Volkswagen Group and Mahindra have announced that they intend to expand their cooperation. Both companies have signed a deal for the supply of VW’s MEB electric components for Mahindra’s new, purpose-built electric platform, INGLO, expanding on an agreement formed earlier this year. According to VW, the deal will see it supply one million units and includes the equipment for Mahindra’s recently revealed range of five all-electric SUVs, all of which will employ MEB components.
Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components, said, “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.”
Mahindra’s electric SUVs will all be developed on the INGLO platform architecture, which will employ a host of MEB components including the electric drivetrain, the battery system and Volkswagen’s unified cell. With an eye toward a possible strategic alliance for India, both companies agreed to explore further areas of collaboration, including vehicle projects, the localization of battery cell manufacturing and charging and energy solutions for the electric ecosystem in India.
Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director, Auto and Farm Sectors, Mahindra, stated, “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.”