Ford and Mahindra To Co-develop A Mid-size SUV

Soon after the recent rumour of the end of Ford and Mahindra’s alliance, the two giant automakers have silenced the gossip by announcing their latest plan on making a new C-segment SUV. Besides going on sale in the Indian market, the C-SUV will also make its way to other emerging markets. In the same statement, the duo has stated that the “Under the new agreement, Mahindra and Ford will work together to introduce a benchmark product for India and emerging markets.”

Ford and Mahindra will collaborate to launch a new C-segment SUV 

According to Ford and Mahindra’s announcement, the new mid-size SUV will carry platform and powertrains from Mahindra's range. It is suspected that the new C-SUV will be the second generation of the XUV500. Beyond the shared platform and other mechanical parts, the Ford and Mahindra C-SUVs will also get the same infotainment system along with customization options and features. Last year, Ford and Mahindra signed an agreement for co-development of connected vehicle solutions that will be used in a variety of Ford and Mahindra models in the country. 

Jim Farley, President of Ford New Businesses, Technology and Strategy stated,

“Ford's technological leadership combined with Mahindra's successful operating model and product prowess will surely help us deliver a vehicle that will meet the expectations of customers in India as well as other emerging markets.”

The second generation Mahindra XUV500 is likely to arrive by the end of 2020 while Ford’s version of the same C-SUV will follow in a few months.

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