Chinese company BYD, known primarily for its mass-market hybrid and electric models, may make an unexpected move into the premium segment. The reason for discussions was the statements of the company's vice president, Stella Li, who called the Maserati brand “very interesting” amid the search for new opportunities to expand business in Europe.
At first glance, the idea seems unusual. Today, Maserati is part of the Stellantis concern and is going through a difficult period. The brand's sales are declining, and the load on Italian factories remains significantly below design capacity. At the same time, BYD is actively increasing its presence outside China and is looking for ways to strengthen its position in the European market.
BYD's interest in Maserati is not only related to production facilities. The Chinese manufacturer is increasingly developing premium brands. In recent years, the company has created the Denza and Yangwang lines, and also introduced new sports and luxury models aimed at competing with European brands. According to analysts, the share of expensive cars in BYD's sales structure has already grown significantly compared to last year.
For BYD, buying Maserati could provide what is difficult to create independently – almost a century of brand history, global market recognition, and a reputation as a sports car manufacturer. At the same time, the Italian brand would gain access to modern battery technologies, power plants, and software, which BYD is currently developing at one of the fastest rates in the industry.
So far, it is only about interest, not confirmed negotiations. However, the very fact that major Chinese manufacturers are already considering buying European luxury brands shows how quickly the global automotive market is changing. Ten years ago, Chinese companies learned from Europeans, and today they themselves are becoming potential buyers of legendary brands.