Ford and Mahindra to co-develop midsize SUV for India and emerging markets

Ford Motor and Mahindra agreed to co-develop a midsize SUV for India and emerging markets in an effort to sustain profitability in the world’s third-biggest car market.

The new SUV will have a common Mahindra product platform and powertrain, helping to reduce product development costs and gain economies of scale, Mahindra and Ford said in a joined statement.

The agreement signed by the two carmakers reinforces progress they have made since announcing a strategic alliance in September 2017 and powertrain-sharing and connected-car solutions a year later.

The two companies set up a factory near Chennai and started making the Escort sedan. While models including the Ikon, Fusion, Fiesta and Figo followed.