Latest news with #Arolkar
The Advertiser
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mahindra almost ready to reveal how many cars it sells in Australia
Mahindra Australia is planning on adding its name to the industry-standard monthly sales report from 2026 as it looks to become a top 15 brand here by 2030. The automaker currently doesn't publish its sales figures in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' monthly VFACTS report, which covers the majority of the Australian automotive industry, making it difficult to track the brand's progress. Mahindra Australia – and the brand globally – is in the midst of a switch from farm-focused maker of tractors and rugged utes to move into the automotive mainstream, complete with a new logo and brand identity. While it has sold vehicles here for close to two decades, since 2021 it has launched a series of increasingly sophisticated models including the Scorpio and XUV700 SUVs currently on sale in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO – currently Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the company is looking to join VFACTS next year. "We are considering [joining VFACTS]," Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. "We wanted to have a particular scale, which we believe we have with our volume here, and therefore will be on VFACTS. "The launch of this product [the XUV 3XO], the segment we are in, and the kind of volume aspiration, we will be a sizable player and therefore we see now is the right time to be on VFACTS and show our volumes to who wants to see." The VFACTS report is published by the FCAI each month and covers trends, market share as well as raw sales data. It covers most brands, with notable absentees including electric car brands Tesla and Polestar, who both quit the FCAI in March 2024 over disagreements surrounding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The two EV brands' sales figures are reported and published instead by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), headed by former Polestar Australia boss Samantha Johnson. Mahindra said it sold around 4185 vehicles in the 12-month period between April 2025 and March 31, 2025. Its has said its ambition to be a top 15-best-selling brand in Australia – which requires a six-fold increase on its current sales – will include introducing at least one new model annually over the next five years. The automaker has confirmed the next-generation Thar SUV among those, and has confirmed it will introduced electric vehicles to the local lineup, having shown the XEV 9e and the BE 6e Everything Mahindra Content originally sourced from: Mahindra Australia is planning on adding its name to the industry-standard monthly sales report from 2026 as it looks to become a top 15 brand here by 2030. The automaker currently doesn't publish its sales figures in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' monthly VFACTS report, which covers the majority of the Australian automotive industry, making it difficult to track the brand's progress. Mahindra Australia – and the brand globally – is in the midst of a switch from farm-focused maker of tractors and rugged utes to move into the automotive mainstream, complete with a new logo and brand identity. While it has sold vehicles here for close to two decades, since 2021 it has launched a series of increasingly sophisticated models including the Scorpio and XUV700 SUVs currently on sale in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO – currently Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the company is looking to join VFACTS next year. "We are considering [joining VFACTS]," Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. "We wanted to have a particular scale, which we believe we have with our volume here, and therefore will be on VFACTS. "The launch of this product [the XUV 3XO], the segment we are in, and the kind of volume aspiration, we will be a sizable player and therefore we see now is the right time to be on VFACTS and show our volumes to who wants to see." The VFACTS report is published by the FCAI each month and covers trends, market share as well as raw sales data. It covers most brands, with notable absentees including electric car brands Tesla and Polestar, who both quit the FCAI in March 2024 over disagreements surrounding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The two EV brands' sales figures are reported and published instead by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), headed by former Polestar Australia boss Samantha Johnson. Mahindra said it sold around 4185 vehicles in the 12-month period between April 2025 and March 31, 2025. Its has said its ambition to be a top 15-best-selling brand in Australia – which requires a six-fold increase on its current sales – will include introducing at least one new model annually over the next five years. The automaker has confirmed the next-generation Thar SUV among those, and has confirmed it will introduced electric vehicles to the local lineup, having shown the XEV 9e and the BE 6e Everything Mahindra Content originally sourced from: Mahindra Australia is planning on adding its name to the industry-standard monthly sales report from 2026 as it looks to become a top 15 brand here by 2030. The automaker currently doesn't publish its sales figures in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' monthly VFACTS report, which covers the majority of the Australian automotive industry, making it difficult to track the brand's progress. Mahindra Australia – and the brand globally – is in the midst of a switch from farm-focused maker of tractors and rugged utes to move into the