Mahindra to fortify DRB-HICOM stable with Scorpio model
Mahindra to fortify DRB-HICOM stable with Scorpio model
Petaling Jaya, 4th May 2005 – Malaysia’s single largest integrated automotive company DRB-HICOM Berhad has added the Mahindra brand, already an institution in India, to its extensive line-up of vehicles to be distributed and assembled in Malaysia.
The Mahindra brand will be handled by DRB-HICOM subsidiary USF-HICOM (M) Sdn. Bhd., which has been importing, assembling and distributing 4X4 and multi-purpose vehicles for 26 years in Malaysia.
The Mahindra debut follows the success of USF- HICOM in securing the franchise from Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, India’s largest maker of multi-purpose vehicles and tractors in January 2005.
“The inclusion of Mahindra into the USF-HICOM line-up will give us another established brand to work with while providing Malaysians with the confidence to buy the vehicles as it will be backed by our strength, expertise and reputation,” said DRB-HICOM Bhd Group Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr.) Mohd Saleh Sulong.
Saleh, who was speaking at the colourful “Bollywood” style launch of the Mahindra Scorpio in Kuala Lumpur today, said that with the right pricing and proper after-sales service, Mahindra has a very good chance of dominating the MPV sector in Malaysia with its robust character and styling.
USF-HICOM plans to invest RM4 million on the Mahindra brand to establish the sales and service network. Initially there will be 19 dealers, four branches, seven after-sales service centres and five authorised service dealers.
In India, Mahindra has become an icon for high quality, ruggedness, durability, easy maintenance, and operational economy – qualities that have endeared the vehicle to individuals as well as institutions like the Indian armed forces.
The Auto Sector of the company is the proud recipient of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Excellence Award from the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance (JIPM) and the Farm Equipment Sector received the Deming Application Award from the Union of Japanese Scientist and Engineers (JUSE).
Mahindra vehicles have a lineage that can be traced to 1945 when the company was formed to manufacture multi-purpose vehicles for the Indian market. It initially imported and assembled the Willy’s jeep.
The manufacture of multi-purpose vehicles commenced in 1954 in collaboration with Willys Overland Corporation and its successors, Kaiser Jeep Corporation and American Motor Corporation (now part of the DaimlerChrysler group). It moved on to manufacture Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) in 1965.
USF-HICOM will initially be bringing in Mahindra’s Scorpio range – Scorpio 2.0 litre petrol 4×2, Scorpio 2.6 litre diesel double cab. This model was first launched in India in 2002, and has since become a familiar sight on Indian roads. It has since been exported to South Africa, the Middle East countries, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America and parts of Russia.
Priced at RM79,913.13 (price on-the-road without insurance), the company expects to sell 1,800 units of the Scorpio by the end of 2005, with a 10 percent growth expected in 2006.
The Mahindra Scorpio is a new generation MPV developed using Renault technology, and built with the best manufacturing equipment sourced from Japan and Europe.
“With Mahindra now part of our line-up, I am confident that DRB-HICOM and USF-HICOM are now even better positioned to satisfy the requirements of a wider range of Malaysian customers who want peace of mind by having a strong and reliable distributor to back them up when they buy a vehicle, said Saleh.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited said “It is a matter of great pride for us to bring India’s most successful MPV model to Malaysia. We have conducted extensive market research for a better understanding of the Malaysian market, and requirements. In India, the Scorpio has been well received with its unique blend of style and utility, luxury and ruggedness. We are positive that customers would be delighted with the Scorpio experience.”
In conjunction with the launch activities, a group of 24 select motoring journalists were taken on a Media “Ride & Drive” that took them over mixed terrain for a distance of 250 kilometres in total, to give each and every one first hand experience in driving and riding in the Scorpio. A quick look at the specifications reveals a 2.0 litre DOHC fuel injected engine that is used in the Renault Scenic and Laguna series, a five speed manual gearbox, leather seats, wishbone suspension at the front, leaf springs and a live axle at the rear, discs up front, and drums at the rear, 7-seater with leather upholstery as standard. Top speed achieved was 165 kilometres per hour. More details later.
