Mahindra Drives In ‘Driven By Purpose’ Mobility Solutions

  • By 0
  • April 05, 2020
Mahindra Drives In ‘Driven By Purpose’ Mobility Solutions

As the pioneer of electric mobility in India, the company displayed one of the widest ranges of EVs and related technology solutions, to demonstrate its commitment to be driven by purpose for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

The company turned the spotlight on its range of EVs and solutions: Funster, ATOM and e-XUV300, e-KUV100, and e-Alfa Mini (Cart Version).

Vinod Sahay, Rajan Wadhera and Dr Pawan Goenka

Funster: ‘Play-for-fun’ is the core experience that personifies Funster, which has been conceived as a sports electric vehicle. It enables seamless acceleration, available at the press of the throttle. With its dual electric motors and full-time AWD system, the vehicle offers a class-leading output of 230 kW with a top speed of 200 kmph, clocking 0 to 100 kmph in 5 seconds. Funster is equipped with a high-end 59.1 kWh battery pack, enabling an impressive range of 520 km on a single charge. The techy front end, floating tail lamps, sports-shoe inspired wheel arches and advanced interiors express an active sporty lifestyle as the new norm.

ATOM: Designed to appeal to the emerging new India and transform the face of last mile connectivity, ATOM is a combination of clean, comfortable and smart mobility. Powered by Mahindra’s latest electric drive system, the vehicle has a spacious interior and a monocoque body that offers a safe enclosure for occupants. It also comes equipped with a state of the art 4G connectivity system and aims to revolutionize the way Indians travel.

e-XUV300: An aspirational electric SUV developed as a perfect mobility solution for the environment-conscious customers and the ideal vehicle for those who desire thrilling performance. The vehicle is powered by a powerful motor that gives instant acceleration and at the same time the refinement and quiet drive of an EV. The large battery capacity ensures long range avoiding range anxiety. It has a futuristic design with new features, smart and premium interiors with blue highlights to accentuate the new character of this SUV. Most importantly, the vehicle has been built on a platform that has 5-star safety rating from GNCAP.

Atom

e-KUV100: This EV provides the benefits of driving an SUV combined with the unique advantages of an electric vehicle. The vehicle is ideally suited for daily city commutes to schools, offices, malls, etc. It offers peak power output of 40kW, torque of 120 Nm and a range of 147 kms, ensuring that daily commuting is easily covered. Fast charging can extend the range by 80 percent within 60 minutes. Its silent drive, coupled with an automatic transmission, offers a relaxing, fatigue free driving experience in chaotic city traffic. In addition to smartphone connectivity, onboard computers will allow for remote diagnostics, cabin pre-cooling, remote door lock/unlock, location tracking, monitoring of driving pattern and giving updates on the battery status.

The company showcased 2 variants of the Treo - the Lithium-ion battery electric 3-wheeler. The new Treo 3-wheeler features more than 20 new and improved EV components made in-house by Mahindra Electric. It also features an additional range extender that will increase the range by 60-70 km, along with a concept solar roof that can increase the range by another 26 km.

From the modular electric 3-wheeler platform comes another heavy-duty small electric commercial vehicle named Mahindra Treo Zor. This new model will feature best-in-class performance that will be ideal for a range of applications, from vegetable vendors, to e-commerce players. With a best-in-segment storage area, the cargo box of the Treo Zor can be accessed from all three-sides, enhancing its usability and convenience.

e-XUV 300
​​​​​​

e-Alfa Mini (Cart Version): This battery-operated 3-wheeler represents an ideal solution for last-mile delivery. Built on e-Alfa Mini passenger vehicle platform, it boasts of a real-world range of 75-80 km with full load and an optional swappable battery pack. e-Alfa Cargo is just the beginning of the EV offerings for commercial applications from Mahindra.

Mahindra Electric unveiled its design-ready Mahindra Electric Scalable and Modular Architecture 350 (MESMA 350) which is a 350 volt powertrain that has been built from the ground up by the company. MESMA 350 supports motor sizes ranging from 60 kW to 280 kW, dual motor concepts and battery sizes up to 80 kWh. With this new platform, it is gearing up for the greater adoption of EVs that will help bring economies of scale, reduce cost and enable smaller variants/ models to be made in India.

mStallion

Engines

In the BS-VI range the company displayed mStallion, its range of advanced BSVI-ready turbo gasoline direct injection, TGDi engines. Developed at the state-of-the-art Mahindra Research Valley, the mStallion range of gasoline engines have been designed, engineered, developed and tested to deliver thrilling performance across varied driving and traffic conditions. The mStallion range of engine is future- ready with state-of-the-art technology, which in current form is BSVI stage 1 and stage 2 compliant. This in turn is equivalent to Euro 6 C norms and is fully protected to meet Euro 6 D norms.

