- Showcases class-leading technology with 4 SsangYong vehicles - Rexton, Korando E, Actyon Sports and XIV-1 Concept
- Mahindra Navistar puts outperformance in the limelight and stresses upon integrated trucking solutions
On the first day of Delhi Auto Expo 2012, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. showcased its widest ever product portfolio. The company put its range of SsangYong on display, debuting four new world class products in India, namely Rexton, Korando E, Actyon Sports and XIV-1 Concept. These vehicles were unveiled by Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Chairman, SsangYong Motor Company and Yoo-Il Lee, President, SsangYong Motor Company.
Mahindra Navistar Automotives Limited (MNAL) alsomarked its presence with its new customised truck applications at the event. MNAL’s line-up at the Expo included MN25 (6x4) Transit mixer, MN25 Refrigerated van, MN31 Bulker, MN31 Haulage Tipper, MN25 HD Tipper and Tourister 32-seater CRDe Bus refresh. Dr. Goenka and Nalin Mehta, Managing Director, MNAL introduced these vehicles at the mega show.
Commenting at the event, Dr. Pawan Goenka said, “The Delhi Auto Expo 2012 is an important platform for the Mahindra Group given that we are displaying our comprehensive suite of mobility solutions for the first time. Having harnessed distinct synergies with SsangYong, the showcase of the Rexton, the Korando E, the Actyon Sports and the XIV-1 Concept for the first time in India, bear testimony to the world class technologies that are now available across the group. After a successful pan-India commercial launch and ramp-up of service infrastructure at Mahindra Navistar, our focus is to provide our customers with an integrated trucking solution. This will help our new age, state-of-the-art trucks to sport a variety of applications which will further enhance the utility of these trucks and help customers outperform in their business.”
Mahindra Group will be busy displaying 27 vehicles from Mahindra, SsangYong, Mahindra Reva, and Mahindra Navistar brands during the first two days of the Expo. The company showcased its line-up of SUVs on the inaugural day of the event, including the Bolero, the powerful Scorpio, the rugged off-roader Thar and its recently highly appreciated XUV500. With a number of accolades, such as ‘SUV of the Year’ and the prestigious ‘Car of the Year’, Mahindra XUV500 stands among the most successful vehicles to debut in 2011. On the first day of the event, Mahindra also showcased its popular pick-up truck, the Genio Double Cab version, alongside the electric concept version of its popular sedan, Verito.
In order to provide visitors with an interactive experience of the entire automobile design process, Mahindra has specially created a 'Design Studio' at Auto Expo stall. Further, the 'Technology Display' section of the group includes a tangible display of world class technologies used in developing automobiles. A cross-section of the heavily acclaimed XUV500 has been put up at this section so that the consumers can see the kind of technologies that are used in the vehicle in person.
For people who cannot visit the stall, Mahindra has arranged for a live broadcast through a webcast. The company is also organising an amusing and excited reality show at their stall, wherein the visitors get the opportunity to interact with a virtual cheetah. The manufacturer has also launched India's first Adventure magazine for iPad that will be on display, along with its award winning Mahindra Adventure game. With the help of a special iPad photo application, visitors can get themselves clicked with the Mahindra vehicles displayed at the Expo.
SsangYong Products on Display
Mr. Yoo-Il Lee, commented, “Few global car makers can match the 4x4 heritage of SsangYong and Mahindra. Having produced rugged, robust, high quality off road models for decades, SsangYong knows what it takes to create global benchmarks for others to emulate. Our partnership with the Mahindra Group has now allowed us to explore joint product and technology development opportunities and synergise global operations and purchase. This will enable us to offer our global customers products with features such as aspirational styling, best-in-class technological advances, advanced safety features, comfort and convenience all in one fabulous package.”
XIV – 1 CONCEPT
The XIV-1 Concept, a new compact crossover concept from Mahindra SsangYong, is anchored at the stage at the Mahindra Pavilion. This reflects the company’s vision of a next-generation crossover vehicle, which combines outstanding features of a B-segment SUV and low running costs of a small family car. With name derived from eXciting user Interface Vehicle, the XIV-1 Concept show SsangYong’s design and engineering skills to India for the first time, and brings the emphasis of the car on interaction with drivers and passengers into the limelight. Enhancing driver's convenience during travel and providing a mobile communication space to passengers is the main objective of the XIV-1 Concept.
Besides moving forward and backward, each seat of the concept vehicle can rotate 360 degrees, which allows passengers to move freely and customise the cabin layout as per their requirements. Its unique user interface, rather than providing just a medium to commute, facilitates in extending living space. Many functions of XIV-1 can be accessed with Smart mobile devices as well as the vehicle. Be it the audio system, the display of information on the dashboard or the online communication, everything can be easily controlled using devices that occupants usually carry.
