Chinese luxury electric vehicle (EV) brand Maextro is moving closer to a tie-up with Italian marque Maserati, which would result in co-developed models intended to challenge the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz globally, according to industry sources. Maextro, backed by technology giant Huawei Technologies, aimed to enlist Maserati’s design capabilities, styling and brand awareness to develop electric cars that could woo wealthy consumers, said two sources with knowledge of the matter. The partners expected to mass-produce a new model by late 2027, which would be sold both in mainland China and abroad, with deliveries outside the mainland carrying Maserati badges, they added. Netherlands-based car giant Stellantis owns Maserati.