Mahindra mulling Sri Lanka expansion

Shirajiv SIRIMANE in Mumbai

A range of Mahindra two wheelers including scooters would be launched in Sri Lanka end of this year, Mahindra and Mahindra Automotive and Farm Equipment Sector President, Dr. Pawan Goenka said. In addition they are also looking at introducing heavy duty trucks next year. The new Mahindra passenger van too is to be introduced this year to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the best performing market for Mahindra and Mahindra automobile sales from among 13 countries he said speaking to Daily News Business.

He said that with the Sri Lankan economy surging ahead sales too have increased by over 50 percent. The 2009 total sales which were around 40,000 shot to 80,000 last year and to date over 120,000 vehicles were sold.

“If Sri Lanka maintains around 1, 500 vehicle sales per month Mahindra would seriously look at setting up an assembly plant in Sri Lanka,” he said. They may also look at exports from Sri Lanka to SAARC countries.

Currently the average sales are around 1,000 units per month and the local sales agent, Ideal Motors is confident they can meet the expected 1,500 target easily.

Dr. Goenka said that the Sri Lankan sales agent too has taken several meaningful steps to increase volumes.

He said that pick ups, Maxxi trucks and Bolero vehicals are moving very fast in Sri Lanka.

He also disclosed that they are planning to introduce two wheelers which include scooters to Sri Lanka by the end of the year.

Mahindra, International Operations Vice President, Pradeep Kumar said that their mini truck Maxxi sales are increasing and they expect it to be the market leader by the end of the year.

Commenting on the new next generation Mahindra Genio pick up commercial vehicle which was launched last week in Mumbai he said that the 1.2 tonne pick-up, has been developed to cater to the small and medium businesses transportation needs and is expected to change the face of the pick-up industry in India.

Equipped with international looks, style, design, technology and offering the ultimate in comfort the Genio would be available in Sri Lanka soon.

“In keeping with our endeavour of offering first of its kind world class products, we have launched the Genio. It is also a result of extensive consumer insight which captured the latent and expressed needs of the customer. The Genio is an ideal vehicle for businessmen, traders and SMEs. I am confident that it would be nothing less than a game changer for the pickup segment in times to come,” Dr. Goenka said.