automotive mainstream, complete with a new logo and brand identity. While it has sold vehicles here for close to two decades, since 2021 it has launched a series of increasingly sophisticated models including the Scorpio and XUV700 SUVs currently on sale in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO – currently Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the company is looking to join VFACTS next year. "We are considering [joining VFACTS]," Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. "We wanted to have a particular scale, which we believe we have with our volume here, and therefore will be on VFACTS. "The launch of this product [the XUV 3XO], the segment we are in, and the kind of volume aspiration, we will be a sizable player and therefore we see now is the right time to be on VFACTS and show our volumes to who wants to see." The VFACTS report is published by the FCAI each month and covers trends, market share as well as raw sales data. It covers most brands, with notable absentees including electric car brands Tesla and Polestar, who both quit the FCAI in March 2024 over disagreements surrounding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The two EV brands' sales figures are reported and published instead by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), headed by former Polestar Australia boss Samantha Johnson. Mahindra said it sold around 4185 vehicles in the 12-month period between April 2025 and March 31, 2025. Its has said its ambition to be a top 15-best-selling brand in Australia – which requires a six-fold increase on its current sales – will include introducing at least one new model annually over the next five years. The automaker has confirmed the next-generation Thar SUV among those, and has confirmed it will introduced electric vehicles to the local lineup, having shown the XEV 9e and the BE 6e Everything Mahindra Content originally sourced from: Mahindra Australia is planning on adding its name to the industry-standard monthly sales report from 2026 as it looks to become a top 15 brand here by 2030. The automaker currently doesn't publish its sales figures in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' monthly VFACTS report, which covers the majority of the Australian automotive industry, making it difficult to track the brand's progress. Mahindra Australia – and the brand globally – is in the midst of a switch from farm-focused maker of tractors and rugged utes to move into the automotive mainstream, complete with a new logo and brand identity. While it has sold vehicles here for close to two decades, since 2021 it has launched a series of increasingly sophisticated models including the Scorpio and XUV700 SUVs currently on sale in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Speaking at the launch of the XUV 3XO – currently Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the company is looking to join VFACTS next year. "We are considering [joining VFACTS]," Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. "We wanted to have a particular scale, which we believe we have with our volume here, and therefore will be on VFACTS. "The launch of this product [the XUV 3XO], the segment we are in, and the kind of volume aspiration, we will be a sizable player and therefore we see now is the right time to be on VFACTS and show our volumes to who wants to see." The VFACTS report is published by the FCAI each month and covers trends, market share as well as raw sales data. It covers most brands, with notable absentees including electric car brands Tesla and Polestar, who both quit the FCAI in March 2024 over disagreements surrounding the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The two EV brands' sales figures are reported and published instead by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), headed by former Polestar Australia boss Samantha Johnson. Mahindra said it sold around 4185 vehicles in the 12-month period between April 2025 and March 31, 2025. Its has said its ambition to be a top 15-best-selling brand in Australia – which requires a six-fold increase on its current sales – will include introducing at least one new model annually over the next five years. The automaker has confirmed the next-generation Thar SUV among those, and has confirmed it will introduced electric vehicles to the local lineup, having shown the XEV 9e and the BE 6e Everything Mahindra Content originally sourced from:
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 to make their way Down Under. Here's what we know
The BE 6 is priced from ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory) while the XEV 9e comes at a introductory starting price of ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom) Check Offers Mahindra is preparing to launch two of its all-electric SUVs — the XEV 9e and BE 6 — in Australia, marking a major step in the company's global EV strategy. The confirmation came from Sachin Arolkar, Head of International Operations at Mahindra, during the launch of the petrol-powered XUV 3XO in Australia. "It's already a work in progress," Arolkar told Australian outlet Drive. "Given that we launched these models in India in March, I don't expect it to be too far in the future." Both the XEV 9e and BE 6 are part of Mahindra's Born Electric range under its Electric Origin sub-brand, which comprises five upcoming EVs. These models are being manufactured at the brand's new Chakan EV plant in India, based on the INGLO skateboard platform developed in collaboration with Volkswagen. While Mahindra hasn't confirmed exact delivery timelines for the Australian market, the brand's March rollout in India suggests that exports could begin by early 2025. The BE 6 is expected to arrive first, followed by the more premium XEV 9e. Also Read : Mahindra gearing up to showcase exciting concept cars this Independence Day. What we know so far Arolkar added that Mahindra is aiming for 20–30 per cent of its international sales to be electric vehicles by 2027, underlining that electric will remain a strategic priority over hybrids. Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e: Specs Mahindra claims that the BE 6 can deliver a range of up to 535 km when equipped with the 59 kWh battery pack. For those opting for the larger 79 kWh battery, the range increases to a claimed 682 km. Meanwhile, the XEV 9e is said to offer a slightly higher 542 km range with the 59 kWh unit and up to 656 km with the 79 kWh pack. Both battery options are compatible with DC fast charging, supporting up to 175 kW. This allows the battery to charge from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in just 20 minutes, making it convenient for quick top-ups. Also Read : Mahindra plans Aussie growth after XUV 3XO launch, eyes top 15 carmaker rank by 2030 In terms of performance, the smaller battery delivers a peak output of 230 bhp, while the larger one boosts the output to 285 bhp. Regardless of battery size, both SUVs generate a consistent torque of 380 Nm. Initially, Mahindra will offer these EVs in a rear-wheel-drive setup only. Drivers will also have access to three distinct driving modes—Range, Everyday, and Race—along with additional Boost and One-Pedal Drive functionalities. 79 kWh Battery Now Offered Across Line-up Recently, Mahindra has expanded its EV options in India by providing the 79 kWh battery pack across additional models to provide more driving ranges, given most customers are looking for more considerations of practicality, rather than solely performance. The battery includes LFP battery chemistry, which better enhances safety, lifetime, and thermal stability. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India. First Published Date: 08 Jul 2025, 09:24 AM IST
7NEWS
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mahindra wants to be a top 15 brand in Australia
Mahindra is aiming to be one of Australia's top 15 best-selling brands by the end of the decade as it moves from its traditional workhorse utes to mainstream SUVs – including electric vehicles (EVs). Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Mahindra 3XO SUV – Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar told media the industrial giant has serious ambitions here. 'We have set an ambitious goal … we want to be a top 15 player by 2030,' Mr Arolkar said. 'Clearly Australia is one of the biggest ute and SUV markets, and Mahindra as a brand is very strong in the ute segment and the SUV segment.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: Mahindra BE 6e While it doesn't report its sales figures to VFACTS like most new vehicle brands in Australia, Mahindra said it sold 4185 vehicles here last year. The result puts Mahindra ahead of Mini (3982) and behind Chevrolet (4303) to sit 32nd for the 2024 calendar year. The final brand in the top 15 in 2024 was Mercedes-Benz with 24,831 sales, meaning Mahindra is looking for a six-fold increase in its sales over the next five years. The 2025 XUV 3XO is the first Mahindra to enter the small SUV segment in Australia, which made up almost one-fifth of all new-vehicle sales in 2024. The XUV 3XO (above) joins a lineup of only three models with the Scorpio and XUV 700 large SUVs the only other offerings in local Mahindra showrooms, with no new shipments of the S11 Pik-Up planned as it no longer meets safety standards. The automaker has said it's working towards the new 2026 protocols being introduced by safety authority ANCAP for all models, including the next-generation Pik-Up and yet-to-be-rated XUV 3XO. Mr Arolkar expects the 3XO to become the brand's best-selling model until new products – including the all-new Pik-Up in 2026 – arrive in Australia. The company plans to add at least one product to Australian showrooms every year as it chases its top 15 goal. Above: Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept Its global rebirth has seen it reveal two battery-electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and the BE 6e, in late 2024. Both are on Mahindra Australia's wish-list, although neither are confirmed for local sale. There's also a next-generation version of its Jeep Wrangler -aping Thar SUV – the current generation of which landed Mahindra in court – locked in for Australia, but this is still several years away with exact timing to be confirmed. As the brand enters more segments, Mr Arolkar said the further growth will also come from adding to its dealer count, which is currently around 70 across Australia. 'We plan to have 10 more, 80-plus dealers including service [centres], and that growth is mainly in metro areas,' Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. 'If you look at our journey in this market, which spans over 20 years, it has been very different compared to the other emerging brands. 'We started as a distributor of tractors, and you know the challenges which come with that when you have to prove your product service after sales in the rural outback, which is very important.' 'We have proved, over a period of 20 years, that we have survived the Australian outback, which is one of the more challenging domains. 'Now, with the newer, sophisticated, New Age products coming in, we are taking our experience from the regional areas, now getting into the metros, and that's what differentiates our brand compared to the other emerging brands.'
