Archive for the ‘Mahindra’ Category

Mahindra World SUV scheduled for 2011

The Mahindra World SUV is coming to India next year from the Pune facility

The World SUV from Mahindra (code : W201) will be launched in India next year. The large SUV will be built at the company’s recently inaugurated plant in Chakan, Pune.

Dr Pawan Goenka, president – Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra -

We are looking at significant share of the new SUV manufactured here to be exported into the US market. We are planning to come out with the new SUV next year

The new SUV could be Mahindra’s next international vehicle, the first one being Scorpio. Mr.Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief of Operations, Automotive Sector, during the Auto Expo told IAB that Xylo will not go to the United States.

The new SUV built on a monocoque frame could get the same 2.2-liter mHawk engine from the Scorpio. The state of tuning could be different to match the vehicle’s larger dimensions. Features such as climate control are expected on the new SUV.

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Entry posted on March 16th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra

Video – Mahindra Maxximo runs on empty water can?

When you let aggression take control, you’ll go the wrong way. The yet to be released Mahindra Maxximo TV advertisement proves just that.

I understand Tata Ace has dominated the mini truck segment for the past few years but why vent out that frustration by making an Ad that shows a robot digesting a water can, running past a Ace and then transforming into a Maxximo?

Mahindra should film something depicting the Maxximo’s features and capabilities.

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Entry posted on March 8th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra

Rendering – Mahindra Maxximo passenger van

The Mahindra Maxximo is based on the Scorpio platform and with a 2-cylinder CRDI engine, a derivative of the mHawk engine it can be twisted in a number of ways. Like for example the passenger carrier which will take the Tata Ace Magic head on.

Photoshop illustration in-charge SRK kept it basic. Fully aware that he was designing a passenger carrier that’s supposed to be low cost. he added a tinge of sportiness to the vehicle by just giving it a black decal along the wheelbase.

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Entry posted on March 1st, 2010 and filed under Mahindra, Renderings

Renault to produce cars and set up own dealer network

Could the revamped, adapted Logan be produced in Renault’s Chennai facility?

Could we see a repeat of the Ford – M&M JV? Possibly.

In my opinion, M&M should be on its own. They are doing the right thing by concentrating on the necessary aspects of business (R&D and new vehicle development) in passenger and commercial vehicle segments. Their Renault JV today is a small bit of their business and was never a cash cow.

Renault has announced plans to produce two new cars at its Chennai plant. It is expected that these two cars are the Fluence and Koleos which were showcased at the Auto Expo 2010 in Delhi. The larger plan is to launch five cars (including the Fluence and Koleos) over the next 4 years. That is good news for the Indian market.

Sudhir Rao, Renault India’s Chief Operating Officer had this to say to Times of India -

India is a tough market, but a growing market. It is an opportunity for us to start again, Renault plans to set up a new distribution network, which should grow to about 150 dealerships by 2014.

Renault will be doing this all by itself and will not involve M&M. IAB earlier reported that the JV with M&M is under the scanner with countless theories doing the rounds. We still do not have any clarity on the status of the JV as the announcement from Renault pertains to the new car models. Nonetheless, this is a big indicator on the JV. Why should Renault invest in a production facility and also continue a JV with M&M?

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Entry posted on February 10th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra, Renault

Renault India to re-look Mahindra JV

Mahindra Renault LoganThe shake-up could lead to good or bad news. The decision is just weeks away

The Indian wing of French carmaker Renault will restructure the JV it signed four years ago with Mahindra. The first and only offering of this partnership, the Renault Logan, which got off to a flying start has simmered down to a level of 500 units a month raising difficult questions. The Logan has received no cosmetic makeovers in its lifetime here in India. It also has not received new engines, transmissions or any mechanical upgrades.

One possible outcome of the restructuring could be a sub-4 metre Logan with a 1.2-liter petrol engine which makes it a small car. Renault could tinker its body, install new grilles and headlamps and sell it with a smaller diesel engine. But that is easier said than done.

Chief operating office Sudhir Rao, Renault India -

We are exploring all options. A final decision on this will be taken in 30 to 45 days

There have been countless theories on what Renault plans to do in India. One story claims they would end the joint venture, while the other claims they would use the Logan’s platform to produce a hatchback and other variants as part of the venture. Guess the end to all this is near its own end.

