Ford Partners With Indian Automaker Mahindra For Crossovers, EV

Ford and Mahindra are strengthening their strategic alliance after the two companies signed five memoranda of understanding.

As part of several new initiatives just announced by the two companies, Mahindra Group and Ford Motor Company will jointly develop new SUVs and a small electric vehicle. The MoUs that were signed are non-binding and mark the progress made by the two companies since originally announcing their alliance in September 2017.

One of the new products will be a midsize crossover built on the Mahindra platform, with plans to drive engineering and commercial efficiencies. It will be sold independently by the two automakers as separate models. Also in the works are a compact SUV and an electric vehicle, along with sharing powertrain portfolios, including the supply of Mahindra’s powertrains to extend Ford’s product range.

In addition, the two companies will co-develop a suite of connected car solutions for consumers.

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Teams from the two companies will continue to collaborate and work together, for a period of up to three years. The aim is to generate synergies and improve efficiencies with the new initiatives, leveraging Ford’s global reach and expertise, along with Mahindra’s scale in India and its successful operating model.

“Ford is committed to offering the best vehicles, technologies and services that fit the lifestyles and preferences of Indian consumers,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president and president of Global Markets. “Listening to our customers and incorporating their future needs is the core premise of this collaboration. With utility vehicles and electrification as key focus areas, we are glad to see the progress our two companies have made.”

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