Dearborn’s Ford Motor Co. and India’s Mahindra Group to Develop SUVs, Electric Vehicle

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Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn and Mahindra Group in India have partnered to develop new SUVs, a small electric vehicle, and connected car solutions. The companies have signed non-binding agreements.

The new midsize SUV will be built on the Mahindra platform and be sold independently by both companies as separate brands.

The companies also agreed to evaluate co-development of a compact SUV and electric vehicle, and share powertrain portfolios. A suite of connected car solutions is also on the horizon.

“Today’s announcement is the next step in the collaboration between Mahindra and Ford,” says Pawan Goenka, managing director of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. “Both teams are working together on joint development areas in keeping with industry requirements and leveraging mutual strengths.”

The companies have been working together since September 2017. Teams from both companies will collaborate for up to three years and focus on areas such as extending support for Mahindra in global emerging markets, including Ford’s manufacturing and distribution network.

“Ford is committed to offering the best vehicles, technologies, and services that fit the lifestyles and preferences of Indian consumers,” says 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.”

Mahindra is the only company in India with a portfolio of electric vehicles. The company also owns a majority stake in Ssangyon Motor Co. in Korea.

Ford has manufacturing facilities in India and employs more than 14,000 people there.