Mahindra and Mahindra is one of the largest commercial vehicles manufacturers in India. The company has yesterday launched its new utility vehicle Mahindra Navistar which is a heavy commercial vehicle built in collaboration with Navistar Inc of United States. "This launch is a major step towards fulfillment of the commitment we made in 2005 to develop into a full line commercial vehicle manufacturer," Mahindra Group Vice Chairman and Managing Director Anand Mahindra said.

Mahindra has initially introduced two variants of Navistar trucks but at least five more models will be available by the end of 2010. Mahindra Navistar has now launched 25-tonne and 31-tonne trucks that will go on sale later this year - possibly around March 2010. Mahindra has not disclosed the pricing of the vehicles and will give full details when the trucks finally hit the showrooms in March.

Mahindra Navistar will produce the trucks at the company’s plant in Maharashtra at Chakan near Pune. It has already invested Rs 4,000 crore in the plant and aims to have an annual production of 8,000 to 10,000 units.

“India is an important market in our global growth strategy. Over the next few months, we will be introducing a range of products which I am sure will revolutionize the heavy commercial industry in India,” said Dee Kapoor, president of Navistar Truck Group, US.