Archive for the ‘Mahindra’ Category

Exclusive Rendering – Mahindra’s world car

mahindra_2011_suv

Whatever Mahindra’s world car proclaims itself to be, it is going to be a fantastic product full of features and technology. The latest offering – Xylo – has all the features in the world – items like the DDAS, foldable-bed-seats were very handy during our test drive.

Climate control, a LCD display, cruise control and a pile of other gadgets and gizmos are anticipated on Mahindra’s world car scheduled for 2011. The world car is also Mahindra’s first monocoque frame vehicle. Till now, Mahindra relied on the old school body-on-frame construction which has plenty of drawbacks.

Our photoshop wizard SRK, has brought out Mahindra’s world car with sketches of the Xylo, Bolero and Scorpio in his drawer. This car will be Mahindra’s biggest SUV and an effective vehicle to explore the West. It is safe to expect petrol engines and possibly a Scorpio hybrid-inspired hybrid powertrain apart from the regular CRDI powerplant.

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Entry posted on September 3rd, 2009 and filed under Mahindra, Renderings

Report – Mahindra to build a compact SUV based on Scorpio

Mahindra_Scorpio_juniorWe were just talking about platform utilization a couple of posts before and how Mahindra is using the Xylo for different purposes and this news entered our inbox – Mahindra will use the Scorpio’s platform to manufacture a compact SUV with a diesel engine.

At a later stage, a four cylinder clean diesel engine will be transplanted into the mini Scorpio and probably manufactured in the U.S as well.

Mahindra is also planning to export CKDs of its Scorpio Getaway pickup into the U.S and assemble it there. To make this possible, Mahindra could buy a US factory to avoid the 25% import duties on its Indian made pickup trucks.

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Entry posted on September 2nd, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

Mahindra displays world’s first hydrogen-powered 3-wheeler

ALFA_mahindraIn a surprise of sorts, Mahindra displayed the first vehicle of its kind at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 2009 held in Delhi today. The Hy-Alfa is just another Alfa goods carrier to the layman.

But peel its skin and there is a marvel hidden beneath. The Hy-Alfa runs on compressed hydrogen gas with zero emissions, the first of any such vehicles ever made.

Dr. Mathew Abraham, General Manager (R&D), Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Centre -

The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world. It runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with absolutely zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive on congested city roads. Hydrogen is, in fact, the technology and fuel of tomorrow and is the long term solution to pollution, energy security & CO2 emission related concerns

This futuristic technology has come to life not only because of Mahindra’s in-house resources and talent, but also due to companies with which it has collaborated, some international. Recently, Mahindra, along with other partners has signed an MOU with UNDIO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) India and ICHET (International Centre for Hydrogen Energy and Technology) Turkey to experiment a 15 Hy-Alfa Demo project next year at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

This is very similar to the hydrogen demo vehicles that VW put on duty during the Beijing Olympics.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Even a school goer knows hydrogen is a clean fuel and its combustion in the presence of oxygen releases water, which fills a major portion of the planet’s surface area.

Apart from the hydrogen goods carrier, Mahindra has on display drivable full hybrid vehicles, micro (start/stop) hybrid vehicles, bio-fuel vehicles, an electric passenger vehicle, a hydrogen combustion engine vehicle and many recyclable and reusable materials and technologies.

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Entry posted on August 26th, 2009 and filed under Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra

Mahindra pickup trucks delayed in the U.S; going gets rough in Australia

Mahindra pickup trucks delayed in the U.S; going gets rough in Australia

Mahindra is on a role in the Indian market, its Xylo is finding buyers at a pace equal to Renault losing them.

The Xylo’s feature-rich cabin is fascinating Verna, Fiesta or even the Honda City buyer. During our test, we found the car comfortable, the interior space was enough to serve as a makeshift home during the floods.

