Mahindra has announced that its manufacturing facility in Chakan, Maharashtra, has produced its three-millionth vehicle. The milestone vehicle is the Mahindra BE 6, the company’s flagship electric SUV, highlighting the plant’s growing contribution to both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle production.
The Chakan plant began operations in December 2009 and has since evolved into one of Mahindra’s largest manufacturing hubs. According to the company, the most recent one million vehicles were produced in just 27 months, a significant reduction compared to the 107 months taken to manufacture the first million vehicles.
Spread across 657 acres, the facility currently produces 19 vehicle models and over 450 variants spanning passenger vehicles, electric SUVs and commercial vehicles. Seven assembly lines allow the plant to manufacture multiple products on a common production platform, providing greater manufacturing flexibility.
Mahindra has also integrated several advanced manufacturing technologies at the Chakan facility. These include Industry 4.0 systems, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G-enabled connectivity and digital traceability. The company states that around 1,500 robots are used across the plant, with body shop automation exceeding 98 percent. Robotic painting, automated sealant application, 3D inspection systems and real-time weld monitoring are also part of the production process.
The company says sustainability remains an important focus for the facility. More than half of the plant’s overall energy requirement is met through renewable energy sources, while its electric vehicle production operations are powered entirely by renewable electricity.
Mahindra also stated that the Chakan plant is water positive, replenishing more water than it consumes through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge initiatives. In addition, the facility has achieved Zero Waste to Landfill certification.
Besides supplying vehicles to the domestic market, the Chakan plant also manufactures models for export to countries including South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Commenting on the milestone, R. Velusamy, President – Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said the reduced time taken to achieve each successive production milestone reflects increasing customer demand as well as improvements in manufacturing efficiency. He added that the Chakan facility will continue to play a key role in the company’s future product and manufacturing strategy.
