Stellantis is negotiating with Huawei and JAC Group to overhaul its struggling Maserati brand after it posted operating losses of nearly €198 million in 2025. The strategy aims to integrate Chinese technology and manufacturing to boost output at Italian plants, with a formal turnaround plan expected by December 2026.
Stellantis is in advanced discussions with Chinese technology giant Huawei and automaker JAC Group to revitalize its Maserati luxury division. This move marks a significant pivot for the company, which is seeking to fix persistent operational issues that have caused sales volumes to plummet and profits to vanish.
Financial performance at Maserati has been under heavy pressure. The brand shipped fewer than 8,000 vehicles globally in 2025, leading to an adjusted operating loss of approximately €198 million. These figures highlight a difficult period for the century-old Italian automaker, which has struggled to keep pace with changing consumer demands in the luxury market.
Integrating New Technology and Production
The proposed partnership focuses on combining Huawei’s advanced software, known as Harmony Intelligent Mobility, with the manufacturing expertise of JAC Group. The goal is to bring digital efficiency and modern production methods to Maserati’s Italian manufacturing hubs, particularly the Cassino and Modena plants. By leaning on these external partners, Stellantis hopes to overcome the production bottlenecks and technological gaps that have weighed down the brand in recent years.
This is not the first time Stellantis has looked to China for industrial cooperation. The group previously acquired a 21% stake in Chinese EV maker Leapmotor, signaling a clear strategy of using established Chinese manufacturing and software partnerships to bolster its global operations.
Risks and Investor Monitorables
While the prospect of a turnaround is the main focus, investors should consider the broader risks. Stellantis itself is navigating a challenging period, having reported a group-wide net loss of €22.3 billion in 2025. The company’s reliance on third-party technology from Chinese partners also carries execution risks, particularly regarding how it will maintain the exclusive "luxury" image of Maserati while incorporating systems developed by mass-market tech firms. Any delay in the implementation or a failure to resonate with customers could complicate the brand's recovery.
The next major milestone for investors is the formal long-term strategy announcement scheduled for December 2026. This update will be critical, as it is expected to clarify whether these partnerships will provide the necessary scale and cost-efficiency to return Maserati to profitability and stabilize its manufacturing output.