Mahindra & Mahindra on Friday launched latest SUV at its factory in Chakan outside Pune. The vehicle dubbed the KUV100 is touted as a compact SUV and the company claims that the car will compete with the Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 for the hearts and minds of young buyers. Speaking at the launch via a pre-recorded video, Anand Mahindra, Chairman M&M said that he believes the KUV100 is the second inflection point for the company in the recent past, the first being the introduction of the Scorpio fifteen years ago.
The KUV100 has been priced from Rs 4.22 lakh - Rs 5.91 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 5.22 lakh to Rs 6.76 lakh for the diesel variant, prices being ex-showroom Pune. The KUV100 features M&M’s first in-house developed Petrol engine based on its m-Falcon engine platform and the G80 engine that produces 82bhp and the car is also equipped with a diesel D75 engine that produces 77bhp. The KUV100 has been designed to conform to India’s small car norms making it eligible for reduced excise. It is also outfitted with antilock braking and Electronic Brake Distribution as standard on all variants, which the company claims is first in class and dual front airbags are offered as an option on all variants. The front seat has also been designed to give a six-seat bench option.
M&M is being very aggressive with this car as it is their first ‘true’ entry into India’s huge small car market. Company executives pointed out that production at the Chakan plant that produces both the XUV500 and now the KUV100 will be ramped up from 9000 vehicles per month to 12000 vehicles per month in the coming few months. As sales of the XUV500 stand at around 4000 units a month, it is believed at the production increase will be due to the anticipated demand for the KUV100.
As Pravin Shah, President and Chief Executive, Mahindra Automotive explained, Utility Vehicles are the fastest growing segment of the industry and in small cars the ‘larger’ compacts and super-compacts are growing faster than mini-cars and the KUV100 will address both. Speaking to The Pioneer, Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, M&M said that the main reason for the rise of the SUV in the Indian market is because they are considered cool now, “The Scorpio changed perceptions of the SUV in India. Also SUV’s are more affordable than ever before and we will be doing a lot to attract younger buyers such as fresh graduates towards this car.” He added that one indicator for the success of the SUV was how a whole host of companies were now entering the space as drivers appreciated the higher driving position and off-road abilities even of two-wheel drive SUV’s.
Goenka was asked by The Pioneer on the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling that banned the sales of private vehicles with diesel engines above 2000cc in the National Capital Region till March. He answered that the company was still waiting for the next hearing on January 20 before they decide on a future course of action. M&M has been hit hard by the decision as sales of the Scorpio, XUV500 and Xylo are all impacted by this decision. However, it is believed that M&M is working on several new engines that will comply with the regulations.