Ford, Mahindra to Partner on EV, SUVs for Emerging Markets

Ford Motor Co. and India’s Mahindra Group have agreed to jointly develop an electric vehicle and family of SUV/crossovers for India and other emerging markets.

The two companies have signed five memoranda of understanding that describe a non-equity alliance that covers a broad range of development and sharing programs ranging from vehicles to connectivity products. The plan expands an alliance announced by the two companies in September.

The partners intend to produce a midsize SUV that rides on Mahindra’s platform and is marketed independently by each company under their own brands. Mahindra is India’s largest seller of SUVs. The companies also intend to evaluate plans to co-develop a compact SUV and an electric vehicle.

In addition, Ford says it may tap Mahindra’s powertrains to extend its own range of engines and transmissions. The two companies separately intend to co-develop an array of connected-car products for consumers.

Finally, teams from both carmakers will collaborate over the next three years in search of possible Ford support for Mahindra’s expansion, including the use of Ford distribution and manufacturing capacity outside India.