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mahindra wants to be a top 15 brand in Australia
Mahindra is aiming to be one of Australia's top 15 best-selling brands by the end of the decade as it moves from its traditional workhorse utes to mainstream SUVs – including electric vehicles (EVs). Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Mahindra 3XO SUV – Australia's cheapest SUV – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar told media the industrial giant has serious ambitions here. 'We have set an ambitious goal … we want to be a top 15 player by 2030,' Mr Arolkar said. 'Clearly Australia is one of the biggest ute and SUV markets, and Mahindra as a brand is very strong in the ute segment and the SUV segment.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Mahindra BE 6e While it doesn't report its sales figures to VFACTS like most new vehicle brands in Australia, Mahindra said it sold 4185 vehicles here last year. The result puts Mahindra ahead of Mini (3982) and behind Chevrolet (4303) to sit 32nd for the 2024 calendar year. The final brand in the top 15 in 2024 was Mercedes-Benz with 24,831 sales, meaning Mahindra is looking for a six-fold increase in its sales over the next five years. The 2025 XUV 3XO is the first Mahindra to enter the small SUV segment in Australia, which made up almost one-fifth of all new-vehicle sales in 2024. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The XUV 3XO (above) joins a lineup of only three models with the Scorpio and XUV 700 large SUVs the only other offerings in local Mahindra showrooms, with no new shipments of the S11 Pik-Up planned as it no longer meets safety standards. The automaker has said it's working towards the new 2026 protocols being introduced by safety authority ANCAP for all models, including the next-generation Pik-Up and yet-to-be-rated XUV 3XO. Mr Arolkar expects the 3XO to become the brand's best-selling model until new products – including the all-new Pik-Up in 2026 – arrive in Australia. The company plans to add at least one product to Australian showrooms every year as it chases its top 15 goal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: Mahindra Vision Thar.e concept Its global rebirth has seen it reveal two battery-electric SUVs, the XEV 9e and the BE 6e, in late 2024. Both are on Mahindra Australia's wish-list, although neither are confirmed for local sale. There's also a next-generation version of its Jeep Wrangler-aping Thar SUV – the current generation of which landed Mahindra in court – locked in for Australia, but this is still several years away with exact timing to be confirmed. As the brand enters more segments, Mr Arolkar said the further growth will also come from adding to its dealer count, which is currently around 70 across Australia. 'We plan to have 10 more, 80-plus dealers including service [centres], and that growth is mainly in metro areas,' Mr Arolkar told CarExpert. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'If you look at our journey in this market, which spans over 20 years, it has been very different compared to the other emerging brands. 'We started as a distributor of tractors, and you know the challenges which come with that when you have to prove your product service after sales in the rural outback, which is very important.' 'We have proved, over a period of 20 years, that we have survived the Australian outback, which is one of the more challenging domains. 'Now, with the newer, sophisticated, New Age products coming in, we are taking our experience from the regional areas, now getting into the metros, and that's what differentiates our brand compared to the other emerging brands.' MORE: Everything Mahindra
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Australia's cheapest SUV could cop price rise due to new safety standards
The new Mahindra XUV 3XO may lose the title of Australia's most affordable SUV next year after it receives upgrades to meet more stringent 2026 protocols from safety authority ANCAP. Speaking at the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO – a city-sized five-door compact SUV to rival the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mazda CX-3 – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the new regulations would force the price of the XUV 3XO upwards. In doing, so the automaker risks losing the XUV 3XO's title as Australia's lowest-priced SUV. The XUV 3XO is being launched this month without an ANCAP safety rating, and while it has a five-star crash test result from Indian safety authority Bharat NCAP, the automaker confirmed that the vehicle landing in showrooms from July 4 doesn't meet the new 2026 ANCAP requirements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We actually need to make a few adjustments to the vehicles to meet the new protocols," said Mahindra Australia marketing boss James Halliwell during a media briefing. While he didn't disclose the changes, when asked by CarExpert if meeting