Official! Mahindra and Ford Will Bring A Hyundai Creta Rival – Same Platform, Different Feel

18/04/2019

Mahindra and Ford Will Bring A Hyundai Creta Rival will be based on the same platform but will feel drastically different to drive and look

Mahindra Group and Ford Motor Company today took the next step in strengthening their ongoing strategic alliance in India with a definitive agreement to co-develop a midsize sports utility vehicle (SUV). Under the new agreement, Mahindra and Ford will work together to introduce a benchmark product for India and emerging markets.

The new agreement reinforces the steady progress made since the announcement of thestrategic alliance between the two companies in September 2017, followed by an announcement on powertrain sharing and connected car solutions in October 2018. The new midsize sports utility vehicle (C-SUV) will have a common Mahindra product platform and powertrain, thus driving engineering and commercial efficiencies.

The strategic alliance between the two companies is focused on leveraging the benefits of both companies — Ford’s global reach and expertise and Mahindra’s scale and successful operating model in India. Teams from both companies continue to collaborate on all areas of mutual interest including electrification, distribution and product development.

Earlier this fiscal year, the alliance signed an agreement with Mahindra Group to develop and supply a low-displacement petrol engine for use in Ford’s present and future vehicles, beginning in 2020. Mahindra and Ford also announced joint development of a telematics control unit.

The segment is going to get crowded as Tata is also working a big project to take on the Creta along with these two new products coming in. Renault has announced a Duster third generation which should also come around the same time. Honda could bring the HRV later next year as well. The segment leader Creta is going to get all new generation as well late next year.