M&M launches new range of commercial vehicles

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) launched its new range of commercial vehicles in the 10-49 ton range. The four trucks which have been launched, the MN31, MN25, MN49 and MN40, are all-new vehicles that have been developed from the ground up, instead of merely being lifted from the Navistar range. M&M has invested Rs650 crore (US$) in developing the new range of trucks, which are being built at the Chakan plant. An investment to the tune of Rs4,000 crore (US$) has been made in the Chakan plant itself, of which Rs2,500 crore (US$) has been invested in the joint venture between M&M and Navistar. The trucks are powered by 7.2-liter Maxx Force engines that are Euro 3 and 4 ready, putting out a power of 200-325 bhp. The new range of trucks will go on sale before April 1. M&M is looking at selling as many as 8,000-10,000 units in the first year, and exporting RHD trucks to SAARC and ASEAN countries and LHD units to South America and Russia. (February 15, 2010)