Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is focusing on its research and development activities with the inauguration of its R&D facility namely Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai with an investment of Rs 650 crore. The company plans to venture into new vehicle segments such as SUVs and mini cars where it doesn’t have any presence.
The new concepts being worked upon by the company are full hybrids, battery operated engines, bio-diesel, hydrogen engines and fuel cells some of which will be completed and ready for launch only by the year 2015. The company is also trying to improve its existing range of diesel engine apart from experimenting on small petrol engines.
Mr. Pawan Goenka President (Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors) Mahindra & Mahindra stated that the company is developing the engines for its next generation electric car for the Reva brand. M&M also plans to venture the diesel electric hybrid segment which is non-existent in the Indian car market so far.
According to Mr. Goenka, the company has been selling micro hybrid versions of the Bolero, the Scorpio, the Xylo and the newly launched XUV and is working with an international company to develop full hybrid technology.