Ford-Mahindra Co-developed C-SUV To Come With Unique Identity

Before the BSVI emission norm kicks off, all car manufacturers including Ford and Mahindra are rushing toward reworking their entire ranges. The two car manufacturers have entered into an agreement to co-develop a range of new vehicles. One of which is confirmed to be a C-segment SUV. It is also revealed that the new jointly developed C-SUV will employ the platform of the new XUV500. This new model will come with a small engine supplied by Mahindra. In return, in the future, Ford will provide a B-platform for Mahindra. This B-segment platform is under consideration to be used for a Creta-rivalling compact SUV.

The new C-segment SUV will make use of Mahindra’s platform and engine

Sharing car parts is a cost-effective solution for both sides. Reportedly, Ford can reduce the cost of developing the new model by 25 per cent thanks to using Mahindra’s components. The new C-segment SUV will be retailed under both Ford and Mahindra’s brand name. Despite sharing some common features, both Ford and Mahindra’s version will be more or less different with their unique traits.

The C-segment SUV is a part of a bigger plan that Mahindra is preparing for the future. Ahead of the BSVI deadline, Mahindra decided to discontinue the DI variant and along with the 1.2-litre diesel engine on the KUV100. Besides, other models including Xylo, Verito, Verito Vibe and the current Bolero will be phased out. A new-gen Bolero with a new avatar and BSVI-compliant engines will replace the old model. Under the new emission regulations, Mahindra will scale the number of platforms used across its portfolio to only five.

Mahindra will introduce several new models, some of which will be co-developed with Ford 

Mahindra will work on five new SUV models which include models co-developed with Ford. Besides the new C-segment SUV, an electric vehicle based on the Ford Aspire is also under discussion. As revealed by Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra &Mahindra, the partnership is making progress with some “high impact projects between Mahindra and Ford”. Next year, Mahindra will launch plenty of new models, for example, next-gen XUV500, Scorpio and Thar.

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