The South African division of Mahindra & Mahindra Group has registered a significant growth in the region, backed by the introduction of two new models in the Q1 of 2014. Expressing his views on the same, the Chief Executive Officer of Mahindra South Africa, Ashok Thakur was quoted as saying, “Since the last show here two years ago, Mahindra has grown by about 150 per cent." This statement was made at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show.
Speaking on the distribution of models produced by the South Korean firm of Mahindra Group, SsangYong Motors, the growth was reported to be around 280 per cent. "So both these brands are growing rapidly and faster than the industry,” he added later. Interestingly, Thakur acknowledged this success to the wide network of 60 dealers of Mahindra Group spread all across the country. Among 60, 36 are dedicated for the distribution of SsangYong vehicles.
He further said that Mahindra South Africa faired well on the after sales service in comparison with the foreign companies which are trying to make their strong presence in the South African market. The Chief Executive Officer of the company also declared a new 5-year or 1,50,000 kilometre warranty for its models, which, according to him, will maintain the international standards. “We are really proud of our achievements after nine years in South Africa," he said later. Further adding to the statement, he said that the SsangYong division of Mahindra Group is playing an important role in deriving fortunes for the auto maker in the Southern African market. “The SsangYong range not only helps us provide a wider choice to consumers but also gives our dealers an opportunity to expand their market and to make their business more viable,” he added later.
Industry experts are of a view that a number of Indian auto makers are foraying in the international markets, in order to earn some decent profits. Following the same trend, Tata Motors also disclosed sometime back that it will be soon foraying in the South American auto market. It must be noted that the Indian auto market is going through not so impressive times, which is forcing a number of auto companies to look for other regions to trade. Auto analysts believe that with this move of Mahindra & Mahindra Group, this fact has become even more strong and the same is anticipated to be followed by other brands as well if the repressive time of Indian auto market is not over soon.
