Mahindra to launch petrol powered compact SUVs in 2015

Mahindra has announced that it will launch two compact utility vehicle platforms and one commercial vehicle platform for the Indian market next year. This was announced by Pawan Goenka, president – automotive and farm equipment, Mahindra who added that the company would be launching refreshed models over the next 15 months including the new platform models.

Speaking on the new vehicles, he said that till date a majority of Mahindra’s vehicles were UV in various segments (excluding the Verito and Vibe) and that the new compact SUVs will get new home grown petrol engines. We believe that Mahindra is making such a move anticipating future demand for petrol cars as well as to obviously expand its line-up. There is also a possibility that it has export plans for such vehicles and is laying the ground work for this to happen.

He also commented on two major topics - Mahindra’s drop in sales numbers and price hike before festival season.  On the former he commented that this was most likely due to the reducing gap between the prices of diesel and petrol. He said that they hoped not to increase prices ahead of the festival but would take a decision closer to the dates.

The Kandivali-based manufacturer is also looking to break into the US market with the Ssangyong brand and is currently believed to be conducting a feasibility study in this regard.  

Source:ETautos