Top Indian utility vehicle manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has had a very positive outlook ever since the Scorpio was first launched in 1997. Looking at the success the company has achieved with the Scorpio, Bolero and the XUV500, M&M has decided to launch three new models by the end of 2015 in the Indian auto market. Along with the new vehicles, it also plans to redesign some of the other vehicles in its fleet.
The first of these vehicles would be the new Mahindra Reva e2O, which is expected to be revealed after the 2013 Union Budget. It is possible that the new Budget may spring up some surprises in terms of subsidies for electric vehicle buyers, and thus, the auto maker is planning to cash on the same. The e20 is expected to be launched at a price range of Rs. 5-6 lakhs, which would vary depending on the possible subsidy.
Currently, Mahindra Reva already has a version of the electric vehicle on road, which is priced between Rs. 2.5- 3 lakhs, but it is only a 2-seater. The new e2O will be a 4-seater, and will look more aggressive than the current version. If a subsidy for electric vehicles is garnered during the Union Budget, not only will this result in a spurt of demand for the e2O but it will also pave the way for other manufacturers.
Another vehicle to be launched by 2015 is the Verito CS. It is the sub-4 metre version of the Mahindra Verito, which would compete against the likes of Tata Indigo CS, Maruti Swift DZire and soon-to-be-launched Honda Amaze. The car is expected to house the 1.5 litre K9K motor designed by Renault and would be available only in the diesel guise. It is one of the few vehicles of M&M that is not a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
After a journey of 15 years, it has been decided that the Scorpio is finally ready for a major overhaul. The car will have better road manners and will be a highly modern vehicle as compared to the current version. It would also house a more efficient engine. Though the Scorpio has been selling well, the time seems to be right to give this mighty vehicle a much needed facelift, since the design does look little dated now.
“We have had two major launches in the last 18 months. Next 12 months will not see new launches but at least four refreshes of the existing products. We are working on three new products, which will hit the market from fiscal 2015. So next three years we have significant offerings,” said Pawan Goenka, President of M&M Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors.