REXTON
The company has combined all of SsangYong’s off-road knowledge and experience while developing the Rexton. The result is an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle that has gained acclaim for its best-in-class towing competencies. A 2.7 litre turbocharged common-rail diesel engine has been assimilated by the manufacturer. This powerful engine can generate peak power of 183 hp and maximum torque of 402 Nm.
This vehicle combines the elegance of a luxury car and the endurance of a tough off-roader. The distinctive grille of SsangYong is flanked on the sides by the upright headlamp in order to signify the robustness of the new Rexton, while a flip-up glass tailgate has been placed at the rear to make it more appealing.
Rexton reflects the engineering excellence of SsangYong and seems equally confident in a chic urban setting as well as hostile off-road conditions. It possesses a luxurious cabin and three row seating arrangement for a total of seven occupants. The controls are placed such that the driver can access them with ease, making driving simple and comfortable. Due to its innovative folding mechanisms, passengers can fold the second and third rows that gives them sufficient space for storing luggage.
KORANDO E
After the Korando C EV, the Korando E is SsangYong Motor’s second SUV EV, an electric car for the future. This concept model of this pure electric car is based on the current Korando C. By merging SsangYong Motor’s design DNA, which is best known through its SUVs, with the future-oriented identity of electric SUVs, SsangYong has shown its vision of small electric SUVs.
The simple-yet-strong image of the Korando E is attributed to a combination of ample volume and a streamlined style line. The company has given an aggressive body design to the vehicle, including a strong bumper and an agile, 3D lamp design with detailed styling attributes.
The thought behind designing Korando E was to introduce a new type of electric vehicle, whose notable attributes are functionality and focus on active and urban lifestyle of the young generation. The styling and functioning of the car reflect energy to its core while its sporty look shows youthful exuberance, garnering appreciation from all quarters.
A lighting structure in application of the South Korean manufacturer’s 3 Circle badge is placed at the front of the Korando E. The overlapping symbols of Hi-tech EV and the SsangYong Motor in badge show the thoughts of the company regarding its future designs.
An electric sense has been added to the sides of Korando C design, making this concept car more efficient and balanced. Due to the unique interiors of Korando E, mobile devices can easily be used to convert the control and working of its key functions. The car will make interactivity with smart devices feasible and support the extended living-space concept.
ACTYON SPORTS
The new Actyon Sports pick-up has opened a fresh market by providing a vehicle that combines high endurance with the quality features that are characteristic of SsangYong. The company has included modern design techniques to the conventional body style of pick-ups to create a unique Sports Utility Truck. It reflects the versatility of SsangYong vehicles while catering to the load volume requirements with appealing body lines. The new Actyon Sports is the perfect pick-up vehicle for a wide range of activities, from camping, skiing and cycling to the usual work done by pick-up trucks.
In spite of being a pick-up, the new Actyon Sports model provides the cabin comfort and opulence that are characteristic of a premium SUV. Some of the notable features of this vehicle are sunroof, RDS and Bluetooth audio, rearview camera, hinge sprung tailgate and a trip computer. In order to present it as an option against traditional 4X4 vehicles, the company has equipped the new pick-up truck with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and dual airbags.
The engineering of Actyon Sports is characterised by efficiency, with its 2.0 Active diesel engine adhering to the highest Euro 5 emission norms. The engine offers excellent fuel economy and renders CO2 emission value of 186 g/km, a 9 per cent increase over its earlier performance in the same aspect without any decrease in performance. The engine is capable of churning maximum torque of 360 Nm at the rate of 1500-2800 rpm, while it delivers 190 Nm torque at 1000 rpm.
Mahindra Navistar's integrated trucking solutions
Talking about how Mahindra Navistar is dedicated to its customers, Nalin Mehta, said, “The new integrated solutions that Mahindra Navistar has launched at the Auto Expo 2012 will further strengthen our brand promise of ‘Outperformance’. The trucks, nearly 3000 of which are on the roads and have clocked more than 50 million kilometres across the length and breadth of the country, are already helping several customers earn more through better turnaround time and through benefits of the efficiencies that have accrued through a superior cabin and sturdy aggregates. The new applications will add a new dimension to this success story. This will be supported by a 940 touch-point strong service network, which has been put in place in a relatively short span of time.”
The company has come up with new applications that suit diverse business needs. The MN25 and MN 31 - MN25 (6x4) Transit mixer, MN25 Refrigerated van, MN31 Bulker, MN31 Haulage Tipper and MN25 HD Tipper have new applications for this purpose.