Over to Australia and things are not so smooth for Mahindra

Mahindra is hoping to grow “slowly but steadily” in Australia. The company which increased its dealer count from ten to twenty in two years, is finding it hard to reach targets. To give itself more hope, a revamped Pik-Up, designed for better safety, was launched a few days back.

The original Pik-Up scored a “poor” two-star crash safety rating by the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The pickup earned just 16.49 points out of a possible 37. The outcome of this crash test was nothing less than a catastrophe. In the test, “the driver’s head hit the hub of the steering wheel,” and that the “steering column and dash components were a potential source of injury”.

Mahindra has not announced its sales figures. It says only the media is interested in the figures. Brand building is its top priority now.

Mahindra says it will launch the Xylo and the Scorpio in Australia in about twelve month’s time.

click through to read the U.S story

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Entry posted on August 10th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

Mahindra Pik-Up to be sold in US by Feb 2010

Mahindra Pik-Up to be sold in US by Feb 2010

Following the Australian launch, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) is ready to kick-start the production of ‘Pik-up’ for the US market by year end. Sales is likely to commence by February next year.

“We will start production of Mahindra ‘Pik-up’ utility vehicle by December this year for the US and by end-February next year, the vehicle will be sold there (in the US),” Mahindra and Mahindra President (Automotive sector) Pawan Goenka said.

M&M has recently gained profits of Rs 400.85 crore in the first quarter of 2009, which is a giant leap against Rs 159.30 crore in the same quarter last year.

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Entry posted on July 31st, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

Now Mahindra Two Wheelers wants to end Honda domination

Now Mahindra Two Wheelers wants to end Honda domination

Mahindra Two wheelers, formerly known as Kinetic Two Wheelers, has had enough of Honda’s dominance in the gearless scooter market in India. Yesterday we informed you about TVS’s ambitious plans to finish Honda, and today, MTW comes to the fore.

Along with change, more or less comes sacrifice. The Kinetic Blaze, which is fitted with a 165cc, 11.5bhp engine sourced from Hyosung, is officially history.

The Blaze was known for its hell-on-earth power and pickup. It’s intensity was pumped up by “Catch me if you can” badge on its back, which was blamed for road rage of trailing commuters.

That was not exactly the cause for its extinction. It was its diminishing sales numbers, which Mahindra clearly outlined when it said “no market for the Blaze in India.”

MTW will retain most of the 250 dealers who sold Kinetic 2-wheelers. MTW at present sells 3,000 units of the Flyte, which is no match to the 45,000-50,000 Activas sold by Honda.

With the backing of Mahindra’s marketing team and new products, perhaps in the near future the Honda dominance will come crumbling down.

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Entry posted on July 30th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

Gallery – 2009 Mahindra Pik-Up

2009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 12009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 22009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 32009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 4
2009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 52009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 62009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 72009 Mahindra Pik-Up Australia - 8

When we brought you details of 2009 Mahindra Pik-Up last week, there were not many images. Mahindra has released extra images (above) showing its load carrying capabilities/flexibility and interiors.

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Entry posted on July 30th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra

2009 Mahindra Pik-Up launched in Australia

2009 Mahindra Pik-Up launched in Australia

The “muscular” Scorpio looks does not pertain only to the Scorpio anymore. Mahindra has launched the 2009 edition of the Pik-Up (Scorpio Getaway) in Australia with the saw tooth and essential safety features.

The cosmetic changes see a new front bumper design, headlight and foglamp housings, bonnet scoop and pull-type door handles from the new Scorpio.

In the cabin, better suited seats, longer seatbelts, new electrically-adjustable rear-view mirrors and stereo which is MP3-compatible with USB and SD card inputs debut. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are now a standard feature on the Pik-Up.

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Entry posted on July 23rd, 2009 and filed under Commercial Vehicles, Mahindra

M&M shows ‘Commitment to Australia’ after launching Pik-Up

M&M shows ‘Commitment to Australia’ after launching Pik-Up

After launching the Mahindra Pik-Up (Scorpio Getaway) in Australia, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has embarked on a tour named ‘Commitment to Australia’, with a hope of winning customers over, and publicising the brand name. The touring team will meet current Mahindra drivers, prospective customers and dealers to gather feedback and positive aspects of the pick-up truck.

