We didn’t report to our readers, Mahindra Group on April 11th, 2012 inaugurated world-class Mahindra Research Valley (MRV). With a massive investment of Rs. 650 crore, the MRV as it is called is spread over 125 acres at the Mahindra World City in Chennai and designed by Padma Vibhushan, Charles Correa (an Indian architect). At the inauguration of the MRV, Pawan Goenka, President (Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors) of M&M, clearly stated – “The MRV primarily focussed on automotive and farm equipment. There was no plan to move two-wheeler, truck, defence service and engineering research centres to this location.”
As he said, M&M has now inaugurated separate research and development (R&D) center for Mahindra 2-Wheelers in Pune. Anand Mahindra inaugurated the facility which will be headed by PS Ashok. The company claims this facility is the third largest of its kind in India and has spent Rs 100 crore already with another 500 crores expected to be invested in the next five years. A team of 175 engineers are employed, who are leading various technology and product development projects.
At the event, Mahindra showcased their air-cooled, single-cylinder and 110cc Stallio commuter bike engine, with a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 300cc engine to be used on the Mojo, along with a Duro DZ scooter that has incorporated micro hybrid technology; engine stops and restarts automatically when stationary for better efficiency.
Mahindra 2-Wheeler’s announced they are working towards re-launch of the withdrawn Stallio motorcycle by the upcoming festive season, while the Mojo motorcycle launch has now been further delayed to Jan-March 2013. However, the third offering was mentioned but no details were offered. Mahindra reiterated their intention to be a full-spectrum manufacturer and all other segments will eventually see Mahindra products.
Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group while disclosing a Rs 20,000 crore revenue target from his two-wheeler business by 2020, shared that –
“This new two-wheeler R&D facility becomes a part of Mahindra’s ‘neural network’ of R&D facilities, that will benefit the company to develop innovative new products. He mentioned Mahindra aims to develop an electric scooter using technology sharing with the M&M owned Reva electric car.”
Also see – Mahindra to launch 3 motorcycle variants in India, including a mystery motorcycle
See more pictures of Mahindra 2-Wheelers R&D facility in Pune –
Image Credit – Team-BHP
