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Volkswagen (VW) and Indian automotive manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) announced today that they are expanding their EV partnership to help India’s auto market transition to electric.
At the United Nations’ Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP26), India announced that all new vehicle sales from 2035 would be zero-emission.
The nation is taking a big step towards its goals today as one of its leading SUV manufacturers, Mahindra, has expanded its partnership with VW to accelerate EV adoption.
Volkswagen and Mahindra have signed a term sheet for VW to supply electric components for the new family of Mahindra electric SUVs. The deal expands on the automaker’s original deal in May.
The partners have signed an agreement to use Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) components such as electric motors, battery cells, and system components for Mahindra’s “Born Electric Platform”. VW’s MEB platform is a multipurpose EV platform that automakers can use to scale production of electric vehicles.
In fact, VW has opened up its platform for other automakers to use to drive EV adoption and reduce GHG emissions. Ford recently announced that it will use VW’s MEB platform to develop another EV model.
Now VW’s MEB platform is making its way to India to help the nation achieve its goal of a sustainable auto sector.
How VW, Mahindra plan to take EV market to new heights in India
Mahindra today showcased its new family of EV SUVs in the UK. The new models will be built on Mahindra’s INGLO platform with MEB components, such as the electric drive system, battery system, and VW’s unified cell.
Electric components allow Mahindra to cost-effectively mass-produce its new EV SUVs. The INGLO platform is expected to power all of Mahindra’s EVs.
Commenting on the partnership, VW CEO Thomas Schmel said:
We are pleased to have identified the broad scope of cooperation between our two companies. Together, Volkswagen and Mahindra can play a significant role in electrifying India, a huge automotive market with strong climate protection commitments.
Mahindra’s executive director of auto sales, Rajesh Jejurika, followed suit and commented:
Our purpose-built INGLO platform offers unparalleled potential for growth and further customization to develop new and innovative products for not only India but global markets.
Meanwhile, Mahindra expects its EV models to generate 20% to 30% of its total SUV sales by 2027.
According to recent data, India ranks fourth in passenger car sales after China, Japan and the US. Additionally, India’s SUV segment is growing rapidly.
The senior executive director of sales and market at Maruti Suzuki India claims that SUVs make up about 40% of the industry, up from 19% earlier.
All this creates an opportunity for Mahindra to increase its market share with VW’s MEB platform. Not only this, but the partnership will also help India move one step closer to achieving its climate goals.
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