Maserati may build next EV in China

Maserati is weighing whether to build a future electric vehicle in China with Huawei and JAC Motors, according to reports published on May 15 by DigiTimes and later picked up by Autoblog. The reports, citing Chinese outlet Yunjian Insight, said Stellantis, Maserati’s parent, is in talks with Huawei and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group, or JAC, on a new-energy vehicle program for the Italian luxury brand. Stellantis did not publicly confirm the talks in the materials reviewed, and Carscoops reported the company said it does not comment on speculation. ### Which companies are named in the reported talks? Huawei, JAC Motors, Stellantis and Maserati are the companies named across the reports. CnEVPost, citing Yunjian Insight, said the proposed cooperation would resemble Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance model, under which Huawei provides technology and partners handle vehicle manufacturing. DigiTimes said the talks cover a new generation of high-end EVs aimed at Europe’s premium market and include software development as well as vehicle engineering. (digitimes.com) JAC already has a manufacturing relationship with Huawei in China through the Maextro brand, one of the alliances linked to Huawei’s auto push. That matters because the reports describe JAC not simply as a supplier, but as a potential production partner if Maserati shifts part of its EV program to China. ### Why would Maserati consider a China-linked EV program now? (cnevpost.com) Maserati’s sales have fallen sharply from their earlier peak, according to figures cited by Autoblog. Autoblog said the brand sold more than 51,000 vehicles in 2017, 11,300 in 2024 and about 1,000 in China last year, down from roughly 14,500 there in 2017. Those figures were presented as part of the context for the reported talks. (cnevpost.com) Stellantis’ 2025 annual report said Maserati would no longer be reported as a separate segment starting January 1, 2026, with shipments and sales instead folded into geographic reporting. That accounting change does not describe product plans, but it does mean future Maserati disclosures may be less granular than before. (autoblog.com) ### How does this fit with Maserati’s electric plans? Maserati has already committed publicly to an electric lineup under its Folgore name. Stellantis media materials said the Grecale Folgore became Maserati’s first full-electric SUV, and earlier brand statements said all Maserati models were to be available in a full-electric version by 2025, with the full range planned to run only on electricity by 2028. (stellantis.com) January 2026 reports in Autoblog and February 2026 reports in Electrek and Carscoops said Maserati was offering discounts of up to $85,000 on some Folgore models in the United States. Those reports described the cuts as unusually large for the luxury EV market and tied them to slow demand for the electric lineup. ### What would Huawei add if the project goes ahead? (media.stellantis.com) Huawei has become a prominent supplier of software, cockpit systems and driver-assistance technology for Chinese EV programs, though the reports reviewed did not disclose detailed component responsibilities for Maserati. DigiTimes said the talks involve a software stack as part of a “new generation” EV effort. CnEVPost said the structure would be similar to Huawei-backed alliance brands already operating in China. (autoblog.com) Carscoops reported Stellantis declined to comment beyond saying it does not comment on speculation. No production site, investment figure or model name was confirmed in the public reports reviewed. ### What should readers watch next? May 21 is the next dated event on Stellantis’ public calendar, when the company is scheduled to hold Investor Day 2026. Stellantis has also scheduled second-quarter 2026 results for July 30. (digitimes.com) Either event could provide updated comments on Maserati strategy, EV timing or China partnerships if the company chooses to address the reports. (stellantis.com) (carscoops.com)