Ford Endeavour design patent filed in India along with some other parts
Ford announced its phased withdrawal from India in 2021. The American carmaker started winding up operations in India and recently, they were about to sell their plant in Chennai. However, last week they called off a deal with the JSW group, sparking speculation about the future of its manufacturing facility in Maraimalai Nagar and their potential comeback to the Indian market.
Ford is actively exploring alternatives for the Chennai plant, opening the door to possibilities such as utilising the facility for exports or re-entering the Indian market.
Now, we have got our hands on some patent filings from the American carmaker in India. One of these files include the new generation Ford Endeavour (also called the Ford Everest in some international markets).
It will be interesting to see the blue oval make a comeback to India starting with the new generation Ford Endeavour which made its global debut in 2022. It is possible that they restart their operations in the country with the CBU models of the Endeavour and eventually assembling CKD kits locally to compete with the Toyota Fortuner, which is currently ruling the segment.
The new generation Ford Endeavour gets a more rugged exterior with new grille design, large headlights, redesigned bonnet, bumpers and tail gate. It has also got a 50 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model. It comes with large 21-inch alloy wheels.
The interior gets a brand-new dashboard that integrates a portrait 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also gets a digital instrument cluster measuring up to 12.4-inches. There is a new chunky 3-spoke steering wheel on offer and a stylish new centre console with updates switches and gear select knob.
Some of the new features include wireless device charging pad, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated and ventilated front seats, remote start function, gesture controlled powered tailgate, 360-degree camera and more.
It is available in multiple diesel and petrol engine options in the international market. Some of the options include two 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel motors (single and twin-turbo), 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel and 2.3-litre turbo-petrol.
If it is introduced with a price tag of around Rs. 50 lakhs (ex-showroom), it will put a small dent on the sales of the Toyota Fortuner.
