Stellantis is in talks with China's Huawei and JAC Group about a long-term industrial partnership for its Maserati brand, two unnamed sources told Reuters .

The discussions center on using Huawei's Harmony Intelligent Mobility platform for Maserati vehicles, according to Reuters, citing Italian financial daily Milano Finanza, which first reported the talks on Friday. The negotiations have reached an advanced stage, with plans to roll out the first co-developed vehicle before the close of next year.

A potential deal could also involve a dual-branding arrangement, with vehicles sold under JAC's Maextro luxury marque in China and under the Maserati name in international markets.

Maserati shipped fewer than 8,000 cars last year and posted an adjusted operating loss of €198 million ($230 million). The brand is scheduled to present its own long-term strategy in December.

Stellantis issued a statement saying it routinely engages with companies across the global industry on a wide range of subjects, "always with the ultimate aim of providing customers with the best mobility choices." Huawei and JAC did not respond to the outlet's request for comment.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa had indicated earlier this year that manufacturing tie-ups, Maserati's among them, had risen to the center of the group's strategic direction. He added that securing such a deal would lift output volumes at Maserati's Italian factories in Cassino and Modena.