Mahindra & Mahindra and Ford Motor Company recently called off their discussions for the joint venture that was announced in 2019. However, both carmakers will continue to work jointly to produce C-segment SUVs for the Indian market. As per the earlier announcement, the home-grown carmaker will also supply its 1.2L TGDi turbocharged petrol engine to Ford for the EcoSport.
After announcing the breakup decision with Ford, Anish Shah, the Deputy Managing Director & Group CFO at Mahindra Group, said that the company will focus on large SUVs and electric cars in the short and medium terms respectively. The company is planning to develop more electric platforms for SUVs that will be sold in domestic and export markets.
Talking about the upcoming new Mahindra SUVs, the company is ready to bring in the new-generation XUV500 and Scorpio SUVs in early 2021. Both models will witness comprehensive changes inside and out along with more powerful engine setup. The 2021 Mahindra XUV500 will come with the 190bhp, 2.0L mStallion petrol and 180bhp, 2.2L turbo diesel engines, while the new Scorpio will feature the 150bhp, 2.0L mStallion petrol and 158bhp diesel engines.
Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a torque convertor automatic. The new 2021 Mahindra XUV 500 and Scorpio will also be the brand’s first production model to feature Mahindra’s new logo. The new Mahindra SUVs will witness significant dimensional changes as well. With the generation change, the Scorpio is likely to get a new nameplate – Mahindra ScorpioN or Mahindra Scorpio Sting.
In 2021, the home-grown carmaker will bring in 5 electric vehicles including 2 SUVs – Mahindra eKUV100 and Mahindra eXUV300. While the former will hit roads in coming months, the latter will come towards the end of 2021. The company will also introduce the new Mahindra Treo and Treo Zor and Mahindra Atom electric quadricycle in the first half of 2021.