the new protocols will push up the price of the XUV 3XO, Mr Arolkar replied: "My guess is yes". "Obviously there's going to be changes which require investments on the product – and I'm not completely on with it in terms of the changes from a material cost perspective – but just in terms of investments required, yes." "I'm not planning to elaborate on that – it's still a work in progress; we'll come back to you on that." Therefore the price of the XUV 3XO could eclipse that of the model it replaced as Australia's cheapest SUV in the country, the Chery Tiggo 4, which has the same $23,990 drive-away price as the Mahindra once the latter's introductory pricing ends on August 31. The Tiggo 4 is at an advantage as it has both its $23,990 price and also a five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved in 2023. "The current [XUV 3XO] car is not ANCAP [rated] – the new developments which are happening on our entire portfolio for Australia are in the light of the 2026 norms," Mr Arolkar said. "We are evaluating all the new [Mahindra] products in the light of the 2026 ANCAP norms, because it's very important for us to be up-to-date." Mahindra has developed its own crash lab in India, a market in which safety has often taken a back seat to price, with a heavy investment to create models that meet global safety requirements. "The Mahindra XUV 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true," ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg told CarExpert. "It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model lineup, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown." The range-wide push for five-star safety ratings in 2026 comes after the brand was caught short with a zero-star ANCAP rating on its Scorpio off-road SUV in 2023. The Scorpio has since been joined in local Mahindra showrooms by the XUV700 mid-size SUV – which like the 3XO is not ANCAP-rated – with the Pik-Up S10 dropped after it didn't meet new side-impact safety regulations introduced in late 2022. A new Pik-up is due in local showrooms in 2026 with a keen focus from Mahindra on obtaining a five-star rating, given the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and other utes currently boast five-star ANCAP ratings . Mr Halliwell said the XUV 3XO landing in local dealers this month is still a safe vehicle, and Mahindra previously said it was designed for 'real world safety' instead of ANCAP requirements. "Given the new protocol is not very far away, there's no point in launching a vehicle with [all of] the testing [carried out] and spending a whole bunch of money on the current [ANCAP] standard when it's changing in six months' time." The XUV 3XO is a critical new model for Mahindra, which it predicts will be its best-selling model in Australia given the size of the small SUV segment here. The changes to ANCAP's new protocols for 2026 include new three-year cycles between changing testing requirements, as well as a new moving object test. "The moving object test in Australia is a very critical one for safety globally, because not only are you protecting your occupants – which we've always done – you now need to show the adverse impact on the object that you're hitting," Mr Halliwell said. "Designing a vehicle to meet those two requirements is almost contradictory in its engineering." MORE: Explore the Mahindra showroom Content originally sourced from: The new Mahindra XUV 3XO may lose the title of Australia's most affordable SUV next year after it receives upgrades to meet more stringent 2026 protocols from safety authority ANCAP. Speaking at the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO – a city-sized five-door compact SUV to rival the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mazda CX-3 – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the new regulations would force the price of the XUV 3XO upwards. In doing, so the automaker risks losing the XUV 3XO's title as Australia's lowest-priced SUV. The XUV 3XO is being launched this month without an ANCAP safety rating, and while it has a five-star crash test result from Indian safety authority Bharat NCAP, the automaker confirmed that the vehicle landing in showrooms from July 4 doesn't meet the new 2026 ANCAP requirements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We actually need to make a few adjustments to the vehicles to meet the new protocols," said Mahindra Australia marketing boss James Halliwell during a media briefing. While he didn't disclose the changes, when asked by CarExpert if meeting the new protocols will push up the price of the XUV 3XO, Mr Arolkar replied: "My guess is yes". "Obviously there's going to be changes which require investments on the product – and I'm not completely on with it in terms of the changes from a material cost perspective – but just in terms of investments required, yes." "I'm not planning to elaborate on that – it's still a work in progress; we'll come back to you on that." Therefore