Vehicle partnership strengthen alliance

Mahindra Group and Ford Motor Company will jointly develop new SUVs, and a small electric vehicle as part of several initiatives announced in Chennai on 22 Mar 2018.

The two companies signed five new memoranda of understanding (MoUs) that further strengthen their strategic alliance and accelerate the development of key products for consumers in India and emerging markets.

The MoUs, which are non-binding, mark the progress made by the two companies since announcing their alliance in September 2017.

Under the initiatives, Mahindra and Ford will leverage their strengths in the utility vehicle space to co-develop a midsize sports utility vehicle (C-SUV).

Built on the Mahindra platform, the new SUV will drive engineering and commercial efficiencies and will be sold independently by both companies as separate brands.

Mahindra and Ford also agreed to evaluate co-development of a compact SUV and electric vehicle, along with sharing powertrain portfolios, including the supply of Mahindra powertrains to extend Ford’s product range.

Building on the collaboration, Mahindra and Ford also announced plans to co-develop a suite of connected car solutions for consumers.

The collaboration is in line with Ford’s commitment to helping people around the world move more safely, confidently and freely.

“Today’s announcement is the next step in the collaboration between Mahindra and Ford,” said Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.

“Both teams are working together on joint development areas in keeping with industry requirements and leveraging mutual strengths. We are excited about the synergies unveiled through this collaboration and the potential opportunities it will bring,” said Goenka.

“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,” said Farley.

Aiming to generate synergies and improve efficiencies with the new initiatives, the strategic alliance between the two companies continues to focus on leveraging the benefits of Ford’s global reach and expertise and Mahindra’s scale in India and its successful operating model.

Teams from both companies will continue to collaborate and work together, for a period of up to three years, to develop further avenues of strategic cooperation.

The cooperation would extend support for Mahindra in global emerging markets, including Ford’s manufacturing and distribution network as well as collaborate to address future mobility needs.

Mahindra has been leading the utility vehicles segment in India for the past seven decades.

Ford was among the first global automakers to enter India in 1995. fii-news.com