Mahindra & Mahindra, on Tuesday, launched the Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range starting at INR 7.85 lakh, ex-showroom, India, for the base 1.3T LX CBC variant. The company introduced the 1.3T model in August 2022; now, it has launched seven new models, including 1.4T, 1.5T, 1.7T and 2.0T options in two trim levels, LX and VXi.
A spokesperson from the company, speaking to Mobility Outlook, noted that with the introduction of the new models, M&M expects to cater to a wider range of options.
Baneshwar Banerjee, VP and National Sales Head - Auto Division, M&M, noted that the company expects to sell around 17,500 units a month of the pickup resulting in a total sales of 210,000 units in the year. The company sold two lakh units in the 2-3.5T LCV range in FY23 with a market share of 60%.
He noted that while the current capacity allows the vehicle maker to produce 17,500 units in a month, a capacity expansion would help M&M to increase its sales in the segment. Banerjee stated that the company expects the segment to grow 7.4% YoY in FY24 from the current 331,655 units sold in FY23.
Regarding the new product, M&M noted that the new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up is based on a heavily upgraded ladder frame platform with enhanced track size, improved suspension and bigger tyres. Interestingly, with the new product, the company has used a single-unit cabin and a lighter engine to reduce the vehicle's overall weight for improved handling and stronger structure.
R Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, M&M, noted that developing the highly versatile new platform that underpins the new Bolero MaXX Pik-Up range is the outcome of over three years of work by a dedicated team of engineers at Mahindra Research Valley.
The other spokesperson from the company noted that with new and existing customers, reliability and durability are still the top priority, while comfort is another factor that has been added.
Notably, the wider track has allowed the vehicle maker to increase the cabin's width, hence allowing for a better D+2 seating configuration. The spokesperson noted that post-COVID, the fleet owners found it difficult to get back the drivers. Hence the comfort features were required by the fleet owners. Moreover, many private buyers wanted comfort features at par with their passenger cars.
Another addition to the convenience or comfort feature is the iMaxx Technology, which includes vehicle tracking, route planning and geo-fencing in six languages, including Hindi, English and four South Indian languages.
Powering the new range is the new m2Di engine with 80 hp and 220 Nm of torque in the HD (Heavy Duty) variants and 70 HP and 200 Nm in the City variants with a fuel efficiency of 15 kmpl and 17.2 kmpl, respectively. Interestingly the mono fuel option for CNG is currently available with the 1.3T option, while the 2.0T option with only CNG will be available later.
Velusamy noted that the company upgraded the m2Di engine for this application by increasing torque and power to cater to payloads of up to 2T, while offering impressive fuel economy.
Veejay Nakra, President, Automotive Division, M&M, said, “The all-new Bolero MaXX Pik-up range offers state-of-the-art features, unmatched power, maximum payload capacities and higher mileage, promising that each journey is productive and fatigue-free for drivers. It stands out as the worthy choice for anyone looking for a truly MaXXimum experience.”
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