Demand for the models of Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and its completely owned subsidiary, SsangYong Motors have witnessed a steep rise in 2012, in the South African auto market. Reportedly, the sales of passenger and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) have expanded by 118 per cent during the period. The highest sales in the African market were reported by Scorpio Pickup with figures standing at 1,423 units. The sales of its iconic Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) XUV500 were registered at 1,203 units in the region.
Expressing his views on the sales performance of 2012, the Chief Operating Officer of Mahindra SA, Ashok Thakur was quoted as saying, “We are very proud of our achievements in 2012 as it was a very busy period for us as we added in SsangYong products to our line-up in April 2012. We also launched new models and expanded our dealer footprint to 59 dealers, which includes several outside the borders of South Africa. What all this means is that Mahindra SA is determined to become an increasingly significant player in the Southern African region. We believe the combination of upcoming new and revised models, a growing and strengthening dealer network with an expanding area of responsibility, as well as a motivated management team we are very confident about the future of our company.”
Owing to the brilliant demand for both SsangYong and M&M models in the South African auto markets, the parent company has declared its future expansion plans. According to sources, the auto maker is also looking ahead to increase the number of its official dealerships based in South Africa, besides, expanding its product portfolio.
In the current scenario, Mahindra has been operating with 59 dealers in South Africa and is mulling to introduce new models in the region. Reportedly, company’s expansion plans and product launches are anticipated to boost the moral of its South African dealers. The auto maker also makes sure that its customers are provided wit best-in-class after sales service around the clock.
The South African product portfolio of M&M includes Bolero Single Cab, Genio Pickup Double Cab, Scorpio Pickup Double Cab, Scorpio SUV, Scorpio Pickup Single Cab, XUV500 and Xylo Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV). Besides, under the badge of SsangYong Motor, the auto maker sells Actyon Sports, Korando and Rexton W in the region.
In 2012, Mahindra also introduced a new Training and Development unit in South Africa, which showed the auto maker’s determination to emerge as one of the most successful player in South Africa. The further growth plans include exports to new auto markets of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland and Namibia, wherein it is expecting a high demand.
