Mahindra will launch an electric-only product offensive in the UK over the coming years, starting with its recently launched e2o electric city car, closely followed by a two-wheeler.
Mahindra electric boss Arvind Mathew said: "We are only positioning the UK for electric products, and we consider the UK our beachhead in Europe. We have no intention to sell other cars."
Mahindra's participation in Formula E racing is leading the way for the brand's road car technology, said Mathew, with expectations to deliver it into mainstream products in the next two to three years. While he conceded its presence in Formula E would help the brand, Mathew said its main purpose was to identify synergies that could be leveraged in its cars.
While the firm has identified an electric-only strategy for the UK, Mahindra boss Anand Mahindra said Ssangyong, owned by the company, was an important pillar for the group. “There is a great pipeline [for Ssangyong products] and a new model is expected each year for the next four to five years,” he said.
Mahindra automotive chief Pravin Shah added: “There are no concrete plans to introduce internal combustion engines to the UK under the Mahindra brand. We are very happy with the Ssangyong brand in the UK and the latest model, the Ssangyong Tivoli, has been very well received.”
Mahindra described the firm as “very agnostic” when it comes to powertrains worldwide. “Mahindra will show the ability to offer a variety of powertrains,” he said, referencing the Mahindra-owned Pininfarina concept, the H2 Speed, shown at the Geneva motor show as an example of its scope.
In India, Mahindra has 20 passenger vehicles, all of which are traditionally fuelled, with the exception of its Indian e20 model.
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