German legacy automaker Volkswagen announced Monday the advanced negotiations it reached with Indian automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra, according to HT Auto.
M&M apparently seeks to utilize VW’s electric MEB platform parts for its next-gen models. In hindsight, VW already committed to supplying M&M with MEB parts for the Indian company’s new INGLO platform in August 2022.
Purpose
As mentioned, M&M intends to tap on VW’s MEB parts like e-drive and unit cells for its new electric cars.
“The Volkswagen Group is now in advanced talks with Mahindra as another important cooperation partner. Mahindra wants to use key MEB components such as the e-drive and the unified cells for its models.”
Volkswagen Group
For context, VW introduced its modular open EV platform for its own models and also for other automakers like Skoda and Audi.
It enables the German automaker to become a supplier of such technologies even to rival brands. In fact, VW and M&M already inked a term sheet for the electric parts supply in August 2022, Reuters asserted.
Mahindra’s INGLO platform
The MEB components from VW will go to Mahindra’s INGLO platform. It will support the company’s five all-electric SUVs, enabling a battery capacity of 60 kWh to 80 kWh. It will also have a maximum fast charging capacity of 80% in just less than half an hour.
These models include the Born Electric (BE), XUV.e, and THAR.e, SCORPIO.e and BOLERO.e EV models. Notably, M&M already revealed the Thar Concept EV on August 15 in South Africa.
The Indian company aims to produce these models at its Chakan factory. It will have a production capacity of 2,00,000 units. M&M targets to hit the factory’s full capacity by 2027 to 2029.
See Also:
- Mahindra to produce 200k EVs annually from 2027 to 2029
- Mahindra says Tesla’s presence “does not faze” them
- Mahindra plans to penetrate the Australian EV market
- Mahindra & Mahindra to expand its Zaheerabad Plant for 3-wheeler EVs
- Mahindra & Mahindra to invest Rs. 10,000 crores for its EV manufacturing plant
More automakers are apparently seeking to acquire VW’s MEB platform, Volkswagen Group Components’ Ludwig Fazel stated at the IAA Mobility Show. These brands include Asian automakers with plans to establish local production in Europe. However, Mr. Fazel omitted to share more details.
VW and M&M’s partnership will significantly aid their efforts in leading electric mobility in India. It will also support the German brand’s goal of sharing its MEB platform with global automakers.
