Ford has filed a patent in India for its Endeavour, signaling a potential comeback to the Indian market in the year 2025

Rumour has been there ever since the American car giant listed new job openings and reversed its decision to sell its Chennai factory, which had closed its operations back in 2021.

Ford Endeavour’s Design Patent

The patent filed is similar to the design of the current generation Endeavour, known as the Ford Everest SUV in international markets like Thailand. Despite its global launch in 2022, this particular model never made its way to India, making it a fresh product for Indian consumers.

Early Arrival in the Indian Market?

Sources suggest that Ford is considering two options for the Endeavour’s return – local assembly at its Chennai factory or direct import. The latter seems possible given the current regulations allowing the import of fully-built up cars without homologation, up to 2,500 units per year.

This could pave the way for a much earlier introduction of the Endeavour to the Indian market, providing consumers with a compelling alternative, especially with the steep rise in the Toyota Fortuner’s price.

Ford’s Strategic Moves

Ford’s decision to retain its Chennai factory, despite initially putting it up for sale, indicates a strategic move to re-establish its presence in India. With regulatory clearances already in place for the sale of the plant, the transition to production seems smooth. The plant’s history of producing the previous Endeavour also makes the process for the new model relatively straight.

Presence in the Indian Market

Unlike some competitors who opted to exit the Indian market entirely, Ford continued its service operations even after halting sales. Regular advertising of service and warranty packs demonstrated Ford’s commitment to maintaining a foothold in the local market.

The New Ford Endeavour

Exterior Design Highlights

The upcoming Endeavour continues to embrace the Ranger pickup’s platform, ensuring a robust ladder-frame architecture. Noteworthy design elements include a bold front end with a sizable grille, Matrix LED headlights, and a more squared-off rear-end with inverted L-shaped LED tail-lights.

Interior Sophistication

Inside, the three-row cabin boasts a modern design dominated by a portrait-oriented 12-inch touchscreen (10.1-inch on lower trims) running Ford’s latest SYNC infotainment software. The 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster (8.0-inch on entry-level trims) adds a touch of sophistication to the dashboard.

Safety and Technology

On the safety front, the new Ford SUV is equipped with nine airbags, hands-free parking, adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist, and Ford’s Pre-Collision Assist with Intersection Assist. These features enhance the overall safety profile, making the Endeavour a choice to consider in its segment.

Powertrain Dynamics

The new Everest offers diverse engine options, including two 2.0-litre turbo-diesel variants (single turbo and twin-turbo) and a new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, mirroring the powerhouse lineup of the new Ranger. Transmission choices range from a 6-speed manual to a 10-speed automatic, depending on the chosen engine. Some markets also enjoy the option of a 2WD setup.

What We Think

Ford’s strategic moves, coupled with the anticipation surrounding the Endeavour’s return, indicate a promising re-entry into the Indian market. With a strong focus on design, safety, and technology, the new Ford Endeavour is poised to make a significant impact and provide consumers with a compelling alternative in the SUV segment.