Indian auto major Mahindra recently inaugurated the Mahindra North American Technical Center (MNATC) in Michigan, USA that will be vital for the company’s plans to take on its global rivals. The company confirmed that the MNATC is working on a new four-wheeler platform for Mahindra that would be targeted at international markets and is not for the US passenger vehicle market as of now. Mahindra’s focus isn’t entirely on the US market just yet, as the company looks at tapping emerging markets before going full bananas in developed countries.
Mahindra is working on an aggressive strategy to become a global automotive brand by 2024. The MNATC will be playing a key role in this strategy for the company. The report however did not specify the kind of vehicle the new platform will underpin in the future or the timeline of its launch. The company also stated that the MNATC is delivering on its promise of world-class product development as Mahindra takes on complex global programs. Mahindra is lagging behind Tata Motors in global presence as the Indica maker has expanded its international wings with its Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
With a team of around 40 engineers, the MNATC has the capability of complete vehicle engineering and prototyping for Mahindra’s global markets. The MNATC team compliments the Mahindra Research Valley in Chennai and Mahindra owned SsangYong’s base in South Korea, all of which are a key hub in the company’s R&D efforts. The launch of the MNATC coincided with the unveiling of the GenZe electric scooter that has been designed, engineered and manufactured in Michigan for the US market. The GenZe isn’t planned for sale in India just yet.
Source – Autocar Professional