Deputy General Manager (Export), M&M, Mr. Choudhari stated, “We are very committed to the Australian market and are planning on launching additional models here in the not too distant future. In order for us to do so meaningfully, we need to have our ears to the ground to know what our Australian dealers face, and very importantly, what our current buyers and those considering our vehicles want to see more of, or conversely love about our offering”
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Entry posted on July 13th, 2009 and filed under Mahindra, New Cars Abroad

Test Drive – Mahindra Xylo E6 Part 2/2

Mahindra Xylo 2 - 18

Every A.C vent has individual open/close provision, which is a very novel idea. Climate control could have made more people happy, but the abundance of vents all around the cabin keeps you as cool as the car itself.

The centre of the dashboard is occupied by the CD/MP3 player, which plays good quality music as we pointed out in our initial impressions.

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Entry posted on July 6th, 2009 and filed under Car Reviews, Mahindra, Mahindra xylo

Test Drive – Mahindra Xylo E6 Part 1/2

Mahindra Xylo 2 - 1

When I had gone to pick up the Mahindra Xylo from the parking lot, I wasn’t that excited, had not seen the Xylo in depth like Shrawan did during the launch, all I got were glimpses of it on the Mumbai roads.

I expected the Xylo to be another Mahindra product like the Bolero and Armada. To my surprise initially the Xylo didn’t look anything like a Mahindra, looked much different and up market, the design not so conventional, the tall stance hinted it was a vehicle bigger than the Scorpio. I won’t stress much on that as I have done it already in the initial report.

So, let’s see what the Xylo has up its sleeve.

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Entry posted on June 30th, 2009 and filed under Car Reviews, Mahindra, Mahindra xylo

Test Drive – First impressions of the Mahindra Xylo E6

Mahindra Xylo_014

OK, so what do we have here? This doesn’t seem like a Mahindra from any angle. Preceding to the launch, If its badges were pulled off, nobody other than any of the Mahindra engineers would have recognized it.

I can debate on its looks in five one-thousand word essays, but the crux is simple.

When I first saw the Mahindra Xylo with all of my friends in the Indian motoring journalism community, I recollect some staring at it in disbelief. Some of the leading journalists did not prefer it for its looks.

click through to read the rest of my initial impressions

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Entry posted on June 19th, 2009 and filed under Car Reviews, Mahindra, Mahindra xylo

Tata, Mahindra and Maruti work together to develop hybrid technology

Tata, Mahindra and Maruti work together to develop hybrid technology

This is a rare occurrence. To me these guys were competitors and not potential partners or never have I envisaged a concept of them coming together before. Recession has forced a lot of manufacturers to tie-up with each other and develop cars and technology to shave costs. In India, recession hasn’t caused this occurrence for sure.

They say sometimes reality can be stranger than fiction.

India Automotive reports Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki will collaborate to develop hybrid technology. They will then have the license to incorporate them into their products.

The trio will venture into making lithium-ion batteries, controller and electric motor technologies, essential components of a hybrid powertrain. The partnership will be governed by by I V Rao, R&D chief of Maruti Suzuki and additionally charged with the post of chairman of the committee on National Hybrid Propulsion Programme.

Mahindra’s hybrid vehicle dreams began with the Scorpio hybrid which is production ready. Tata Motors has the electric vehicle technology which looks promising on the Indica Vista EV and the Indica EV.

Maruti Suzuki hasn’t shown interest in developing hybrid or electric cars in the past, but this is a good place to start as hybrid vehicles are undeniably the next phase of evolution in the automobile industry. The three are committed to making the most out of this partnership and the results will be displayed during the Commonwealth games next year.

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Entry posted on May 18th, 2009 and filed under Hybrid cars, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Tata
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