Mahindra & Mahindra Limited : Shaping the FUTURE of Mobility

Clean, green & lowest cost of commuting

January 6, 2012, New Delhi: Pertinent issues like environmental degradation, pollution related health concerns, climate change, energy security and rising oil prices have come to the forefront in recent times. The depletion and distribution of non-renewable conventional fuel is pushing alternate energy and propulsion technologies centre stage on the global agenda.

 Commenting upon the Mahindra Group's focus to shape the future of mobility, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group said, "l firmly believe that Mahindra is on the threshold of shaping the way we will commute in the 21st century. Today, we usher in a new paradigm to bring in products and mobility solutions which will bear testimony to our commitment to a cleaner environment on planet Earth, and lay emphasis on the mobility needs of tomorrow's consumer. The sheer versatility of the product suite that the Mahindra Group has on display at the Auto Expo 2012 is representative of the direction our brands are taking to bring in positive change and to be regarded as game changers in the mobility space."

 The Mahindra Group has for some time now worked on shaping the future of mobility with cutting edge product innovation to find new solutions for urban mobility needs that will provide clean, green and far more economical personal transportation to customers for their daily commutes. A first step in that direction has been the NeXt Generation concept of Electric Vehicles (EVs) from Mahindra Reva.

Speaking on the occasion of the NeXt Generation Mahindra Reva Concept vehicle unveil at the Auto Expo, Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Sectors said, "Imagine travelling from Connaught Place to the Delhi International Airport for an energy cost of just Rs 10! Now imagine doing this in air conditioned climate controlled comfort and without emitting a single molecule of harmful gases. That is how we believe we could shape the future of mobility. To enable this, we are already working on integrating a comprehensive eco-system of sustainable mobility solutions, encompassing alternative technologies such as electric, hybrid and fuel cells into our research, development and commercialisation plans."

To support the intra city transportation, the country will need new infrastructure to source, distribute, and charge a range of electric vehicles. Integrated with public transportation, this infrastructure will provide seamless congestion-free urban mobility solutions. The Government of India has initiated an accelerated program to find new solutions that will harness the opportunities in using electrical energy from both conventional and renewable sources to power such mobility solutions.

This will allow public-private partnerships in developing a networked charging grid for electric vehicles using the existing grid and standalone systems of renewable energy sources. For instance, fast charging technologies will allow battery charging in minutes, ensuring uninterrupted journeys.  

Commenting at the reveal of the next gen concept vehicle from Mahindra Reva, Mr. Chetan Maini, Chief of Strategy and Technology, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles said "Electric vehicles will be the real solution to power personal mobility for a sustainable future. We are committed to the accelerated development of new partnerships and business models towards creating a full ecosphere."

Straddling the Technology Spectrum in the Two Wheeler space

Mahindra Two Wheelers showcases both ends of the technology spectrum in two wheelers with utility and performance in the Duro DZ and Mahindra MGP30.

Designed specifically for the challenging Indian roads, the new Mahindra Duro DZ offers a unique combination of superior power delivered by a peppy 125 cc engine which provides better instant pick-up and multi-terrain acceleration. The Duro DZ's advanced telescopic suspension ensures a smooth ride, while its superior ground clearance enables enhanced manoeuvrability over speed breakers and rough roads with ease and comfort. The vehicle's long wheel base and improved braking system afford the two wheeler better safety & stability on the road. The Duro DZ is thus, designed to be the perfect scooter for carrying your family on tough Indian roads.

Commenting on the Duro DZ and the company's product pipeline, Mr. Anoop Mathur, President, Mahindra 2 Wheelers said, "At Mahindra 2 Wheelers, we have worked hard to enhance our technological capabilities in an effort to Rise and introduce high performance two wheelers. Testimony to which is the new Mahindra Duro DZ scooter, which is a tough and powerful scooter designed specifically for Indian road conditions. The Duro DZ is a direct by-product of a customer centric approach adopted by M2W, which includes extensive pre-launch product testing. The Duro DZ compliments our product portfolio which currently boasts the popular Rodeo and Flyte. We will shortly be re-launching the Stallio, our 110 cc motorcycle which is currently completing extensive customer trials and showing very encouraging results."

At the other end of the technology spectrum is the all new Mahindra Racing Moto 3 machine, the Mahindra MGP3O, which has been developed jointly by Mahindra and Italy's 2 wheeler specialist firm, Engines Engineering. The Mahindra MGP3O is powered by the Mahindra-homologated 250cc, 4-stroke fuel-injected single cylinder engine, developed in union with engine and Formula One racing specialists, Oral Engineering. The engine is packaged inside a tubular steel chassis while the swing arm has been crafted out of lightweight aluminum. Proudly flaunting Mahindra Racing's red and white colours, the MGP-Three-Oh will be the machine that will have a lot of hopes and dreams riding on it in 2012.

Besides the Moto3 World Championship, Mahindra Racing in 2012, will also participate in the Italian Championship in the 125cc class with an Indian rider for the very first time. We thus hope to inspire a billion Indians to pursue an active interest in MotorSports.

Commenting on the unveil of the all new Mahindra MGP3O, Mr. Ruzbeh Irani - Executive Vice President - Corporate Strategy & Chief Brand Officer, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. said, "After a very successful inaugural season in MotoGP as the first ever Indian company to participate, all of us at Mahindra Racing now eagerly await the debut of the all new 250 cc Mahindra MGP3O in 2012. Our MotoGP participation has given us a great platform to showcase the Mahindra brand globally and also exhibit our technology skills to a truly global audience. ".

Also on display at the Mahindra 2 Wheeler booth is the Mojo 300 cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine performance super bike prototype.

About The Mahindra Group

The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology, vacation ownership, rural and semi-urban financial services, etc. Mahindra has a significant and growing presence amongst others, in the automotive industry, agribusiness, aerospace, automotive components, consulting services, defence, energy, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel and two wheelers.

A US $14.4 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India, Mahindra employs more than 1,44,000 people in over 100 countries. In 2011, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000 list, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world. For four years in a row, Mahindra has featured in the Forbes Asia's Fab 50 List of the 50 best publicly traded companies in the Asia-Pacific regions. Dun & Bradstreet also ranked Mahindra at No. 1 in the automobile sector in its list of India's Top 500 Companies.

In 2010, Mahindra featured in the Credit Suisse Great Brands of Tomorrow. Its flagship company Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is the only Indian automobile manufacturer to feature in the top 10 list of the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index in India - 2010, created by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).  In 2011, Mahindra acquired a majority stake in Korea's SsangYong Motor Company.

 About Mahindra Racing

Mahindra Racing is the first Indian team to participate in the MotoGP World Motorcycle Racing Championship. 2011 was the first season for the Indian factory team and Mahindra Racing signed off its debut season on a high note with action packed performances by both its riders. Rider Marcel Schrötter finished 15th overall in the 125cc Rider's Championship and the team finished a strong third overall in the Constructor's Championship. Mahindra Racing recorded its best result for the season at the Australian Grand Prix with riders Danny Webb and Marcel Schrötter finishing 10th and 11th respectively. The season saw three more double point results by the 2 riders at the Aragon, Brno and Assen rounds. At the Assen GP in June, Marcel also achieved his personal best, finishing with a fine 9th place. In 2012, the Mahindra Racing team will participate in the MotoGP as well as the Italian Motor Racing Championship.

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