Mahindra and Volkswagen are expanding their cooperation and the two automotive giants have signed a Term Sheet outlining the supply of MEB components for Mahindra’s new INGLO electric vehicle platform that will see 5 new electric SUVs come to market.

Like many car manufacturers, Mahindra is embracing an electric future and the firm intends to lead the charge in one of the world’s largest car markets, India. Up to 3 million new cars are sold in India each year and the electrification of the passenger car segment is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Mahindra recently showcased its new electric SUV family under the Mahindra Born EV vision in the United Kingdom and the new models will be built on the firm’s new dedicated INGLO EV platform. Volkswagen has invested heavily in EVs and the MEB componentry such as the electric drivetrain, battery system and Volkswagen’s unified cell is envisaged to make their way into Mahindra’s new electric SUVs.

Mahindra isn’t the only carmaker looking to take advantage of Volkswagen’s EV technology. The Ford and Volkswagen collaboration will see Ford producing the new Amarok bakkie in South Africa while Ford will gain access to Volkswagen’s vast EV expertise for future models.

The signed Term Sheet outlines all major commercial and technical terms as well as a potential path for localisation of the battery system. More so, Mahindra and Volkswagen will explore further potential for collaboration regarding e-mobility including vehicle projects, local battery manufacturing and charging and energy solutions to better develop the Indian EV ecosystem.

“We are happy that we have identified a larger scope of collaboration between our two companies. Together, Volkswagen and Mahindra can contribute significantly to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with ambitious climate protection commitments. 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 e-mobility. We are thus delivering on the focus of our Volkswagen NEW AUTO strategy to make the platform business a strong pillar of our Group and to unlock future profit pools through economies of scale” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, commented, “The signing of the techno-commercial term sheet is a significant step forward in our partnership with Volkswagen. Our purpose-built INGLO platform offers unmatched potential for growth and further customization 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, as showcased in the UK today. We are very pleased to explore further areas of potential collaboration with Volkswagen and are confident that together, we will be able to shape an exciting electric future.”

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