Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has launched a new SCV platform called the ‘Supro’ to strengthen its presence in the segment. The new products – the Supro Van and the Supro Maxitruck – have undergone 6.8 lakh km of extensive testing and validation to offer customers a higher earning potential of approximately Rs. 4,700 and Rs. 5,000 per month respectively, compared to the other vehicles in the competing space.
Continuing with the trend of naming most of its products with the alphabet ending ‘O’ (Truxo, Torro, Bolero, Maxximo, Jeeto, etc.,) and carving out a niche for itself in the segments it enters, M&M rolled out the two new products on a common platform called ‘Supro’ (derived from Superior Value Proposition). Named the Supro Van and the Supro Maxitruck, the new products will cater to passenger and commercial vehicles respectively.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra, said: “We at Mahindra have always given an ear to the needs of the customers. The simultaneous launch of two products on the Supro platform validates our approach of finding a gap in the segment and providing solution which offers superior value proposition than the existing brands.”
Built at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art plant at Chakan in Maharashtra, the Supro platform has undergone rigorous and full test cycle runs. Mr. Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Auto Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, disclosed: “The Supro has been validated on all performance, safety and reliability parameters upto 6.8 lakh km. It also comes with a class-leading warranty of 2 years/60,000 km (whichever is earlier) and Direct Injection (DI) turbo-charged diesel engine developed by 43 engineers over a period of 38 months. This patented high pressure DI technology delivers 45 hp power (34 Kw @ 3750 rpm) and ensures faster delivery time (turnaround time as far as the customer is concerned) leading to higher earnings of 4,700 per month on the Supro Van and 5,000 per month over the key vehicle players in the segment.”
Standardization and differentiation
The Supro Van is pitched as a stylish 8-seater people mover that sports a strong and sturdy design. “The Supro Van comes with ergonomically designed cabin, modern stylish frontal design and elegant & powerful headlamps, along with Mahindra’s signature front grille with chrome accents. The wave inspired body decals and body coloured bumpers gives a touch of exclusivity and car-like plushness.”
The design not only is eye pleasing but also offers a high level of safety with its robust frontal nose design for added safety in case of frontal collision. The tough and rugged body enables it to traverse any terrain with utmost ease. “The high ground clearance and strong suspension for superior comfort and a longer wheelbase of 2050 mm gives better stability and superior handling. Further, the Dual LSPV brakes provide superior braking performance and the (ELR) seat belt systems provide safety against sudden impact,” Mr. Nayer said.
To up the comfort and convenience quotient, the Supro Van offers features such as seating comfort with the wide seats, headroom and legroom for greater comfort and a more pleasurable long-distance travel along with large boot space. “The Supro Van also offers HVAC, electric power steering leading to fatigue-free and comfortable journey. Mobile charging point, child lock which is available on both the sliding doors and multi utility box for passengers will further add to the convenience of the passengers,” exclaimed Mr. Nayer.
However, the one area in which the Supro Van claims to beat the leading players in the segment comprehensively is its superior pick-up and acceleration. “Since the performance meets economy with Mahindra’s Direct Injection (DI) turbo diesel engine that pumps out 45 HP (34 Kw @ 3750 rpm) power, it gives a class leading mileage of 23.5 km to a litre with fuel smart technology. It also has a best in class 5 Speed Gear Transmission and electronic power steering for a more pleasurable driving experience,” claimed Mr. Nayer.
On the other hand, Mr. Nayer further observed: “The Supro Maxitruck on the same platform and with the same engine, offers best in class mileage of 22.4 km/l and a top speed of approximately 95 Kmph. It also offers 1000 kg payload and 8.2ft cargo box. Equipped with a bigger R13(33.02 cm) tyres and a 4.7m turning radius the Supro Maxitruck offers ease of drivability and load carrying capacity even on narrow city lanes. All these will help in aspects such as carrying higher load effortlessly, lowering the fuel cost and enabling a faster turn-around time for the customer thereby improving his earnings. Supro Maxitruck, owing to the same platform, comes with strong front nose design and ELR seat belts that keeps the occupants safe in case of a frontal collision. The vehicle is also fitted with the Dual LSPV braking system which provides the vehicle with better stability.
Ready to redefine
With the launch of the two new products, Mahindra is ready to redefine the SCV load segment with a combination of higher load capacity, powerful engine and more savings per trip. Mr. Nayer informed: “When the customer of the existing competitive brands will look to upgrade it will have better option in the Supro Maxitruck. The van segment, on the other hand, has grown by 17 per cent last year to reach 1.39 lakh units, and steady growth is likely as the first half this year has seen growth of 8 per cent.”
The Supro is available in attractive colour options of Metallic Brown & Red, Deep Blue and Diamond White. While the Supro Van will be available in three variants, namely, VX (base variant), LX (with power steering), and ZX (with power steering & AC) the Supro Maxitruck is also available in three variants T2 (base variant), T4 (with power steering), T6 (with power steering & AC).
The Supro Van and Supro Maxitruck are set to redefine norms with their distinct offerings. A versatile vehicle, the Supro Van is targeted to source business from various segments. “It can be used as a personal vehicle for large families in semi urban, Tier II & III towns, as personal-cum-business application vehicle for traders, and as an affordable tour & travel vehicle and an additional source of income for farmers,” informed Mr. Nayer.
The Supro Maxitruck will source business from captive as well as market load operators. In fact, Mr. Nayer believes it will provide the perfect upgrade opportunity for the mini-truck segment and a superior value proposition option for the maxi-truck segment.
Mahindra & Mahindra has priced the LX Supro Van at Rs. 4.38 lakhs, VX at Rs. 4.58 lakhs and at ZX 4.93 lakhs (BS3 ex-showroom Thane), while the Supro Maxitruck starts at Rs. 4.25 lakhs, T4 at Rs. 4.45 lakhs and T6 at Rs. 4.75 lakhs (BS3 ex-showroom Thane). The price of BS IV versions are Rs. 50,000 higher.