Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), India's leading auto maker in utility vehicle segment, is currently studying the market pattern to find a suitable launch time for its upcoming Korando SUV. Reportedly, the model has been designed by its completely owned division, Ssangyong Motor Company. This news came at the sidelines of Rexton’s launch in Kolkata, wherein the Chief Executive Officer of M&M’s auto sector, Pravin Shah was present.
At the ceremony, he was quoted as saying, “We are working on the products. We studied market for both Korando and Rexton and decided that Rexton has a place in Indian market at present so that was given the first priority.” He later added, “We have not shelved our plan to launch Korando in India. We are just looking for the right opportunity.”
It must be noted that M&M exhibited 2 models of Ssangyong Motors at the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo, namely Rexton and Korando, among which the former has been already introduced in the Indian auto market. Rexton happens to be the first Mahindra-Ssangyong model introduced in the Indian auto market from the Korean subsidiary’s portfolio. In Kolkata, the model has been offered with a price tag of between Rs. 18.73 lakh and Rs. 20.93 lakh (ex-showroom).
Coming to launch of Korando SUV in the Indian market, nothing is confirmed as of now. Industry experts believe that the model will compete against the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Captiva, among others.
