Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has unveiled its plans to shape the ‘Future of Mobility’ at the Auto Expo 2018. The Future of Mobility is a showcase of Mahindra’s sustainable mobility solutions that are technologically advanced and aim to optimally address the evolving needs and preferences of the consumers. It highlights the company’s future-ready suite of unique passenger and mass mobility products, concepts and solutions built around its ‘3Cs’ philosophy of Clean, Connected and Convenient. As India’s EV pioneer, Mahindra also displayed its widest range of electric vehicles, including concepts and technology.
In the spotlight, was Mahindra’s entire range of electric vehicles, the widest ever displayed, as well as mobility solutions and concepts from three wheelers to buses. This included the UDO, a stylish 2 seater electric pod concept; the ATOM, a new age urban mobility solution for emerging India; the Treo, a cutting-edge Lithium-ion battery powered electric three-wheeler; the e2o NXT, a refreshed version of the e2oPlus hatchback; the eKUV100, India’s first electric mini SUV; and the e-Cosmo, the company’s new electric bus.
Mr. Anand Mahindra, Executive Chairman, Mahindra Group, said, “As India aspires to global leadership on climate action, the time is right to develop sustainable mobility solutions for the future. Mahindra’s electric pavilion at the Auto Expo showcases our vision of the Future of Mobility – one that offers Clean, Connected and Convenient vehicles to our consumers in India and around the world.”
Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The three pillars of our Future of Mobility theme, namely Clean, Connected and Convenient is what our products and services stand for. Mahindra not only provides a clean business module through its electric business but is also working on cleaner engines in keeping with the upcoming BS-VI implementation by 2020. With our connected pillar, the Auto Expo helps us to highlight our offering of ‘Accessible Technology’ and gauge the aspirations of our customers. At the heart of all our products and solutions are our customers for whom we aspire to make convenience a way of life. We are delighted to showcase our Dealership of the Future which is all about customer delight. Our various product offerings at the Auto Expo reflect a true sense of the ‘Make in India’ philosophy, yet are suitable for global mobility solutions.”
Mr. Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “The Auto Expo is an important platform for us to put forth our global face with best-in-class Indian solutions. The launch of two extremely unique concepts today – the UDO and the ATOM – is a significant way forward in our product cycle, keeping in mind the mobility solutions of tomorrow. In fact, we are displaying the widest range of clean electric vehicles across personal and commercial segments from three wheelers to buses. The e-Cosmo electric bus is a reflection of our commitment towards a sustainable transport solution, while the G4 Rexton with its bold design is a true blue global SUV and one that is future ready. Through our product offerings, we are shifting the paradigm for new age products and mobility solutions”.
Mahindra – Pioneering Clean Electric Mobility
As the pioneers of electric mobility and powertrain solutions in India, Mahindra has the right technology and products to set up a robust EV ecosystem in the country. With a slew of technologically advanced concept products, systems and solutions and the existing range of electric vehicles, Mahindra is all poised to take electric mobility to the next level and redefine the mobility landscape of the future.
All New Concepts & Solutions
ATOM – A futuristic and new age urban mobility concept for a smart India, ATOM is a unique object of mobility designed to cater to varied passenger needs with the perfect blend of ‘Convenience, Comfort and Intelligence’. It aims to reimagine last-mile connectivity, thereby changing the face of public transportation, while its minimalist design philosophy allows it to retain a compact footprint without compromising on interior space.
It is powered by Mahindra’s new electric powertrain which features batteries that can be swapped to extend the vehicle’s range, allowing it to operate uninterrupted for long hours. The ATOM is a key feature of Mahindra’s mobility vision for India, giving the country its own, indigenously-built, last-mile urban mobility solution. It is also equipped with an intelligent connectivity system, making bookings and payments seamless and easy. At the same time its smart technology allows one to seamlessly connect with multiple transport modes, keeping passengers posted on the next departing train, bus or flight and the nearest boarding points on a real-time basis, apart from a host of safety and convenience features.