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Entry posted on February 9th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra, Renault

Indian wrap – 54 Prius, 5 Mercedes Benz SLS, 2 Maxximo

54 Priuses booked in India -

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has received 54 orders for their hybrid vehicle Prius, which was launched at the Auto Expo last month. The Toyota Prius is available for an ex-showroom price of Rs 26.55 lakh and Rs 27.86 lakh rupees. Toyota had requested a consignment of 200 vehicles which it hopes to sell before the end of this year. Deliveries of the Prius begin in March.

Mercedes Benz finds 5 buyers for SLS AMG -

Mercedes Benz India Limited has found its fifth buyer in India, reports Times of India. The 2 crore rupee Mercedes Benz was showcased at the Auto Expo last month with gullwing doors, an AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid-engine developing 420 kW (571 hp) peak output, 650 Nm of torque.

Mahindra plans 2 Maxximo variants

Mahindra plans to launch two new variants of the Maxximo – a passenger carrier (taking on the Tata Ace Magic) and a CNG edition of the pickup truck in the coming months. The Maxximo is powered via 2-cylinder CRDI engine, which this segment has not seen so far. The wrap around headlamps with reflectors, dead pedal, larger cabin, drive by wire throttle and 850kg payload capacity makes the Maxximo a superior vehicle on paper compared to the market leader Tata Ace.

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Entry posted on February 8th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra, Mercedes Benz, Toyota

Mahindra Scorpio Automatic transmission launched in Egypt

The refreshed Scorpio with an automatic transmission is now in Egypt

Mahindra Scorpio Automatic variant has been launched in Egypt. The Scorpio Automatic utilizes a 6-speed fully automatic gear box and a 2.2 litre mHawk engine.

Mahindra launched Scorpio petrol and diesel versions in Egypt in partnership with the Bavarian Auto Group back in 2008. The Bavarian Auto Group also assembles and distributes other automotive brands in Egypt.

Farid El Tobgui, chairman, Bavarian Auto Group -

With its unique combination of ruggedness, utility and style, the Mahindra Scorpio has acquired a large fan following in Egypt and the Scorpio Automatic will only further enhance the brand equity of this iconic SUV. We are also pleased to extend our association with Mahindra in Egypt where it is a well respected brand name

The Egyptian Mahindra Scorpio will have airbags, ABS, child locks among other safety features. The transmission is permanently sealed and doesn’t require oil top-ups or servicing that can put it in a potentially harmful position.

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Entry posted on February 5th, 2010 and filed under Mahindra

Mahindra to launch 6-7 new variants next fiscal

Mahindra could launch Xylo variants this fiscal including pickup and panel van

Mahindra will launch about seven new variants of its existing models in the next fiscal year. The company, which now also manufactures two-wheelers and heavy duty trucks, is looking to enhance its product portfolio.

As per its announcement earlier, Mahindra would launch the World SUV in India which will sit above the Scorpio. This vehicle could come with a bigger engine and the presence of two exhaust pipes emerging from the rear bumper hints at two banks of cylinders.

According to Autocar India, Mahindra is also working on a mini SUV (Code: S101) with a 1.5-liter diesel engine and monocoque body construction. The 1.5-liter engine would be a 3-cylinder version of the 2.2-liter mHawk engine that is used on the Scorpio.

M&M President (Automotive) Pawan Goenka -

Next fiscal we will be launching 6-7 new variants of our existing models. The new variants will cover all segment including utility vehicles, commercial vehicles and three wheelers.

The company could launch variants of the Mahindra Xylo which include the panel van introduced recently in SA and the pickup truck version which is currently being tested near the plant. The Scorpio hybrid is also a strong possibility. The Maxximo EV is also in the pipeline for an October release.

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Entry posted on February 2nd, 2010 and filed under Mahindra

Mahindra to unveil Maxximo at Auto Expo

The Maxximo will sit above the Gio in the CV lineup of Mahindra

Mahindra will launch the Maxximo cargo truck at the Auto Expo next week. According to our friends at vicky.in who have knowledge on this vehicle’s specifications, the Maxximo will use a 2 cylinder, 900cc CRDe m_Hawk engine.

The payload of the truck will be 800kg and the styling will be closely based on the Mahindra Gio, the half-tonne truck unveiled recently.

The mHawk engine on the Maxximo will develop 25bhp of power and 55Nm of torque. This is several times greater than the Gio’s capabilities. The Maxximo should give tough competition to the Tata Ace, which is the market leader in this segment.

