by Stellantis Chooses a Partner for Maserati: Two Candidates on the Horizon
Stellantis is negotiating with two companies regarding a partnership for Maserati. The automaker is expected to soon select the best candidate for collaboration. Previous reports indicated that among the contenders were two Chinese firms.
Stellantis announced a range of new models at its Investor Day in May. However, Maserati did not receive special attention. Although this is disappointing, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa stated that the Italian company “plays a very special role within Stellantis as a pure luxury brand with special customers and a unique heritage.” He added that the company already has a “powerful model lineup,” but will expand it by including two new e-segment vehicles.
More about Maserati: Maserati sales have fallen, and the Alfa lineup has aged; now both brands are getting new models
The executive continued, saying that Maserati is so special that it “deserves a separate conversation,” which will take place in December. That is a few months away, but the company has already hinted at future models under a shroud of mystery.
One of them is a large crossover, hinting at a successor to the Levante. The other is more enigmatic, but appears to be an elegant sports car or grand tourer. However, the company might be hinting at a four-door coupe.
Both models are expected to appear by 2030, and will be joined by updated versions of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio, and Grecale. All three were presented in May and will be launched shortly.
Partnership Negotiations
Fast forward to today: Filosa revealed a few additional details about the brand’s future. According to Reuters, the executive informed the Italian parliament that they are negotiating with two potential partners for Maserati and will soon decide which one to choose.
In a separate report, the publication quoted the CEO as saying that the unnamed partners “can bring us technology, development, and excellent ideas.” Filosa continued, noting that Maserati is not for sale, and suggested that the partnership would increase production at the plants in Cassino and Modena.
Details are limited, but earlier reports from China indicated that the automaker was in talks with Huawei and JAC regarding new energy vehicles. Among the plans discussed was the idea of selling a car under the Maextro brand in China, as well as under the Maserati brand globally.
At the time, the automaker told us: “Stellantis is conducting discussions with various industry players around the world on various topics, always with the ultimate goal of providing customers with the best mobility options. The company does not comment on rumors.”
This move by Stellantis indicates a strategic search for external innovation to revive Maserati, which is facing declining sales. A partnership with Chinese companies, known for their successes in electric vehicles, could be key to updating the model lineup and increasing the brand’s competitiveness in the global market. The choice between technology giant Huawei and manufacturer JAC will determine whether the focus is on software and autonomy, or on mass production of electric vehicles. At the same time, statements that Maserati is not for sale underscore Stellantis’s desire to maintain control over the premium brand, using the partnership as a tool for growth rather than a step toward divestiture.
