Mahindra exploring tie-up with Ford

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd is exploring the feasibility of entering emerging markets such as Indonesia and Russia in partnership with Ford Motor Co. Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra, said: “We are exploring various aspects with Ford; manufacturing, sourcing, engineering or even on the retail front. But things are at a very initial stage (in these markets) to conclude what aspect we will be partnering on.” In September 2017, Ford and Mahindra said that they are exploring a strategic alliance to “leverage Ford's global reach and expertise and Mahindra's scale in India”. The agreement, the firms said, would allow them to combine their strengths during a period of unprecedented upheaval in the automotive industry. If Goenka's plans go through, Mahindra will be the first Indian automaker to strike such a global alliance. Mahindra has also decided to develop products on a global scale, in collaboration with unit Mahindra Automotive North America (MANA) and iconic design firm Pininfarina SpA, Anand Mahindra, executive chairman of Mahindra, said at the launch of the Marazzo multi-purpose vehicle this week. The Marazzo was the first product to be jointly engineered by MANA in Detroit and the Mahindra group's research and development centre, Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai.