Report - Mahindra to launch 7-8 models in 18 months; XUV facelift on the cards

Over the next 12-18 months, Indian utility vehicle maker, Mahindra & Mahindra, will launch 7-8 products which include major facelifts, new drivelines and variants.

First among these would be the 2014 Scorpio facelift, which has been spied testing numerous times, revealing fresh details about its exteriors and interiors. Economic Times expects the refreshed Scorpio to go on sale by June 2014, though an unveiling could take place in February at the Auto Expo.

On the commercial vehicles front, Mahindra would launch a new Maxximo load carrier and the passenger version of the same (New Maxximo Minivan) is also under development. While the load lugger is codenamed P405, the passenger version is called P409, and both vehicles are expected by October 2014.

About the same period (Oct-Nov 2014), Mahindra also plans to launch their new 0.5-tonne mini truck which will replace the Gio. The truck, codenamed P601, will rival the Tata Ace Zip.

In March 2015, Mahindra is expected to introduce a refreshed XUV500. Launched in September 2011, Mahindra hasn't carried out any cosmetic changes to the XUV500, albeit the introduction of an entry-level W4 model late last year that missed out on LED headlamps and foglamps. Though the XUV sells in good numbers, it is under threat from a segment below, consisting of the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and Ford EcoSport.

Beginning 2015-16, Mahindra will introduce their all-new vehicles, built on all-new platforms and using newly-developed engines. The EcoSport rivaling crossover, codenamed S101, will begin this product offensive.

[Source - Economic Times]