UVs from Mahindra stables to get smaller engines

8 June, 2008

Utility vehicles from Mahindra and Mahindra will soon have smaller engines. The company is said to be developing an engine with a capacity ranging between 650cc and 750cc.

Which utility vehicle of Mahindra can actually run with such a small engine? We have no idea. Maybe there is a communication problem here - maybe they meant some new upcoming UV versions? or mini UVs?

With the market getting hotter with the Mahindra’s exclusive truck with French major Renault to sell Logan, the new move might help add more charm to the utility vehicles marketplace. The company’s small engine for a smaller version of its UVs, which may be seen as a bid to replicate the Tatas small car venture, industry reports added. The Tata Nano is already making a variety of companies plan for smaller cheaper versions to bag a share of the market.

One of Mahindras’ vehicles, the Bolero, powered by 2.5 litre engine, is priced at Rs 5.28 lakh. The utility vehicle is among the largest selling vehicles in rural India. Mahindra Logan, a mid-sized sedan, is powered by 1.4 litre petrol engine which is imported from France.

The Indian auto giant has also said that it has bought out the Italy-based engineering and design firm, Engine Engineering Srl. The deal which has been effected for an undisclosed amount, will help the auto maker deploy Italian technology and expertise in making small, yet fuel-efficient engines, suitable for small vehicles.

The acquisition is also seen as helping the Mahindras in creating designs for high-end motorcycles. The Italian major has proficiency in optimising fuel economy from a small engine – the size of about 700cc. The Mahindras’ vehicles would sport these engines, it is expected. The fact that Engine Engineering Srl has been developing engines for superbikes such as Ducati could spur the Indian major to capitalise on this expertise for its range of vehicles.

The company has also said that following the Italian major’s buyout, its own components, engineering services and design arm M&M Systech has a chance to boost its engineering services business along with better access to market, technology and management skills.