Mahindra’s Hyundai Creta Rival Could Use Ford EcoSport Platform
Mahindra could use Ford’s B-platform for an upcoming Mahindra product.
ord and Mahindra have joined hands to develop new products, sharing platforms and technologies. The first product under the alliance will be a mid-sized C-segment SUV based on the next-gen Mahindra XUV500. A new media report claims that Mahindra is set to finalise two new agreements with Ford. Mahindra will use the Aspire platform for the next electric vehicle. Adding to it, the homegrown automaker will be using Ford’s B-platform for an upcoming Mahindra product.
We reported earlier that Ford and Mahindra are looking to co-develop an all-new B-segment SUV, which could either replace the current EcoSport or position above 4 meter to challenge Hyundai Creta. It was speculated that Ford could use the Tivoli’s X100 platform to develop an all-new SUV. This platform currently underpins the SsangYong Tivoli and the Mahindra XUV300. The new report suggests that Mahindra could borrow Ford’s B-platform to develop an all-new SUV. This also suggests that the next-gen EcoSport could use the upgraded version of the existing platform. Also See – Ford to launch 3 new SUVs in India
Under the Mahindra and Ford agreement, Mahindra will supply a low-displacement petrol engine to Ford Motor Company in India. The engine in question is the newly introduced 1.2-litre direct injection petrol engine. This BS6 compliant engine will join the Ford’s existing petrol engine line-up that includes the 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre Ti-VCT 3-cylinder naturally aspirated units.
The Ford Aspire Electric has already been spotted in India. It is expected that Mahindra will use this platform to develop its own electric vehicle. Previous reports claim that the Aspire Electric will be equipped with a 380-Volt NMC Lithium-ion battery pack for a 50kW (67bhp) electric motor. The sedan is speculated to offer a top speed of 110kmph. The Ford Aspire electric is expected to be introduced in the country in the second half of this year and could be priced around Rs 12 lakh.
Source – IAB
