Mahindra-Ford JV Likely to Produce Around 10 New Cars
Mahindra and Mahindra and Ford Motor Company recently joined hands to form a new joint venture in the country. Media reports claim that the new JV could result into the development of 10 new models, including those manufactured by Mahindra’s Korean subsidiary SsangYong.
The new JV will house all of Ford’s business assets based in India, including its two factories. The new company, which is controlled by Mahindra, is reportedly working on a number of projects. Some of these projects are yet to receive a formal approval. According to the report, 9 all-new cars (including those to be shared with SsangYong), will be powered by petrol and diesel engines. These 9 cars will be shared between the Ford and Mahindra, while one will be an all-electric model. The first model to be launched under the new JV is a mid-sized C-SUV. Adding to it, the company is also developing 2 smaller specification B-segment SUVs. Ford could introduce an all-new MPV, which will be based on the Marazzo’s platform.
Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, M&M, said, “Ford will have two products coming out of the B-SUV platform, which will be after the C-SUV launch, and Mahindra will do at least one or may be two products. This is a work in progress and not formally approved by the managements of both companies. There could be an MPV coming out of Mahindra platform, which will be used by Ford in India and globally.” Also See – Ford to launch Kia Seltos and MG Hector rivals in India
The upcoming C-SUV will be produced at Mahindra’s manufacturing plant, which will also produce the next-gen Mahindra XUV500. The new model will share the platform with the next XUV500. The B-SUVs will be rolled out from Ford’s plant for both companies.
