Part of the US $16.5 billion business conglomerate employing 200,000 people across 100 countries with 18 diversified interests, Mahindra & Mahindra is one of the leading automobile manufacturers in India. Headquartered in Mumbai, the company celebrated a significant milestone today with the roll out of its 5 millionth vehicle. To commemorate the event, Mahindra had formed a human chain of 3000 employees standing from Nariman Point to Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai today.
Despite boasting an entire portfolio of vehicles, Mahindra is known more for its utility vehicles that are not only popular but also enjoy supreme loyalty. So, it was fitting that a red-colored Thar, the brand's popular lifestyle off-roader, did the honors of being the 5 millionth vehicle. Given that Mahindra has been manufacturing jeeps since 1947, the 5 million milestone might not seem significant. But, the last 1 million of those came in just over two years, which is extremely laudable. All the six automotive plants of Mahindra in Chakan, Nasik, Haridwar, Zaheerabad, Kandivali and the engine plant in Igatpuri contributed to this landmark achievement.
Having manufactured old-school jeeps and rugged utility vehicles for decades, the launch of Scorpio in 2002 was a turnaround in Mahindra's history. Hitherto catering to the rural markets of our country, the Scorpio widened the brand's appeal to the urban populace and there was no looking back ever since. In fact, the Bolero continues to be India's largest-selling utility vehicle for quite some years now and would have contributed handsomely to the total volumes. Over the years, Mahindra acquired the bankrupt South Korean utility vehcile manufacturer Ssangyong, the Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Reva and also launched the XUV500 premium SUV, a model that was not just a quantum leap for the brand but also designed with global aspirations. The product onslaught is all set to continue, with the upcoming compact SUV (codenamed S101) that we spotted testing, slated to be the next big launch.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said, “This roll out of our 5 millionth vehicle marks an important milestone in our automotive journey over the past seven decades. It is also a reflection of the commitment and can-do spirit of our people who continually strive to raise their game while producing world class vehicles”.
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. had this to say, “Today marks a momentous and landmark day in the history of Mahindra’s Automotive Division. There are few companies which can identify as closely with India’s destiny and industrial progress as Mahindra can. In our evolving journey to becoming India’s leading SUV manufacturer, we have pushed the boundaries and taken on new challenges at every step. I dedicate this achievement to each and every member of the Mahindra family.”
We drove the improved 2014 XUV500 and found it to be an extremely attractive proposition in the burgeoning SUV segment. If Mahindra continues working on the same formula, the next 5 million milestone isn't going to take too long. Go Mahindra, rise!
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