the price of the XUV 3XO could eclipse that of the model it replaced as Australia's cheapest SUV in the country, the Chery Tiggo 4, which has the same $23,990 drive-away price as the Mahindra once the latter's introductory pricing ends on August 31. The Tiggo 4 is at an advantage as it has both its $23,990 price and also a five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved in 2023. "The current [XUV 3XO] car is not ANCAP [rated] – the new developments which are happening on our entire portfolio for Australia are in the light of the 2026 norms," Mr Arolkar said. "We are evaluating all the new [Mahindra] products in the light of the 2026 ANCAP norms, because it's very important for us to be up-to-date." Mahindra has developed its own crash lab in India, a market in which safety has often taken a back seat to price, with a heavy investment to create models that meet global safety requirements. "The Mahindra XUV 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true," ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg told CarExpert. "It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model lineup, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown." The range-wide push for five-star safety ratings in 2026 comes after the brand was caught short with a zero-star ANCAP rating on its Scorpio off-road SUV in 2023. The Scorpio has since been joined in local Mahindra showrooms by the XUV700 mid-size SUV – which like the 3XO is not ANCAP-rated – with the Pik-Up S10 dropped after it didn't meet new side-impact safety regulations introduced in late 2022. A new Pik-up is due in local showrooms in 2026 with a keen focus from Mahindra on obtaining a five-star rating, given the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and other utes currently boast five-star ANCAP ratings . Mr Halliwell said the XUV 3XO landing in local dealers this month is still a safe vehicle, and Mahindra previously said it was designed for 'real world safety' instead of ANCAP requirements. "Given the new protocol is not very far away, there's no point in launching a vehicle with [all of] the testing [carried out] and spending a whole bunch of money on the current [ANCAP] standard when it's changing in six months' time." The XUV 3XO is a critical new model for Mahindra, which it predicts will be its best-selling model in Australia given the size of the small SUV segment here. The changes to ANCAP's new protocols for 2026 include new three-year cycles between changing testing requirements, as well as a new moving object test. "The moving object test in Australia is a very critical one for safety globally, because not only are you protecting your occupants – which we've always done – you now need to show the adverse impact on the object that you're hitting," Mr Halliwell said. "Designing a vehicle to meet those two requirements is almost contradictory in its engineering." MORE: Explore the Mahindra showroom Content originally sourced from: The new Mahindra XUV 3XO may lose the title of Australia's most affordable SUV next year after it receives upgrades to meet more stringent 2026 protocols from safety authority ANCAP. Speaking at the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO – a city-sized five-door compact SUV to rival the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mazda CX-3 – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the new regulations would force the price of the XUV 3XO upwards. In doing, so the automaker risks losing the XUV 3XO's title as Australia's lowest-priced SUV. The XUV 3XO is being launched this month without an ANCAP safety rating, and while it has a five-star crash test result from Indian safety authority Bharat NCAP, the automaker confirmed that the vehicle landing in showrooms from July 4 doesn't meet the new 2026 ANCAP requirements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We actually need to make a few adjustments to the vehicles to meet the new protocols," said Mahindra Australia marketing boss James Halliwell during a media briefing. While he didn't disclose the changes, when asked by CarExpert if meeting the new protocols will push up the price of the XUV 3XO, Mr Arolkar replied: "My guess is yes". "Obviously there's going to be changes which require investments on the product – and I'm not completely on with it in terms of the changes from a material cost perspective – but just in terms of investments required, yes." "I'm not planning to elaborate on that – it's still a work in progress; we'll come back to you on that." Therefore the price of the XUV 3XO could eclipse that of the model it replaced as Australia's cheapest SUV in the country, the Chery Tiggo 4, which has the same $23,990 drive-away price as the Mahindra once the latter's introductory pricing ends on August 31. The Tiggo 4 is at an advantage as it has both its $23,990 price and also a five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved in 2023. "The current [XUV 3XO] car is not