Mahindra is working on a vehicle to rival the popular Tata Ace Zip. It was recently spotted testing indicating a launch in the near future.
Commercial vehicles is one category not all car manufacturers have the guts to get in to. The major reason for this is the need of an extensive sales and service network along with low spare price cost. Profit margins per sale might not be too high and hence volumes drive the segment. However, in the recent past, the truck and bus segment have seen international players entering India. The smaller pick-up trucks category is largely dominated by Tata Motors whose Ace is a hugely popular model. Mahindra already has the Maxximo to compete with the Super Ace and now a smaller vehicle is being developed.
Mahindra has begun testing a new commercial vehicle on Indian roads which was recently spotted by our reader Soundara Pandiyan. The fully camouflaged vehicle shows very few design elements but from what we see, it would get a curvier front end which might look more attractive than the Tata Ace Zip. Material loading would be easy due to the low and flat loading bay. The specifications of the vehicle are currently unknown but we expect Mahindra to power it with the engine found in the Maxximo albeit in a lower state of tune to increase fuel efficiency. Power ratings are likely to trump the Tata Ace which shall be a good selling point for the 4-wheeler.
Mahindra’s sales and service network has grown a lot in the past few years and this will help the brand sell the upcoming mini-truck well. Add to that the value for money pricing Mahindra is known for and the vehicle makes a good case for itself. A good way to market the product would be a longer warranty period along with free servicing till a certain time. Such vehicles are perfect for the crowded and narrow lanes of small cities and this is where volumes lie for it. It will slot in between the Gio and the Maxximo in the LCV portfolio and will be targeted at the small business owner in various parts of India.
