Maserati puts its future in the hands of two Chinese brands

For several months now, we have had news that the future of Maserati hangs by a thread. The Italian brand has faced serious problems for some time and needs a strategic alliance to move forward and overcome its financial difficulties. The solution seems to have arrived, and it involves teaming up with two Chinese brands.

These brands will be Huawei and JAC, which will offer their technology to create new models. Initially, these new models resulting from the collaboration between the three companies will be sold in the Chinese market under the Maextro brand, although in international markets they will remain Maserati.

Two models to kick off the collaboration

To get the collaboration underway, the three brands are working on developing a mid-size electric SUV, as well as a GT model, also with an electric drivetrain. The SUV is set to become an alternative to the Maserati Grecale Folgore, while the GT model will complement the Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore.

In this alliance, JAC will handle the engineering and manufacturing of the vehicles at the plant where the Maextro models are built. For its part, Huawei will offer its Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) platform. This includes the Qiankun autonomous driving system, as well as electric propulsion technology and an intelligent cabin configuration. Maserati will be responsible for the design and marketing of the models.

Purists of Maserati may be confused by the manufacture of these models in China, although in reality JAC will only be responsible for producing the raw body shell. Once finished, it will be shipped to Italy, where the model will be fully assembled.

Sales of these new electric models resulting from this alliance will initially focus on the Middle East, Italy, France and Germany. With this alliance, Maserati will be able to escape the pressing crisis it is currently facing and get back on track in an increasingly difficult market.