greater decision-making authority. According to Futur Car Daily, the first regions targeted would be the Middle East and three major European markets: Italy, France, and Germany.
This new information therefore goes beyond the initial rumors. It is no longer just a matter of sharing technology with Huawei and JAC: two models are reportedly already in the works, the order in which they will be launched is under discussion, and even the production plan involving Hefei and Italy is reportedly being considered. However, the agreement has yet to be officially confirmed by Stellantis and Maserati… by the end of the year.
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Could we even imagine for a second that Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Aston Martins were made in China?
Maserati is falling very, very low…
I looked into it, and as far as I can tell, Lotus is the only one doing that today
It will really be very damaging to the brand…
Only the Lotus Eletre and Emeya appear to be manufactured in China. They’re built on Chinese Geely platforms, just like the Volvo and Zeekr models…. Fortunately, the «real» Lotuses are still British. Still, this does take a toll on the brand’s image and prestige.
I admit I'm skeptical about the project; let's wait for the official information.
R.I.P. Maserati.
..hello and good night!-
Right now, Italy is promoting "Made in Italy" on a national scale.
So why?
I currently own a Ghibli, and the main reason is that it's made in Italy.
China is taking over the brand's image and network—goodbye to the distinctive character, and goodbye to the warm, angular Italian design…
It will probably save the brand, just like MG did by making those huge vacuum cleaners, but it won't have anything to do with the brand's heritage anymore.
I treasure my Ma.quatroporte V 🥲
China isn't getting anything because, until proven otherwise, Maserati is owned by Stellantis.
As for MG, it hasn’t had anything to do with the brand’s heritage for a long time. The last models before it disappeared were just rebranded Austin-Rovers and a niche roadster. At least, under SAIC’s leadership, the brand is being reborn (even if it has lost its soul). I’m very happy with mine, by the way.
It's going to be like Swiss watches, which have a certain percentage of "Made in Switzerland" content, with some of the components made elsewhere (probably in China).
Except that customers see “Made in Switzerland” on the watch, without realizing that it’s only partially made in Switzerland.
When it comes to cars, there are certainly Italian models manufactured in Poland, and many other car brands don't manufacture in their country of origin.
So Maseratis made partly in China are just one more step in that direction. In any case
The batteries in electric cars are made in China.
But we're talking about Maserati here, not Renault or Kia. Image is all they have to sell, since they don't even have the V8 anymore.
In addition to Chinese engineering and manufacturing, the other issue is market access:
Will the Middle East and European countries really be interested in electric Maseratis? The current Folgore lineup is clearly a flop.
I conclude that these models will serve as fill-ins, as their lower production costs could potentially help limit losses compared to the current lineup.
Excellent analysis.
Maserati has a reputation for embodying the Italian way of life and for its top-of-the-line engines. The dream of owning a Maserati is fading, and in other markets—outside the EU—it’s now an electric car from China. Will this strategy pay off?
On top of that, there’s shared manufacturing—known as SKD—with all the associated challenges regarding logistics, accountability, parts availability, interface clarification, and much more. I know all about it.
From my perspective, that would be the final nail in the coffin.
I have a question: Does the new generation still view internal combustion engines as a status symbol?
That's ridiculous—even a Maserati made in Italy, with the chassis, engines, and manufacturing all done in Italy, has a hard time selling… so a Chinese Maserati?! That's a joke. LOL. Sell Maserati, sell Alfa—you bunch of incompetents—to salvage whatever can still be salvaged.
Maserati must return to the eight-cylinder engine and collaborate with Ferrari. Otherwise, it will face another failure.
I kind of get the impression that Maserati has a somewhat overrated image among some people. It’s a bit like Porsche, which for a long time—after breaking away from the «sacred» 911 monopoly—suffered from public scorn for trying something different. In the end, after quite a few years of selling «beastly» SUVs like the Cayenne or the Pana—whose success and production location (Slovakia) might have been “shocking”—the fact is that the brand has even become bloated (280,000 in 2025!!) in terms of sales. I imagine Stellantis is dreaming of something similar for Maserati.
Either Maserati is heading toward the biggest fiasco in its history—one that will be taught in marketing schools (dilution of brand identity, excessive outsourcing, etc.)—or it will establish a new model for the 21st century (unprecedented partnerships, cost-sharing in the ultra-luxury sector, a focus on China, which still suffers from an overly negative image in the automotive industry). It’s double or nothing!
Apparently, realizing it was impossible to sell these brands, they decided to «collaborate.» The result: another fiasco like the Tonale. Decent sales under the Dodge brand (in the United States), but a stinging failure in Europe under its own name. Way to go—they’ve messed up yet again.
It's not about IMAGE!
I have a GT, 4.7 s… It's all about the car… anyone who cares about image just doesn't get it.
Maserati from China = the brand is dead.