Mahindra and Ford have “strengthened” their ongoing strategic alliance with the signing of two new definitive agreements, one of which will see the Indian manufacturer supplying the Blue Oval brand with a fresh petrol powertrain.
Back in September 2017, the two automakers agreed to “explore a strategic alliance”. And in March 2018 they signed five new, non-binding memoranda of understanding that will, among other things, see them “jointly develop” new SUVs and a small electric vehicle.
The latest two “definitive agreements”, however, focus on powertrain sharing and connected car solutions.
Under the agreement on powertrain sharing, the Mahindra Group will “develop and supply a low-displacement petrol engine to Ford India for use in its present and future vehicles, starting in 2020”.
This new powertrain, the two brands said in a joint statement, will “help Ford extend and strengthen its existing offering of petrol engines”. It’s not yet clear if this powertrain will be used in markets outside India.
Mahindra and Ford also announced joint development of a telematics control unit. Once developed, the connected vehicle solution will be deployed across both Mahindra and Ford vehicles.
Original article from Car