KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Ford Endeavour design patent filed in India
- Could make a comeback soon as CBU first
- Will rival the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster
Ford's exit from India was initiated in 2021 in a phased manner and that meant one thing straight. No Ford Endeavour for India moving forward. Exit strategy kept on in a phased manner but a recent development has just changed its course, which might possibly be the rebirth of the brand in India. On top of this, the new Ford Endeavour's design patent has been filed in India. Is this a possible return of the absolute beast? Now, before we take a look at the details in this section, make sure you join our Whatsapp Group Community of petrolheads to find out more exciting stuff about the Auto world.
New Ford Endeavour Finally Making A Comeback?
The American automaker initiated the process of concluding its operations in the country and was in the final stages of selling its Chennai plant. However, the recent termination of a deal with the JSW group has raised questions about the fate of its manufacturing facility in Maraimalai Nagar and stirred discussions about the possibility of a future reentry into the Indian market.
Ford is actively considering various options for the Chennai plant, including the potential use for exports or a re-entry into the Indian market. Recently, patent filings from the American automaker in India have surfaced, revealing details about the next-generation Ford Endeavour (known as the Ford Everest in certain international markets).
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What The 2022 Ford Endeavour Offers
The upcoming generation of the Ford Endeavour showcases a robust exterior design featuring a fresh grille design, prominent headlights, a redesigned bonnet, bumpers, and a tailgate. Notably, it boasts a 50 mm longer wheelbase compared to the current model and is equipped with sizable 21-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. It completely evolves out of its previous generation to enter a whole new design philosophy.
Features
The interior of the new Ford Endeavour showcases a completely redesigned dashboard, incorporating a vertically oriented 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Complementing this is a digital instrument cluster measuring up to 12.4 inches. The interior enhancements also include a fresh three-spoke steering wheel and a stylish center console with updated switches and a gear selector knob.
Among the notable features are a wireless device charging pad, wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated and ventilated front seats, a remote start function, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and a 360-degree camera system, among other advancements. Comparing it with the last active model in the country, it takes up a more rugged cloak rather than the more urban-centric of the previous generation.
Powertrain
In the international market, the new Ford Endeavour offers a range of engine options, including multiple diesel and petrol variants. Among these choices are two 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engines with both single and twin-turbo configurations, a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, and a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. This diverse engine lineup is not expected to hit our shores just as it is if the re-launch takes place. Earlier with the previous. gen, the 3.2L engine was shelved and the smaller 2.0L diesel unit remained the sole powerplant in the Indian version.
There is speculation that Ford might initiate its comeback in India by introducing Completely Built Unit (CBU) models of the Endeavour, with plans to eventually assemble Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits locally. This strategic approach could position Ford to compete with the dominant Toyota Fortuner in the segment, making for an interesting development in the Indian full-size SUV space.
Verdict
As the anticipation builds for Ford's potential comeback to the Indian market with the new generation Endeavour, the stage is set for an exciting chapter in the country's automotive space. With a revamped design, advanced features, and a diverse engine lineup, the Endeavour aims to make a strong statement. Whether Ford chooses to reintroduce itself with CBU models or eventually assembles CKD kits locally, the competition in the segment, particularly against the Toyota Fortuner, promises to intensify. The coming months hold the key to Ford's reentry strategy, sparking renewed interest and discussions among enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
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