The mStallion engines have been built indigenously with support from such experts as Bosch, AVL, and Continental among others. The engines are powered by the TGDi technology and boast of best-in-class performance with the highest torque density. They deliver better fuel efficiency along with significant improvements in Noise-Vibration-Harshness parameters. Besides, they deliver excellent low-end torque and provide power-packed performance.

The company also showcased its new division CERO (Mahindra MSTC Recycling Pvt. Ltd.), India's first organised vehicle recycler. CERO stands for a world of zero waste and zero pollution through automobile recycling and reuse.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “As Mahindra enters its 75th year, our theme of Driven by Purpose will be the pillar on which we develop sustainable mobility solutions for the future. Our focus will not only be on growing our clean business unit through our electric mobility business but also to provide cleaner engines as we approach the implementation of BS-VI norms.”

Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “What gives us a sense of pride today is the display of our new M Stallion BSVI range of gasoline engines, which are truly world class with the highest level of technology. It is fitting that we choose to display these engines at an important industry event like the Auto Expo. I am particularly proud of our new range of BSVI trucks which have had minimal changes and offer a hassle free ownership experience. The launch of our CRUZIO range of buses is another significant step toward making us a full range player in the CV segment.”

Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric, said, “The products displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo clearly demonstrated Mahindra’s commitment to develop and manufacture EV technology in India. They also showcased our strength across a range of EV platforms in both the mass and personal mobility segments. The design-ready MESMA 350 volt powertrain will be made in India for the world.” (MT)

 

Maruti Victoris SUV Launched At INR 1.04 Million

Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has officially announced the introductory prices for its new SUV, the Victoris, with a starting price of INR 1.04 million. The company stated that sales for the vehicle will begin on 22 September 2025.

Targeting young and dynamic customers, the Victoris is designed to cater to a digitally integrated and ‘Always Online, Always On The Move Lifestyle.’

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, “We have received an incredible response for the VICTORIS ever since its launch earlier this month. Customers have expressed overwhelming appreciation for the Victoris SUV, especially its intelligent technology, hyper-connected features, progressive and sleek design and all-round safety. Building on this euphoria, we are delighted to announce introductory prices for the Victoris, starting at INR 10,49,900. Armed with versatile powertrain options that are tailored for adventurous and environmentally responsible buyers of today, the VICTORIS is powered by high-end technologies such as strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG and Smart Hybrid. With its robust performance, 5-star safety~ and cutting-edge features, the Victoris truly has ‘Got It All’—making it aspirational, yet accessible for today’s youthful SUV customers who seek experiential lifestyles.”

The Victoris is offered with a variety of powertrain options, including strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG, and Smart Hybrid technologies. It boasts a 5-star safety rating and is available in 21 variants and 10 colour options (three dual-tone and seven monotone). The new SUV will be sold through Maruti Suzuki ARENA showrooms.

Here is the full price list for the new Maruti Suzuki Victoris (all prices are ex-showroom)

Variant/Fuel Lxi Vxi Zxi Zxi (O) Zxi+ Zxi+ (O)
SMART HYBRID (PETROL)
           
5MT INR 10,49,900 INR 11,79,900 INR 13,56,900 INR 14,07,900 INR 15,23,900 INR 15,81,900
6AT - INR 13,35,900 INR 15,12,900 INR 15,63,900 INR 17,18,900 INR 17,76,900
ALLGRIP SELECT (6AT) - - - - INR 18,63,900 INR 19,21,900
STRONG HYBRID (e-CVT) - INR 16,37,900 INR 17,79,900 INR 18,38,900 INR 19,46,900 INR 19,98,900
S-CNG INR 11,49,900 INR 12,79,900 INR 14,56,900 - - -

Maruti Suzuki Victoris Bags 5-Star Global NCAP Safety Rating

Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is leaving no stone unturned to mark its aggressive strategy to reinforce its leadership position.

The company, which recently introduced the Victoris SUV, to further cement its position in the SUV space, has made owning the vehicle more attractive with the model scoring a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants under the new Global NCAP standards.

This makes the Victoris the second model after the Dzire sedan (last year) to score a 5-star safety rating, thus clearly indicating a focussed approach towards improving vehicle safety.

Global NCAP crash tested the Victoris, which comes with six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and pedestrian protection as standard.  

The results found that the structure and footwell areas are rated as stable and can withstand further loadings. All body regions for adult occupants showed adequate to good protection in all crash test scenarios. 

Side impact and pole test showed full head protection. Global NCAP also found that 18-months old and 3-year-old child dummies showed full protection in the rearward facing child seat with ISOFIX anchorages and support leg.  

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “The five star Victoris clearly demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improved safety for its new models. It continues the trend set by the Dzire launched last year which also achieved five stars.  We warmly welcome Maruti Suzuki’s engagement with the requirements of Global NCAP’s new protocols. The result is a significant vehicle safety victory for motoring consumers in India.”  

