BYD Denies Considering Maserati Acquisition, Calls Rumors False

BYD has responded to online rumors claiming it is considering acquiring Maserati, explicitly stating that the reports are false and unfounded. Earlier reports cited Li Ke, BYD’s Executive Vice President, as saying at an industry conference in London that the company “is indeed looking at premium assets in the European market, including Maserati.” Separately, on May 14, BYD confirmed it is in talks with European automakers, including Stellantis, regarding taking over underutilized local manufacturing plants, though it added that no further details can be disclosed at this time. According to recent reports, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA), JAC Motors, Stellantis, and its Maserati brand are currently negotiating a collaboration to co-develop new energy vehicles (NEVs) under the Maserati brand. This partnership follows a model similar to HIMA’s “Five Jie” (Five Realms) ecosystem: Huawei leads product definition and provides core technologies, JAC handles joint development and manufacturing, while Maserati contributes styling design and brand licensing. The resulting vehicles will be offered in two versions—one for the domestic Chinese market under the Zunjie (Zun Realm) brand, and another for overseas markets bearing the Maserati badge. The first model is currently in the styling design phase and is scheduled for mass production in the second half of next year.