The downturn in the automobile industry notwithstanding, utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra will launch more than 10 models in the next two years.
The launches will be be both in the passenger vehicle segment as well as the commercial vehicle segment of truck and low tonnage vehicles.
M&M, like its competitors in the overseas market, has decided to make increased use of a single platform for several models. A vehicle platform is the basic structure on which a vehicle is built, which defines its general size, strength and body construction.
Accordingly, the company will churn out three-four models based on a single platform of its new sport utility vehicle to be launched in 2010. In addition, the recently launched Xylo model will also see two-three new models based on its platform. Xylo itself is based on the Scorpio platform.
Additionally, M&M will also launch a four-wheeled low tonnage commercial vehicle, which will compete for the sub-1 tonne to 1.5 tonne last mile vehicle market. This vehicle will be pitted directly against Tata's very successful Ace model.
Mahindra Navistar Automotive, a 51:49 JV between M&M and US-based Navistar will launch a truck perhaps in 2009-10. This model may share its platform with other models also. Pawan Goenka, president (Automotive), M&M, said, "Our plans will move along as per schedule, there has been no delay or postponement.
We are launching an array of new models in the next two years, including this year.
There will in fact be more than 10 new model launches by 2010. These will include the truck, the LTV, the W201 (new SUV) and also models based on the Xylo platform."
