Mahindra and Ford to co-develop SUVs, EVs and connected car solutions

23/03/2018 - 17:06 Ford Aspire, Ford Sagar Parikh

Mahindra and Ford have signed five new MOUs today that further strengthens their strategic alliance. The two companies will co-develop SUVs, EVs and connected car solutions.

Ford Mahindra MOU signing — Ford and Mahindra will co-develop C-SUVs based on a Mahindra platform and evaluate co-development of a B-SUV and an EV.

Like in China, the ‘One Ford’ strategy is apparently not working in India, with Ford unable to bring global products other than the Ford EcoSport in the B-segment and having no presence at all in the C-segment. The company has joined hands with Mahindra to co-develop a C-SUV based on a Mahindra platform and evaluate co-development of a B-SUV.

According to a recent report, Ford will use the next-gen Mahindra XUV500 (codename: Mahindra W601)’s platform for its C-SUV. Mahindra and Ford will evaluate co-development of an EV and sharing of powertrains as well. Another recent report said that Mahindra has helped Ford develop a pure electric variant of the Ford Aspire.

Reports suggest that Ford will use Mahindra's expertise in low-cost EVs to launch a pure electric variant of the Ford Aspire.

Also See: Facelifted Ford Endeavour (Ford Everest) spied testing completely undisguised

Mahindra and Ford announced their alliance in September last year. For a period of up to three years, both companies will continue to collaborate and work together to develop further avenues of strategic cooperation such as extending support for Mahindra in global emerging markets and collaborating to address future mobility needs. Ford will support Mahindra in global emerging markets with its manufacturing and distribution network.