Ford to co-develop EV SUV's with Mahindra

[blazerdude20]

https://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-mahindra-to-co-develop-ev-suvs-100152.html

 

 

The memoranda of understanding include a midsize SUV, built on a Mahindra platform, along with a compact model and some type of all-electric vehicle.

Ford hopes to use the Indian automaker's powertrains to expand its product range. Both companies also intend to collaborate on connected-car products.

 

[fuzzymoomoo]

Makes sense, Ford has a huge presence in Chennai

[bzcat]

I'm just speculating... but the new compact SUV is the replacement for EcoSport in India, which has not really caught on with buyers, despite being designed with Indian markets in mind. And that will free Ford to design the next EcoSport more in line with buyer expectations in China, Europe, and US.

 

The new midsize SUV based on Mahindra platform is probably successor to very popular Bolero. Ford is probably going to help Mahindra update it so it meets international standards rather than just the low expectations of Indian buyers. My guess is Ford will end up exporting the Ford version to a lot of low income markets.

 

Don't have a clue what they will do on the EV front but Ford also has cheap EV JV with Zoyte in China so I assume Ford is going to leverage both. Basically, I think Ford will be wearing the pants in both relationships since it has the technology and expertise and Mahindra and Zoyte will primarily be manufacturing partners.

 

The most interesting part of this announcement for me is that Ford will be using Mahindra powertrain. I think what this means is that Ford is going all-in on cheap cars and SUVs in India. Ford buys low costs Mahindra engines and transmissions and stick them in death traps smaller than EcoSport and Figo like Suzuki, Hyundai, and Renualt-Nissan have been doing.