Indian auto giant Mahindra had acquired South Korean carmaker Ssangyong last month. The acquisition came as a breather for the company that had been reeling under bad debts and losses since the 2008 crisis aftermath in the international market. Now the company is ready to introduce two new models in the B and D segment in the international market. The company hopes to generate volume sales with these two new models and thus revive its stake in the global market.
“We want to be working at maximum output, which is producing 2,50,000 cars globally per year – the new Korando should account for 1,00,000 of those. To do that we intend to enter growing markets such as Russia, China and South America, and we will expand our model range with cars built on our new monocoque platform,” said Vice president of marketing, Johng-Sik Choi.
The new platform, which will be the first monocoque chassis produced by the company, will underpin the Korando compact SUV. The chassis will also be used for the future B- and D- segment models. The B-Segment car will come to the market in 2012. It will be powered by a small-capacity petrol engine. However, the vehicle might also receive a hybrid powertrain, similar to that used by the Chevy Volt. This is expected to be offered in 2014.
Mahindra is developing new models, including a mini Xylo, which could require petrol engines for particular markets. It has also developed a diesel-driven, pick-up version of the Scorpio for the US market, but may explore a petrol engine for it, too.
