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 car and bike that the alliance was first sparked when top officials from both companies had an informal conversation in December 2021.
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. According to a source, a battery of senior executives from both companies have been roped in to build REVO in quick time.
