Mahindra-Ford partnership will leverage each other’s strengths in the Utility Vehicle space and develop a range of new products as well
When questioned about the progression made in the partnership with Ford in electric mobility, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra has said that it is one of the five objectives being planned. Both the companies have jointly announced a midsize SUV, Mahindra engines on Ford’s platform, mobility and connectivity developments, and electric vehicles on Ford platform.
Advancements are being made in all five areas but Pawan Goenka has stressed that no definitive agreement has been put on the table yet. They are close to confirmation on a couple of aforementioned projects and decisive action could be taken next month. We will get to know the clear implications by then.
Back in March 2018, Mahindra and Ford signed five MoUs related to various aspects that are mentioned above. They will leverage each other’s strengths in the Utility Vehicle space and develop a range of new products including a compact SUV, and electric vehicle apart from the midsize SUV.
The next-generation Ford EcoSport could be part of the process and following XUV700 and S201’s launches, Mahindra reportedly won’t introduce any new vehicle till the end of this decade. Based on the Mahindra XUV500’s monocoque construction, a new C-segment SUV could be in the horizon as well to take on Jeep Compass.
Further reports suggest that an electric version of the Ford Aspire is also in the development. Mahindra’s flexible hybrid chassis used in the Marazzo is said to be capable of spawning a seven- and eight-seat models and we can expect it to play a key role in the progression of the Mahindra-Ford alliance.
Moreover, Mahindra appears to assist Ford in more domestic market penetration while the latter’s global reach would help the Indian brand in expanding its footprint across different parts of the world. The high local content of Mahindra vehicles will also have a definitive impact in the creative and development direction of the upcoming models.