US auto major Ford Motor Co on Friday said it and India’s Mahindra & Mahindra have decided to scrap their previously announced automotive joint venture and it will continue its independent operations in India as it is. The two companies determined that they will not complete a previously announced automotive joint venture between their respective companies. The decision follows the passing of the December 31, 2020 ‘longstop’ or expiration date of a definitive agreement the organisations entered into in October 2019, Ford Motor Company said in a statement. Also, it plans to “grow by capitalising on existing strengths, disrupting the conventional automotive business, and partnering with others to gain expertise and efficiency”. The new venture was also envisaged to acquire the automotive business of Ford India Pvt Ltd (FIPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of FMC, that has been engaged in the automotive business in India since 1995.

Source: Indian Express January 01, 2021 03:22 UTC