Ford, Mahindra To Co-Produce A Mid Size SUV For India And Other International Markets

Mahindra & Mahindra and Ford are just about to strengthen their ties further with yet another collaborative venture. The auto makers have now decided to come up with a mid-size sports utility vehicle (SUV) for India and other global markets that will act as a ¡°benchmark¡± product for the industry.

The collaboration between the two auto majors had been initiated way back in September 2017, wherein the companies had formed a strategic alliance, followed by an announcement on the sharing of connected car solutions as well as powertrain in October 2018. The companies have even joined hands for the development of telematics control unit.

According to the release by both companies, the new midsize sports utility vehicle (C-SUV) will be produced on a common Mahindra product platform and powertrain for efficiencies on the engineering and commercial fronts.

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Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, M&M Ltd. clarified this saying, ¡°Having identified several areas for joint development, both companies will continue to work together to develop products using common product platforms. This will reduce product development costs and gain economies of scale for both companies.¡±

The strategic alliance between the firms is set to bring the best of both the companies under one roof. Ford will be pitching in with its global reach and expertise, while Mahindra will add its scale and successful operation in India. The areas of collaboration include electrification, distribution and product development. Ford even signed an agreement with Mahindra Group earlier this year to provide a low-displacement petrol engine for Ford¡¯s present and future vehicles, starting 2020.

Also read: Ford Motors To Reportedly Exit The Indian Market, Will Only Be Part Of JV With Mahindra