Škoda UK Appoints Philip Taylor As New Head Of Network Sales

Škoda UK Appoints Philip Taylor As New Head Of Network Sales

Škoda UK has appointed Philip Taylor as the new Head of Network Sales, with his tenure commencing on 1 November 2025. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated 16 years to various positions within Volkswagen Group UK.

His career has encompassed a diverse range of both brand-specific and broader Group functions, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the automotive sector. Most recently, Taylor held the strategic position of Head of Product and Planning at Volkswagen Passenger Cars UK. His leadership during this period was a significant contributing factor to the brand achieving the notable status of the UK's best-selling new car brand. A key highlight of his tenure was his instrumental role in steering the successful market introduction and launch of the brand's pivotal all-electric ID. model range.

In this new capacity, Taylor will be taking over from Kevin Rendell, who is departing Škoda UK to assume the identical role of Head of Network Sales at Volkswagen UK. This move represents a strategic exchange of seasoned commercial expertise within the Volkswagen Group family, with Taylor's proven track record in sales and product strategy positioned to further accelerate Škoda's ongoing growth and success in the UK market.

Taylor is joining Škoda UK at a particularly auspicious time for the Czech manufacturer. The brand is currently experiencing a period of considerable commercial success and critical acclaim, having recently achieved its highest-ever UK market share.

Matthew Bowden, Brand Director, Škoda UK, said, “I’m very pleased to welcome Phil to the Škoda  UK team. He will bring a wealth of experience built from his varied roles across the Group, which I am sure will prove invaluable as we move into the next stage of our growth plans.”

Taylor said, “I’m very excited to join the Škoda team. The brand has developed impressively over the years, and is now a major player in the UK market with a very strong, award-winning model line-up. I am really looking forward to working with the UK team and its retailer partners to help continue its successful momentum.”

Maruti Suzuki Victoris SUV Launched In India, Aims To Disrupt Mid-Size SUV Segment

Maruti Suzuki Victoris

Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Victoris SUV.

The Victoris is being made available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol with strong hybrid, Allgrip Select (4x4) and factory-fitted S-CNG with an underbody tank design. Bookings are now open at INR 11,000.

The SUV can be had with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with EV mode and e-CVT transmission, a multi-terrain 4x4 system with four drive modes and a CNG variant with dual ECUs.

The Victoris will join the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny to further expand its play in the SUV segment.

The new SUV features a 26.03 cm fully digital instrument cluster, 25.65 cm SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates and Alexa Auto integration. It also introduces a segment-first Infinity by Harman 8-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging with cooling and a panoramic sunroof.

On safety, the Victoris comes with six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with more than ten driver-assist features, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera. In fact, the Victoris has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants.

It comes with Maruti Suzuki India’s Arena Safety Shield, including ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold control and a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new-age Indian customer is well-travelled, hyper-connected, socially aware, technologically progressive and environmentally responsible. To meet the aspirations of such customers, our new SUV the Victoris has ‘Got It All’. Victoris is a Latin word that means ‘victory’. We are confident the Victoris with its high technology, sleek design, intelligent and connected features, 5-star level safety and multiple environment friendly powertrains will win hearts in India. With Victoris we are strengthening our SUV portfolio and our overall market share.”

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are always listening to our customers. Today’s young, and dynamic audience consider an automobile as a reflection of who they are – energetic, composed, confident and always moving forward. We gave this brief to our design and engineering teams for the all-new ‘Victoris’. SUVs may be the most loved segment today, but the SUV buyer has evolved. This new generation of young customers are ambitious, hyperconnected and value experiential living. The all-new Victoris is our answer to that shift - a progressive blend of tech, design and versatility. It is engineered with true SUV DNA and sets a new benchmark for what today’s automobiles can feel like. With the Victoris, we’re not just launching another SUV, we’re celebrating a new dimension to driving - one that’s ‘Got It All’.” 

MARUTI SUZUKI VICTORIS
Overall Length (mm) 4360 Engine Specifications K-Series 1.5L Dual Jet Dual VVT Engine Strong Hybrid
Overall Height (mm) (unladen) 1655 Displacement 1462cc 1490cc
Overall Width (mm) 1795 Max Power 75.8kW (103.06PS) @ 6000rpm 68kW (92.45PS) @5500 rpm
Wheelbase (mm) 2600 Max Torque 139Nm @ 4300rpm 122Nm @ 3800-4800 rpm
Tyre Size 215/60 R17 Fuel Efficiency 21.18 km/l (MT)* 28.65(eCVT) *
19.07 km/l (ALLGRIP AT) *
27.02 km/kg (MT S-CNG) *
Fuel Tank Capacity Petrol - 45 L
CNG - 55 L
Suspension Front: Mac Pherson Strut & Coil Spring
Rear: Torsion Beam Type & Coil Spring