Utility manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra announced yesterday about their plans to introduce a range of models based on their Maxximo platform. Mahindra’s Maxximo was responsible for bringing in 22% share in the load dispatch market for the company in just a short time period since its launch last year.
The General Manager of M&M, Mahesh Kulkarni, said that the new range of models will also include alternative fuel variants like CNG, for operating in metros. Other models in the new range include models for passenger movement and load dispatch having different engine configurations as well as family vehicles. All of these will be built on the Maxximo platform and in their modern plant located in Chakan.
Kulkarni added after launching the Maxximo mini van in Hyderabad that the market for load dispatch and passenger transport is changing at a fast pace. Most of the owners are upgrading their vehicle preferences from the earlier three wheeler models to four wheelers, while those who own mini load carriers or vans are choosing to buy more fuel efficient vehicles.
Kulkarni also added that the Maxximo will be available all over India through their network of more than 600 dealers by May end. The segment of load transport where M&M, Tata Ace and other models operate has been estimated at producing around 1,90,000 models in 2010, with the passenger segment contributing around 1,50,000 vehicles. This market continues to expand and offer more opportunities to launch models. Kulkarni added that they are currently averaging at around 4,000 models per annum and estimate to gain a bigger share of the market with the introduction of more models.