Treo – Mahindra’s first low maintenance Li-thium ion battery powered three wheeler is aptly named Treo. This vehicle aims to promote mass adoption of electric vehicles in the country. The Treo will facilitate last mile movement and connectivity in tier 1 as well as tier 2 and 3 cities.
e-COSMO Electric Bus – With innovation and technology as a core theme, Mahindra has designed and developed its first electric bus, the e-COSMO in India. At the heart of this electric vehicle is the efficient “state-of-the-art” direct drive motor developed in partnership with TM4, Canada, one of the most renowned players in the global EV eco system. This zero-emission bus has the highly reliable electric power train system, battery packaging with sophisticated BMS (Battery Management System), regenerative braking system and many more custom made solutions.
The electric bus is designed in such a way that it provides comfort to the driver and passengers and also ensures less cost of ownership. Mahindra electric buses offer a variety of seating options in various configurations, ensuring maximum usage.
MESMA (Mahindra Electric Scalable Modular Architecture) – 380 Volt Powertrain – Marking a major shift from the current 48/72 V system of EVs in India, the 380 Volt modular powertrain utilises e-motors by TM4 and cells from LG chemicals. With its unique build, it can be adjusted in terms of length and width to accommodate different kinds of vehicles, while retaining the high efficiency and performance that it promises to deliver. Created at India’s first electric vehicle innovation center, the platform opens a plethora of opportunities for Mahindra Electric to forge synergies with Mahindra Group companies such as SsangYong and Pininfarina amongst others.
Mahindra’s Existing Range of Electric Vehicles
– e-Supro – India’s first zero emission, all-electric range of cargo and passenger vans, the e-Supro ushered in a whole new concept in cargo transportation and people movement. The platform caters mainly to the B2B segment. Owing to its suitability for last-mile connectivity, the e-Supro platform is ideally suited for deployment in e-commerce and last-mile connectivity inside the city. Today, the e-Supro is extensively used by Brring Logistic Delhi that has deployed a fleet of these vehicles in association with Big Basket. Mahindra’s Smart Shift, a digital cargo exchange platform for Small Commercial Vehicles, uses the e-Supro for Amazon deliveries in Bengaluru. It is also used by the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) for public transportation, Reliance Infrastructure, Mumbai and Auroville, Puducherry, for last-mile connectivity.
Creating Platforms for Connected and Convenient Experiences
Mahindra has also introduced connected and convenient experiences and solutions for people transport services and last mile mobility in major Indian cities. In fact, as a pioneer of electric vehicles in India, Mahindra is driving the change towards smart and sustainable mobility by encouraging large-scale adoption of electric vehicles for shared transport, providing customers with convenient, safe and reliable last-mile transportation.
SmartShift by Mahindra –SmartShift, Mahindra’s digital cargo exchange platform, has expanded operations to 10 cities across India with over 65,000 trip requests per month. Over 5000 transporters have registered with SmartShift since its launch in 2015, successfully transforming the unorganized last-mile movement ecosystem. With its 3-click booking app, innovative “reverse bidding” platform and customer-first philosophy at its core, Smartshift aims to add value to 1 million stakeholders by 2020.
+NEMO (NExt-Gen MObility) is India’s first cloud-enabled mobility platform, developed by Mahindra Electric exclusively for electric vehicles. This connected platform provides contextual information about battery and vehicle performance which is unique to EVs. These real-time insights include State of Charge and Energy Consumption. This advanced technology platform addresses individual requirements of varied segments of urban mobility including car and ride sharing and corporate commuting and is designed to deliver value across the mobility eco-system to drivers, commuters, fleet owners and operators.
Mahindra’s Dealership of Future – New format conceived by Pininfarina to redefine customer experience. The company chose Pininfarina’s 88 years of experience in envisioning the future to shape a breakthrough brand and customer experience and presented a new concept in the Dealership of Future. It is a new format conceived to intensely rethink the customer experience thanks to the new digital technologies.
Mahindra Truck and Bus Division – Guaranteed to Win!
