India’s largest Utility Vehicle (UV) manufacturer, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has now set its eyes on other potential international markets with its XUV 500 after meeting the demands of the local market. The company is targeting the auto markets of Australia, Chile and Italy with its flagship model, which is already being exported to South Africa.
Ruzbeh Irani, Chief Executive, International Operations (Automotive and Farm Equipment sectors), M&M, said, “We plan to go ahead with our international launches of XUV. Italy and Australia are planned shortly. These are vehicles adapted to the needs of these markets.”
Irani further added that the company has already finished modifying the model in order to make it more suitable for the targeted markets. The changes made by the company include meeting the global emission standards, along with the integration of the left hand drive system for Italian buyers.
While speaking about the launch date XUV 500 in overseas markets, Irani did not quote any dates, but stated, “We are evaluating timing of launches in various markets - Chile and Australia are our priority. We will assess the overall capacity and domestic demand to decide on the launch timing.”
Pawan Goenka, President (Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors), M&M said in February that the company was approaching foreign markets slowly as its main priority was to cope up with the continually rising demand in the local market. Goenka said, “We were supposed to enter markets like Australia and are ready to launch XUV500 in many markets in terms of homologations and regulations. But we have decided to slow down to meet domestic demand.”
Goenka further added that M&M was producing 3000 units of its XUV 500 till April 2012, but will add 1000 more units from May in order to raise output to meet demands. Without mentioning the exact dates, he further said that the company will increase the production of XUV 500 to 5000 units a month in coming times. Due to the tremendous demand of XUV 500 in the local market, M&M is currently trying to meet the advance bookings of 7,500 vehicles that it undertook through the lottery system.
Talking about the global launch of XUV 500, Irani said, “XUV is a global vehicle designed for international markets, it is important that we supply to international markets.”