The manufacturer presently has a network spread across the country, which comprises 48 dealerships. The company is looking to add 52 more dealers in the come 1-1½ years in order to raise the total number of domestic dealerships to 100. Along with these, the company has also set up a network of 940 touch-points, which include 24x7 NOW Expert assistance on-call, 208 authorised service centres, and 658 roadside assistance points. These are based at the most frequented routes in the country, so that trucks can be serviced easily in case of breakdown.
While commenting at the event, Troy Clarke, President, Asia Pacific, Navistar Inc., USA, said, “Since its launch at the last Delhi Auto Expo in 2010, Mahindra Navistar has created a significant position for itself in the Indian trucking industry with its superior product performance and sound value proposition. With the launch of these 5 fully built Application trucks, Mahindra Navistar has taken a step towards becoming a complete Integrated Trucking Solution Provider for its customers and I am confident that over a period of time, it will emerge as the most trusted CV brand in India which is its stated vision”.
Design Studio
Mahindra has set up an exclusive 'Design Studio' at its stall at the 2012 Auto Expo to improve customer interaction. This studio gives the company an opportunity to familiarise the clients with its design though process and help them 'understand, experience and enjoy' how the manufacturer designs its vehicles. This reflects the pinnacle of the 'Mahindra RISE' philosophy, as it combines creative thinking with a unique thought process, which is also the basic theme of the company at this Expo.
This Design Studio will include live sketches by designers, a 'Paint your Car' kiosk, an exhibition of car designer tools, concept car scale models and tour that will show consumers how cars are designed. Apart from these, the company has included an interactive section at the studio, where individuals looking to take up car design can take tips from designers. Along with this, a fun station will also be present at the design studio, where the youth can solve car design puzzles and create a car of their own using ‘Digital Configurators’.
Speaking on this idea and experience, Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive, Technology, Product Development & Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “The idea of the Design Studio at the Auto Expo is to have an interactive platform between the automotive enthusiasts and the auto designers, to demystify the work that goes on behind the scenes in automotive design.”
Technology Display
Mahindra & Mahindra has also put a cut section of its wildly popular XUV500 on display with the objective of giving the consumers a close view and experience the technological aspects that are used in developing such a class-leading vehicle. Regarding safety, customers can see a cross-section of 6 airbags and Honey Comb hood inner structure for pedestrian safety in-person. Likewise, they can also view lightweight technologies like plastic fuel tank and comfort technologies like independent rear suspension at this section.
While talking about the Technology Display, Rajan Wadhera, Chief Executive – Technology, Product Development & Sourcing, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., commented, “The XUV500 from the Mahindra stable is yet another ‘Game Changing Product’, the success of which has been well documented.”
To see the future of personal mobility solutions that promote sustainability, along with an array of revolutionary vehicles, auto enthusiasts can visit Mahindra's stall at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo.
Mahindra Group follows the ethos of its 'Mahindra RISE' philosophy and emphasises on helping people to rise. The Indian business conglomerate works in the fields of automotive, agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting, defence, energy, finance, real estate, steel, retail and logistics. A US$ 14.4 billion enterprise, the company enjoys a leading position in industrial equipment, tractors, utility vehicles, information technology, vacation ownership and two wheeler sectors.
The company currently accounts for the employment of 1,44,000 people based in 100 countries. The automotive arm of the manufacturer has recently acquired a majority stake in Ssangyong Motor Company, a South Korean car maker.
The group has been counted amongst the most notable corporate houses in India. It was among the Forbes Global 2000, a line-up of the most powerful listed companies across the globe. Dun & Bradstreet called it the No. 1 company in the automobile sector in its list of India's Top 500 business organisations. Mahindra has also been listed among the Great Brands of Tomorrow in 2010 by Credit Suisse.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and International Truck and Engine Corporation, the Navistar's operating company, signed a Joint Venture (JV) to develop light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles for the domestic as well as international markets. With this JV, the company has established its presence in all segments of the commercial vehicle sector, including 3.5 tonne GVW, 49 tonne GCW and a number of variants of passenger transport, cargo and specialised load applications.
The company has developed a new range of HCVs that suits the needs of Indian companies. These vehicles have been developed with the help of Navistar's expertise and adhere to the theme of ‘Made in India, Made for India and Made with 175 years of international trucking expertise’.
Mahindra Navistar's new product line of medium and heavy commercial vehicles is being engineered at a newly established green field plant at Chakan, Maharastra; other Mahindra vehicles are also being manufactured at this unit. With this unit, the company is making optimum use of the capabilities of an integrated manufacturing plant. This facility has been set up at a cost of Rs. 4000 crores and is spread over an area of 700 acres.
