INDUSTRY

Maserati: is a deal with the Chinese firm Jac getting closer? What we know

The Chinese manufacturer has confirmed to the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it has been in contact with Huawei and Stellantis, whilst making it clear, however, that no binding agreement has been signed.

by Simonluca Pini

2 October 2026

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5' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Jac confirms talks with the Shanghai Stock Exchange
Maserati in talks with two partners
Two new models in the project
The connection with Maextro
Why is Maserati looking for a partner
Stellantis’ statement

5' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The potential agreement between Maserati, the Chinese manufacturer JAC and Huawei appears to have moved on from the initial rumours to a far more detailed industrial project. This hypothesis has been further reinforced by an official statement from JAC to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, in which the Chinese group confirmed for the first time that it is in contact with Huawei and Stellantis.

Jac confirms talks with the Shanghai Stock Exchange

The announcement was made as part of the standard procedure laid down by the Shanghai Stock Exchange in the event of unusual price movements in the share. Between 28 and 30 September, JAC shares recorded a cumulative upward deviation of more than 20 per cent over three consecutive trading sessions, triggering the disclosure requirements set out in the rules of the Chinese stock exchange. The company therefore carried out internal checks and consulted its controlling shareholder, stating that it was not aware of any material information that had not yet been disclosed to the market. In the same statement, however, JAC directly addressed the rumours regarding a possible partnership. As reported by the Chinese business newspaper *National Business Daily*, the manufacturer confirmed that ‘JAC, Huawei and Stellantis do indeed intend to discuss a partnership’, whilst clarifying that the details and form of any such collaboration have not yet been finalised and that ‘no formal, binding agreement has been signed’. JAC also emphasised that there remains ‘significant uncertainty’ regarding the project’s development. The statement therefore does not amount to the announcement of an agreement, but represents an important step forward compared with the rumours that had been circulating in previous months. For the first time, one of the parties directly involved has acknowledged, in a document intended for the financial market, the existence of a three-way discussion with Huawei and Stellantis.

Maserati in talks with two partners

On 17 June, during a parliamentary hearing, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa explained that the group was in talks with two parties capable of bringing new technologies and ideas to the brand. At the same time, Filosa had ruled out the sale of Maserati and identified industrial collaboration as one of the ways to increase production volumes at the Italian plants in Cassino and Modena.

Another indication emerged in September. When asked about the rumours concerning Huawei and Jac, Santo Ficili, head of the Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands, did not confirm the names but did not rule out the possibility either, referring to the presentation of the Trident’s new strategy scheduled to take place in Modena in December.

Two new models in the project

The Chinese theory is lent further credence by information coming out of China itself. According to Auto Time, a publication from the 36Kr group cited by CnEVPost, preliminary plans have reportedly been finalised for two new cars developed in collaboration with Huawei and JAC. These are said to be a medium-to-large electric SUV and a large battery-powered grand tourer, with the latter suggested as a possible first model to emerge from the collaboration. However, there have been no official announcements regarding the launch timeline as yet.

The first rumours about the project had already emerged in May in the Chinese press. Yunjian Insight had outlined a plan in which Huawei would play a role in defining the product and supplying the technology, JAC would be responsible for joint development and production, whilst Maserati would retain the model’s style and identity. According to that information, development of the cars has already begun despite the absence of a final commercial agreement.

The connection with Maextro

JAC and Huawei are already collaborating in the high-end segment through Maextro, a brand that forms part of Huawei’s Hima ecosystem. The first model, the large S800 saloon, is manufactured by JAC in Hefei and utilises Huawei technologies for the digital cockpit, driver assistance systems and electronic vehicle management.

According to reports in the Chinese press, the Maserati project could also follow a similar approach, with a shared technical platform and cars marketed under different brands depending on the market. One version could be sold in China as the Maextro, whilst the model intended for international markets would bear the Maserati brand. This is a hypothesis reported by Chinese sources but which, at present, has not been confirmed by the companies involved.

The production plan is also said to be taking shape. According to Auto Time, the car bodies could be manufactured at the JAC plant in Hefei and then shipped to Italia as SKD kits, with interior assembly, vehicle calibration and finishing work carried out at the Italian plants. Cassino and Modena could thus retain an industrial role in the project. This aspect, too, has not been confirmed by Stellantis.

Why is Maserati looking for a partner

The partnership would come at a particularly delicate time for Maserati. Global deliveries have fallen from 26,600 cars in 2023 to around 11,300 in 2024 and to fewer than 8,000 in 2025. These figures make it more difficult to fund, on its own, the investments required for the development of new platforms, software and electronics. Reuters has reported an adjusted operating loss of €198 million for Maserati in 2025.

A collaboration with a technology and industrial partner would help to reduce costs and development times, at a time when Maserati also needs to re-enter the segments left uncovered following the discontinuation of the Levante and Quattroporte. The key issue will be to determine the extent to which technical aspects will be shared and which elements will remain directly under the Italian brand’s control.

Stellantis’ statement

When asked about the negotiations, Stellantis did not comment on the merits of a potential agreement with JAC and Huawei, stating: “As part of its normal business activities, Stellantis holds discussions with various industry players around the world on a range of topics, always with the ultimate aim of offering customers the best mobility options. In line with its disclosure obligations, the company will provide relevant updates when and as appropriate. As previously announced by Stellantis’s leadership, Maserati’s future strategy and development plans will be presented during a dedicated Investor Day to be held in Modena in December.”

Stellantis’s official position therefore still does not confirm the agreement. Compared with a few weeks ago, however, there is a new development. Jac has officially acknowledged that contacts have taken place between Huawei and Stellantis via a market announcement required under Shanghai Stock Exchange procedures. This does not mean that an agreement has been reached – as the Chinese company itself makes clear – but it further narrows the gap between the rumours circulating in recent months and the actual existence of negotiations. To find out about the structure, models and role of the Italian plants, we will have to wait for the Maserati plan that Stellantis is set to present in Modena in December. In any case, a possible sale of the brand appears to have been ruled out, as confirmed directly to *Il Sole 24 Ore* by Santo Ficili.