Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is planning to develop a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) based on its Maxximo small truck and is currently testing the vehicle for the same at its newly inaugurated Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai. The development of the new MPV would require numerous changes in the Maxximo platform in terms of power and transmission.
In the Maxximo portfolio, Mahindra currently has a mini truck and a minivan and is also developing a passenger van based on the same platform which may be launched in 2012-13.
The MPV segment is expected to grow with the entry of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in April 2012 and the possibility of the launch of the Evalia by Nissan-Ashok partnership and the Enjoy by General Motors. Market experts state that with the entry of new players in the segment, it is expected to grow further. The existing players include Toyota Kirloskar Motors, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.