In an unprecedented move, the two rivals of the Indian automobile sector are plugging in to a mutually beneficial alliance. India's Mahindra and Mahindra and Tata Motors - both of whom have ambitious Electric Vehicle (EV) plans - will partner on a joint EV project. The details of this surprising yet rather electric alliance are being finalised, according to sources close to the development. The joint project has been codenamed REVO - and alludes to revving or accelerating their mutual EV plans. REVO also houses the abbreviation EV, and while Tata Motors has used this name as a prefix for its ICE powertrains, it is also a nod to Reva Electric - where Mahindra began its EV journey. Of course the name ending with the alphabet 'O' is also no coincidence in the M&M context. Sources have shared with carandbike that the alliance was first sparked when top officials from both companies had an informal conversation in December 2021.
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Right now, Tata is leading the four-wheeler passenger EV sales in India with the Nexon EV
A further exploration has led to this project - which is being currently being assessed on its own standalone merits. If successful, it could pave the way for a more solid alliance. The vehicle development for the REVO project is expected to focus on a compact SUV sized vehicle - something that is currently missing in the portfolio of both players. While Tata has showed a Sierra concept EV at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo, Mahindra is rumoured to have already begun work on a compact vehicle on the W601 platform, tipped to be the XUV400. That both companies have a born electric strategy is also not lost on us. And hence the outcome may involve the use of the Tata's SIGMA skateboard platform. A banking source close to the development who has advised the two on the investment required for the project, has shared some exclusive details. A battery of senior executives from both companies have been roped in to build REVO in quick time.
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REVO houses the abbreviation EV, and while Tata Motors has used this name as a prefix for its ICE powertrains, it is also a nod to Reva Electric - where Mahindra began its EV journey
The business head will likely be Vidyut Vahankar who has recently relocated from California's Bay Area and joined Mahindra Electric. The chief spokesperson will be Tata's old hand brought in from group company Tata Power - Indravajr Bijuria. And while design responsibilities will likely fall on M&M, engineering and vehicle proving will likely be headed by Tata's EV line team. Product strategy is expected to be shaped by the top leadership at both companies. All the key responsibilities are yet to be set in stone according to the banker, and we await more details on the same.
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Mahindra is rumoured to have already begun work on a compact vehicle on the W601 platform, tipped to be the XUV400
carandbike did reach out to Mr Vahankar, and received the following response: "We do not comment on speculation. Mahindra Electric is committed to delivering safe, sustainable and zero-emission vehicles to Indian consumers. Our strategy is set to unfold this summer. We shall share more details at the time." An email to Tata's Bijuria has as yet not received any response. Both companies have made their electric ambitions quite clear. Tata has had a head start with the Nexon EV and Tigor EV already in the market, having sold over 11,000 units already. More products are expected soon, including the Altroz EV, Punch EV, and extended range iteration of the portfolio. And there's another surprise EV model set for unveil next week.
Tata has had a head start with the Nexon EV and Tigor EV already in the market, having sold over 11,000 units already
Mahindra had the first mover advantage, and had run the eVerito project for institutional sales. It has also showed eKUV and eXUV300 models and will be showcasing its forthcoming dedicated EV portfolio in July this year. M&M also runs a team in the FIA Formula E World Championship, and owns Automobili Pininfarina - whose first product, the Battista is an electric hypercar.
Tata will soon add more electric vehicles to its portfolio, including the Altroz EV and Punch EV
EVs are being heralded as the big opportunity for Indian auto makers - as indeed other global players that may otherwise be smaller than their big MNC counterparts like the VW Group, Toyota Corp, and the Hyundai Motor Group. Anand Mahindra and Ratan Tata have also spoken in favour of this innovation, and that explains the big investments both companies have made towards this end. If you have patiently read this story up to this point, you are indeed deserving of a bit more. While these last two statements are true, the details within the rest of this piece may indeed have a short in the circuit. While we'd love for such an alliance to take actually shape, given the millions both could save, it is unlikely on any other day but this one. A special date indeed.
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