Mahindra and Ford have finally formalised their strategic alliance and the two companies will co-
develop SUVs and electric vehicles and will share engines as well. The joint venture will see the
companies create five all-new SUVs as well as an electric version of the Ford Aspire compact sedan.
Like other carmakers, Ford and Mahindra also want to cash in on demand for SUVs. Ford is working
on a Vitara Brezza rival and is also developing the next-gen Ecosport which is scheduled for 2020.
Mahindra is working on the SsangYong Tivoli-based compact SUV which will wear a Ford badge. The
companies will also work on a Hyundai Creta challenger and Ford’s new C-segment SUV, which is
based on Mahindra’s W601, that will be positioned above the Creta rival.
The new W601’s platform will be developed jointly by Mahindra, SsangYong and Ford. Crucially, Ford will borrow electric techfrom Mahindra's EV division, Mahindra Electric. Ford will also have access to Mahindra’s next-gen BSVI-compliant 2.0-litre diesel, while Ford’s new Dragon petrol engine will be available to Mahindra.
