We reported earlier that Ford is looking to make a re-entry in the fast growing Indian automotive market. The company has cancelled its plan to sell its Chennai plant to JSW Group. Adding to it, the American automaker has posted several new job listings in recent weeks. Ford India has also trademarked the new gen Endeavour SUV and the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, which could be introduced as CKD or CBU models.
Interestingly, Ford India has recently filed a new design patent that shows a new compact SUV. The leaked patent suggests that it could be a mid-sized SUV to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and others. It could also be the next-gen EcoSport compact SUV, which is due for a generation change in foreign countries as well.
The new-gen Ford EcoSport could grow in size and will sit above 4 meters in length. The front design of the SUV in the leaked patent looks similar to the spy shot from 2020. This SUV was jointly developed by Ford and Mahindra. The SUV has a bold front grille, flanked by sleek LED lights. It features vertically stacked three-piece LED lights on the lower bumper, a wider air-dam, a silver-finished bar that runs above the lower air-dam and a sculpted bonnet.
Ford Motor Company is reportedly planning to launch the new gen Endeavour SUV in the Indian market in 2025. The SUV could be assembled at Ford’s Chennai factory. The styling of the new SUV is inspired from the new F-150 Raptor, featuring a new 3D radiator grille with vertical slats, new dual-pod projector LED headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs and new bumper. It rides on bigger 20-inch alloy wheels. The cabin has premium upholstery, all-new 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, etc.
It also comes with an advanced driver assistance system with features including blind zone warning, a rear cross-traffic alert, an advanced autonomous emergency braking system and others. It is likely to be offered with a new 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. The India-spec model could also receive a smaller 2.0L turbo diesel engine. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic.
