As part of the Rise philosophy, Mahindra could sell the newborn XUV500 to the Chinese and Russian car buyers. With several controversial design touches, the first thing XUV will accomplish on touch down in these two growth markets is make everyone talk about it. While we can't wait to see if its all positive praise, the Russian and Chinese public will get new features and mechanical components.
At the Pune press conference held for announcing the XUV500's prices, Mahindra said Ssangyong petrol engines are being considered for the XUV500. Selling the XUV500 petrol in India is like setting up a shop for selling typewriters along the IT Corridor - not only will people laugh at you, you'll go bust in days.
The SUV may not run under the same branding in another country. The prices of the vehicle in the Indian market will not be the starting point for deciding its overseas country's positioning or pricing. It will ultimately depend on what the competition is offering and at how much.
Mahindra is targeting export markets such as SAARC countries, South Africa and South America in the first round. Mahindra has engineered the XUV500 to meet global safety and emission standards (Euro 5 norms) and right from the beginning had global markets in the purview.
They also did not rule out the possibility of 'XUV' becoming a brand like Bolero or Xylo, and confirmed that the XUV500 platform will give birth to many more variants.
For overseas markets, Mahindra will have to work out an automatic transmission and add features like ISOFIX child seats, Automatic Transmission and the no-brainer RHD conversion. Will Mahindra offer better finish and plastic quality to give critics no chance to complain?
