Mahindra, Ford in talks to share sedan platform, EV technology
NEWDELHI: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is in early talks with its partner Ford Motor Co to procure a vehicle platform on which the Mumbai-based firm aims to build an all new electric sedan, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. In lieu of this platform, Mahindra will share its affordable electric vehicle technologies with Ford, which the American firm plans to use in its entry-level cars like Figo and Aspire, these people said on condition of anonymity.
Ford in India has developed a platform Ka, on which it has built cars like hatchback Figo and sub-4 metre sedan. Ka+ is a larger derivative of Ka.
“Pawan Goenka along with his colleagues at Mahindra Electric has inspected the platform while signing off on a partnership with Ford in September,” one of the people cited above said, requesting anonymity. “Ford will get electric technology of Mahindra. So far, that’s the only point of discussion in that direction.”
A Mahindra spokesperson declined to comment on the story while a Ford spokesperson said that it is “too early to discuss” at this point.
Both the companies on September 19 said that they were exploring a strategic alliance to leverage each other’s strengths to address rapidly emerging challenges in the global automobile industry. The areas of potential cooperation include mobility programmes, connected vehicle projects, electrification, product development, sourcing and commercial efficiencies, distribution within India to improve Ford’s reach and into global emerging markets to scale up Mahindra’s network.
The second person aware of the matter said that both the companies have started to work towards putting in place teams, which will work closely in these areas.
The partnership seems to be on equal terms, with the
Indian firm gaining from Ford’s advanced technologies and global network; the Bill Ford-led American automaker will get a stronger and bigger footprint in the lucrative Indian market.