Since inception, Mahindra Truck and Bus Division (MTBD), has been making rapid strides in its segment. From being a fledgling player a few years ago, MTBD is now a formidable contender, having reached the No. 3 position in certain segments with a No. 4 position in the Indian HCV industry. The impending launch of its Intermediate Commercial Vehicles (ICVs) in the upcoming financial year will further cement its reputation as a full range commercial vehicle player.
The success of the BLAZO series of trucks which was launched at the 2016 Auto Expo, has been phenomenal. Today, there are nearly 10,000 BLAZOs on-road, a number that is growing by the day! This success can be attributed to many industry first initiatives such as Mileage Guarantee, prompt service and guaranteed availability of parts from Parts plazas and dealerships. In addition, its proposition of guaranteed customer experience –‘Har Cheez Guarantee ke Saath’, has set a new benchmark for superior products and after sales support.
On display at the Auto Expo 2018 was the new BLAZO series, including the most technologically advanced Smart Truck, with features such as FuelSmart, smart SCR BSIV technology, future ready (BSVI ready) engine, several new technology offerings and most importantly, the unique mileage guarantee. Blazo 49 Smart Truck BSIV – with future truck technologies, is a unique concept truck that will offer a high payload in its category with guaranteed best in-class fuel efficiency, rugged aggregates and next generation features such as tubeless tyres with alloy wheels, reverse camera, also lock and drowsiness sensors.
Blazo 37 Pusher Axle BSIV – This expands MTBD’s 37T portfolio. While it is designed keeping in mind the need of applications such as tipper and haulage tipper, it also caters to all other applications. It offers the highest payload in the rigid trucks category with guaranteed best fuel efficiency and a combination of 6 Speed driver friendly gear box, rugged aggregates and superior features.
Blazo 25 Tipper BSIV – The BLAZO 25 Tipper is equipped with the first of its kind FuelSmart Technology which ensures optimal performance in a wide range of construction or mining based operations. The company displayed the BLAZO 25 Tipper with AC and Rock Body suitable for shallow mining operations at the Auto Expo.
Other notable exhibits were the Optimo CNG Container and the newly introduced COMFIO BSIV bus which offer safe and comfortable passenger transport. The COMFIO will be available for staff bus purposes to begin with and in due course for school and tourist bus applications. As part of its technology prowess, MTBD also showcased its BSIV driveline with Smart SCR system which is globally preferred by OEMs for HCVs. The SCR technology has the clear advantage of no exhaust gas recirculation, better fuel economy, high power / torque and better vehicle performance, lower maintenance cost and lowest Ad-blue consumption amongst SCR trucks.
For customer engagement, there was a surprise virtual photo opportunity at the pavilion with MTBD’s brand ambassador and popular Bollywood star, Mr. Ajay Devgn.
Mr. Wadhera said, “At MTBD we are delighted with the performance of our BLAZO range of trucks that has almost touched the 10,000 unit sales milestone. Continuous product innovation and customer centricity which are at the core of our business have made our industry first guarantees possible. Going forward, we are poised to become a full range commercial vehicle player with the launch of our new LCV and ICV range”.
Customization and VAP
Mahindra also showcased some of its customized and value-added products in its personal and commercial vehicles portfolio.
Customization
Value Added Products (Commercial Vehicles):
Jeeto Mini Van – (Urban City Taxi )- Ola / Uber share a taxi Jeeto Retail Counter – FMCG sales counter on wheels Supro Ambulance – as per AIS 125 standards- ARAI approved.
Supro Truck as water carrier Van – Features high load-carrying capacity and branded exterior.
Bolero Pick Up – Big Pick Road Sweeper – Multi broom – Single Engine (without auxiliary engine). PTO-driven road sweeper on BS4 vehicle platform. Equipped with visual aids for the driver for better cleaning results. All-alert system for co-road users as per international standards
Supro Van (Ambulance) – The Supro Ambulance fills the need for a low-cost patient transport vehicle. Built on the same platform as the Supro Van, the ambulance comes equipped with essential features like flammability-resistant interiors, oxygen cylinder brackets and infusion mountings along with a D+5 seating configuration. The Supro Ambulance will cater to nursing homes and hospitals looking for an ambulance with superior space, safety, comfort and operating economics.