Ford To Make A Comeback With The Endeavour SUV?

Is Ford coming to India? This has been an active topic of discussion among every auto-journalist and enthusiast in the country for the past two days now. So, what is the reality?

The Design Patent And Job Openings

The design patent that we see above is of the current generation Ford Endeavour that is sold in global markets, like Thailand, as the Ford Everest. This SUV was launched in 2022, and by that time Ford had already closed shops in our country. So it never made to India. 

Making matters further interesting was the opening up of several job profiles by Ford Motor Company in India. These profiles ranged from cyber defense analyst, ADAS feature owner, to delivery manager. All these profiles highly suggest that Ford might open shops in India again. However, our sources have confirmed that Ford India has not received any communication from Ford HQs. Henceforth, an official arrival is still subject to speculations.

Mechanical And Design Highlights Of Current-Gen Ford Endeavour

Just like before, the current generation Ford Endeavour continues to be based on the same ladder-frame platform that also underpins the marquee’s Ranger pick-up trucks. Some of the notable designs that we can figure out from the patent filed include C-shaped DRLs at the front around the large grille, which now features a horizontal bar in the middle. The SUV now also looks more boxy, compared to the curvacious style before, with upright front and rear fascia. 

In international markets, the Ford Everest (Endeavour) is available with two engine options - a 2.0-litre diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 diesel option. The former is also available with either a single turbocharger or a twin-turbo set-up. Transmission duties are taken care of either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox option. Which engine/transmission option Ford brings to India remains to be seen. 

How Will Ford Bring The Endeavour To India? CKD or CBU?

In the beginning, it is expected that Ford will import the Endeavour SUV as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). This is under the circumstances that our current rule allows any manufacturer to bring fully built-up cars without homologating them. But that import number cannot be more than 2500 units per year. With this in view, Ford might launch the Endeavour SUV sooner than you think, maybe by the end of 2024? 

On the other hand, if the model receives tremendous success then Ford might also start assembling the Endeavour in India at its plant in Chennai. Moreover, since this plant was also producing the Endeavour SUV before, and the current generation model also shares some of the underpinnings - retooling the same plant to produce the new Endeavour would be easily feasible.