Mahindra XUV500 gears up for international launch

After going slow on international launches of its sports utility vehicle to meet the domestic demand, auto major Mahindra & Mahindra is gearing up to introduce XUV500 in Italy, Australia and Chile soon.

"We plan to go ahead with our international launches of XUV. Italy and Australia are planned shortly. These are vehicles adapted to the needs of these markets," M&M Chief Executive, International Operations (Automotive & Farm Equipment sectors), Ruzbeh Irani told PTI.

He said necessary adaptations to meet the norms in these markets such as emission and left hand drive in case of Italy have been completed.

Asked about the timeline for the launches, he didn't specify an exact date but said: "We are evaluating timing of launches in various markets - Chile and Australia are our priority. We will assess the overall capacity and domestic demand to decide on the launch timing."

In February, M&M President (Automotive & Farm Equipment sectors) Pawan Goenka had said the company was going slow on international launch of the vehicle to meet domestic demand.

"We were supposed to enter markets like Australia and are ready to launch XUV500 in many markets in terms of homologations and regulations. But we have decided to slow down to met domestic demand," Goenka had said.

He had also said the company will increase the output of XUV500 to 4,000 units by May from the earlier 3,000 units. Without specifying a timeline, he had also said the output would ultimately be taken up to about 5,000 units a month.

The company is in the process of delivering the bookings of 7,500 orders that were selected through a lottery following excessive demand.

On the need to launch the XUV in international markets, Irani said: "XUV is a global vehicle designed for international markets, it is important that we supply to international markets."

M&M exports XUV500 to South Africa.