Mahindra developing global MPV at new USA R&D Facility; India launch in 2017

Mahindra & Mahindra’s recently set up North American Technical Center at Detroit, Michigan, will spawn a new, large MPV that will also be a global product. This MPV is expected to arrive into India during 2017. The new MPV from Mahindra is expected to lead the Indian utility vehicle major’s global product push.

Other details about the upcoming utility vehicle from Mahindra remain under wraps. However, expect turbo diesel power to be a given as the MPV’s future markets include India as well, where MPVs/utility vehicles without diesel engines is akin to Colgate not making toothpaste.

Dr. Pawan Goenka – the Head of Mahindra’s automotive business – confirmed the development of an all-new utility vehicle at Mahindra’s North American Technical Center, with a launch slated for 2017, through the following statement,

We have put Europe R&D plans on hold, but in the US we are going ahead. We have hired 35 plus engineers and we are developing a whole new product there that will be launched in 2017. Its in the UV segment and will be sold in the global markets starting from India. 

A monocoque body design is likely to be standard on the new Mahindra global MPV as a monocoque body structure will allow for weight savings and better fuel efficiency. Mahindra’s future crop of compact SUVs are also hopping onto the monocoque bandwagon, with both the S101 and S102 code-named compact SUVs featuring monocoque bodies.

Although Mahindra has a big presence in the MUV and SUV segments in India, the company is unrepresented in the MPV segment, with the Quanto and Xylo being more of MUVs than MPVs. By focusing on the utility vehicle segment even at its newly set up North American R&D facility, Mahindra seems to be sticking to what it does best – utility vehicles – rather than dabbling in other passenger car segments such as hatchbacks and sedans.

Via FinancialExpress