Mahindra and Volkswagen cooperation moves forward
21 August 2022
Volkswagen (VW) Group and Indian automotive manufacturer Mahindra have announced the latest phase in their collaboration. Within a broader strategic alliance, the pair will explore opportunities to accelerate the electrification of the Indian automotive market.
Both companies signed a term sheet on the supply of modular electric platform (MEB) components for application in Mahindra’s new INGLO platform. This builds on an agreement inked in May this year.
Over one million units
The cooperation looks to cover a volume of more than one million units over its lifetime, applying to five all-electric SUVs with MEB components to be built by Mahindra. As outlined in the initial agreement, the terms span general vehicle construction projects, charging and energy solutions, as well as cell manufacturing.
‘Together, Volkswagen and Mahindra can contribute significantly to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with ambitious climate protection commitments,’ stated Thomas Schmall, VW board of management member for technology and CEO of VW Components.
‘The MEB electric platform and its components are key to affordable sustainable mobility around the globe. The partnership not only demonstrates that our platform business is highly competitive, but also that the MEB is well on track to become one of the leading open platforms for emobility, Schmall added’
India’s global automotive expansion
India is one of the five largest automotive markets in the world, with around three million new cars registered annually, and was the only one of the leading countries to record growth in the first half of 2022. However, electrifying this market will be no simple task as it is dominated by diesel and petrol engines.
Enter manufacturers like Mahindra, which boasts a quintet of electric vehicles (EVs). These models are slated for launch from December 2024 onwards and will be rolled out on the new INGLO platform, equipped with MEB components including the electric drivetrain, battery system and VW’s unified cell.
‘The signing of the techno-commercial term sheet is a significant step forward in our partnership with VW,’ commented Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director, auto and farm sectors at Mahindra. ‘Our purpose-built INGLO platform offers unmatched potential for growth and further customisation for developing new and innovative products, not just for India, but for global markets. Our vision is to lead the electric mobility revolution in India by bringing authentic electric SUVs with cutting-edge technology.’
Over the last decade, Mahindra has emerged as a prominent carmaker from India, alongside Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors. Mahindra’s profile has been somewhat boosted by the company’s involvement in sports. The Mahindra Racing team competes in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and previously fielded teams in the Moto3 motorcycling world championship.
In mid-August, the carmaker formally inaugurated its new UK-based design centre of excellence, Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE). Equipped with state-of-the-art design tools, 3D digital and physical modelling, as well as digital visualisation and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design.
The centre is located within the global automotive and EV hub of Banbury, UK. It forms part of the Mahindra Global Design Network, which includes the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai.