The Maxximo will roll out of Mahindra’s new plant in Chakan and have interiors matching to a car. The brand name Maxximo was christened using words MORE and MAXIMUM.

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Entry posted on December 31st, 2009 and filed under Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra

Mahindra Bolero returns 35.15 kmpl in the Mileage Marathon event

Mahindra Mileage Marathon BoleroThe Bolero returned an impressive 35.15kmpl in a promotional event

Press Release -

Mahindra Bolero Mileage Marathon takes Kochi by storm

India’s No. 1 SUV tops the fuel efficiency chart

Synopsis:

q India’s No.1 SUV clocked fantastic mileage of 35.15 kms/litre of diesel.

q A fun filled, customer centric event organized for Bolero customers at Kochi

q The superior mileage further reinforces attractive value proposition offered by Mahindra Bolero

November 29, 2009, Kochi: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India’s undisputed leader in the utility vehicle segment, recently organised the Mahindra Bolero Mileage Marathon aimed at highlighting the superior mileage of India’s No. 1 SUV, at Kochi. A total of 32 Bolero families participated in the event which was a special customer-centric initiative.

“The Mahindra Bolero Mileage Marathon in Kochi gave a clear idea on fuel efficiency of India’s No. 1 SUV. A testament to this is the winning mileage of 35.15 kms/litre clocked by Mr. Seby K B. The Bolero’s superior value proposition, style and rugged appeal coupled with our customer-centric approach to business have been major contributors to its success over the years,” said Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Auto Sector, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.

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Entry posted on December 7th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

Exclusive – Mahindra Gio Images and Press Release

Mahindra_Gio_truckThe Gio is Mahindra Alfa+extra wheel+new drivetrain+steering system

Mahindra creates a new category by launching India’s first Compact Truck

Mahindra creates a new category with the launch of Mahindra Gio, India’s first 0.5 ton Compact Truck: Mahindra Gio – An entry level 4 Wheeler Cargo carrier offers unmatched mileage of 27 kmpl at an unbeatable price of Rs 1.65 lakh.

The New Compact Truck – Mahindra Gio

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2009 — Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a leading player in the small Commercial Vehicle segment in India, today launched the Mahindra Gio, India’s first 4 wheel 0.5 ton Compact Truck. A category creating vehicle in the cargo commercial vehicle segment, the Mahindra Gio combines the style, status, comfort and safety of a four wheeler with the low operating and maintenance cost of a three-wheeler. The Mahindra Gio is available at an amazing price of Rs. 1.65 lakh, ex showroom BSII; BSIII price is Rs 1.68 Lakh. Equipped with a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, the Mahindra Gio gives best-in-class mileage of 27 km per litre.

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Entry posted on October 29th, 2009 and filed under Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra

Mahindra could be working on an affordable hybrid two wheeler?

mahindra_logoWhat kind of a rumor is that? Is it worth even considering such a case?

As per floating rumors, Mahindra could be working on an affordable hybrid two wheeler for the Indian market. They might offer battery packs+motor along with either petrol or LPG option.

Mahindra is not new to hybrids or hybrid technology. They showcased a Mahindra Scorpio SUV concept vehicle with hybrid powertrain at last year’ Auto Expo.

Some reports in the past claim this vehicle was meant primarily for the United States market where Mahindra will start selling its products next year.

Even if Mahindra was working on hybrid scooter or motorcycle, which price band would they choose to compete? Mahindra is a type of company which first decides on the competitor and then designs a product to wipe it out. Hybrid vehicles are costly to build as they involve additional parts and customers would also have to pay more to maintain them.

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Entry posted on October 1st, 2009 and filed under Hybrid cars, Mahindra

First TV Commercial of Mahindra Pik-Up on air in Australia

‘Made for the hardest places on earth’

That is the tag line given to the Mahindra Pik-up (Scorpio Getaway) in Australia. Synchromesh Marketing with clients like BMW and Volkswagen, is the one behind this ad.

The Mahindra Pik-Up was launched in Australia in 2007 and what you see here is the first advertisement of the vehicle which went on air in TV channels of Australia. It depicts the refreshed Pik-up’s unshakable in any adverse conditions and serves its purpose without a jerk.

Claire Tynan, CEO of Mahindra Automotive Australia -

TV is the easiest way to achieve wider reach and to catch the attention of the masses

Mahindra is excited about the campaign and expects boost in sales, IAB will keep an eye on that as well.

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Entry posted on September 27th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra