In late 2019, Ford and Mahindra & Mahindra had announced a joint venture under which both carmakers agreed developing, market and distribute vehicles in India and other emerging countries. In this partnership, Mahindra owns a 51% controlling stake and the remaining 49% owned by Ford. While its operations will be led by Mahindra, its governance will compose members from both car manufacturers. Under the joint venture, there will three new utility vehicles (UV) under the Ford brand starting with a new mid-size SUV that will arrive in 2021.
According to a latest media report, the new Ford SUVs (co-developed with Mahindra) will be designed by the renowned Italian car designing and engineering firm – Pininfarina. Just so you know, Mahindra Group acquired a controlling interest of 76% in Pininfarina. Though, the outsourcing design work doesn’t have anything to do with Mahindra’s ownership of the Italian firm. The report further states that the project will be managed by Ford’s Cologne based office in Germany.
As mentioned above, the first product to roll out under the Mahindra-Ford joint venture will be a mid-size SUV – codenamed Ford CX757. The new Ford C-SUV will share its platform and powertrains with the new-generation Mahindra XUV500 that’s due for early next year. The second-generation XUV500 is reported to come with two engine options – a new 2.0L mStallion petrol and a 2.2L diesel. While the gasoline unit will deliver a healthy 190bhp with 380Nm of torque, the oil burner will be good enough for 180bhp. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The Ford CX757 mid-size SUV will be put up against the MG Hector and Tata Harrier. It will be followed by a B-segment SUV that will lock horns against the cars like Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. The new Ford compact SUV (codenamed Ford BX745) will underpin the platform that will be used for the upcoming Mahindra XUV400 (S204) SUV. It will also be designed by Pininfarina and come with a 163bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol and a 123bhp, 1.5L diesel engine.
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