Ford Endeavour Set to Make a Comeback in India as the Everest

New Delhi: Exciting news for SUV enthusiasts in India as Ford gears up to reintroduce its popular Endeavour SUV to the Indian market, this time potentially under the nameplate “Everest.” The move marks a strategic shift for Ford, aligning its Indian offerings with its global branding strategy.

Ford’s Everest Rebranding Strategy

Previously, Ford India refrained from using the Everest name due to trademark constraints. However, recent developments indicate that Ford has secured the rights to the Everest name, paving the way for its reintroduction in the Indian market. By adopting a unified global name, Ford aims to streamline its branding efforts and reduce costs associated with developing new badges and logos specifically for the Indian market.

Production and Launch Plans

While the exact timeline for the production of the Everest in India remains uncertain, sources suggest that production could commence as late as 2025 or 2026. This delay is attributed to Ford’s ongoing formulation of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, which necessitates integrating the Everest production within a broader manufacturing plan. In the interim, Ford is contemplating importing a limited number of units to expedite its re-entry into the Indian market.

Design and Features

Spy photos captured near Chennai offer a glimpse of the upcoming Everest, showcasing a rugged, three-row SUV with a distinctively boxy front-end and Matrix LED headlights. Inside, the Everest boasts a vertically oriented interior, featuring a sizable touchscreen infotainment system running Ford’s latest SYNC software. Depending on the trim level, the Everest may offer an 8.0-inch or 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, along with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a comprehensive safety suite comprising nine airbags.

Powertrain Options

While specifics regarding the India-spec Everest’s powertrain remain undisclosed, international variants offer a choice between two 2.0-liter diesel engines (single turbo and twin-turbo) and a potent 3.0-liter V6 diesel. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic, with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations available in select markets.

Market Competition

Upon its arrival, the Ford Everest is poised to compete directly against formidable rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster, as well as other seven-seat SUVs like the Skoda Kodiaq.

The reintroduction of the Ford Endeavour, rebranded as the Everest, signals Ford’s commitment to the Indian SUV market and sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in the country’s automotive landscape.

For the latest updates on Ford’s Everest and other automotive news, stay tuned to FNNNEWS.