ANCAP [rated] – the new developments which are happening on our entire portfolio for Australia are in the light of the 2026 norms," Mr Arolkar said. "We are evaluating all the new [Mahindra] products in the light of the 2026 ANCAP norms, because it's very important for us to be up-to-date." Mahindra has developed its own crash lab in India, a market in which safety has often taken a back seat to price, with a heavy investment to create models that meet global safety requirements. "The Mahindra XUV 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true," ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg told CarExpert. "It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model lineup, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown." The range-wide push for five-star safety ratings in 2026 comes after the brand was caught short with a zero-star ANCAP rating on its Scorpio off-road SUV in 2023. The Scorpio has since been joined in local Mahindra showrooms by the XUV700 mid-size SUV – which like the 3XO is not ANCAP-rated – with the Pik-Up S10 dropped after it didn't meet new side-impact safety regulations introduced in late 2022. A new Pik-up is due in local showrooms in 2026 with a keen focus from Mahindra on obtaining a five-star rating, given the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and other utes currently boast five-star ANCAP ratings . Mr Halliwell said the XUV 3XO landing in local dealers this month is still a safe vehicle, and Mahindra previously said it was designed for 'real world safety' instead of ANCAP requirements. "Given the new protocol is not very far away, there's no point in launching a vehicle with [all of] the testing [carried out] and spending a whole bunch of money on the current [ANCAP] standard when it's changing in six months' time." The XUV 3XO is a critical new model for Mahindra, which it predicts will be its best-selling model in Australia given the size of the small SUV segment here. The changes to ANCAP's new protocols for 2026 include new three-year cycles between changing testing requirements, as well as a new moving object test. "The moving object test in Australia is a very critical one for safety globally, because not only are you protecting your occupants – which we've always done – you now need to show the adverse impact on the object that you're hitting," Mr Halliwell said. "Designing a vehicle to meet those two requirements is almost contradictory in its engineering." MORE: Explore the Mahindra showroom Content originally sourced from: The new Mahindra XUV 3XO may lose the title of Australia's most affordable SUV next year after it receives upgrades to meet more stringent 2026 protocols from safety authority ANCAP. Speaking at the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO – a city-sized five-door compact SUV to rival the Chery Tiggo 4 and Mazda CX-3 – Mahindra head of international operations Sachin Arolkar said the new regulations would force the price of the XUV 3XO upwards. In doing, so the automaker risks losing the XUV 3XO's title as Australia's lowest-priced SUV. The XUV 3XO is being launched this month without an ANCAP safety rating, and while it has a five-star crash test result from Indian safety authority Bharat NCAP, the automaker confirmed that the vehicle landing in showrooms from July 4 doesn't meet the new 2026 ANCAP requirements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "We actually need to make a few adjustments to the vehicles to meet the new protocols," said Mahindra Australia marketing boss James Halliwell during a media briefing. While he didn't disclose the changes, when asked by CarExpert if meeting the new protocols will push up the price of the XUV 3XO, Mr Arolkar replied: "My guess is yes". "Obviously there's going to be changes which require investments on the product – and I'm not completely on with it in terms of the changes from a material cost perspective – but just in terms of investments required, yes." "I'm not planning to elaborate on that – it's still a work in progress; we'll come back to you on that." Therefore the price of the XUV 3XO could eclipse that of the model it replaced as Australia's cheapest SUV in the country, the Chery Tiggo 4, which has the same $23,990 drive-away price as the Mahindra once the latter's introductory pricing ends on August 31. The Tiggo 4 is at an advantage as it has both its $23,990 price and also a five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved in 2023. "The current [XUV 3XO] car is not ANCAP [rated] – the new developments which are happening on our entire portfolio for Australia are in the light of the 2026 norms," Mr Arolkar said. "We are evaluating all the new [Mahindra] products in the light of the 2026 ANCAP norms, because it's very important for us to be up-to-date." Mahindra has developed its own crash lab in India, a market in which safety has often taken a back seat to price, with a heavy investment to create models that meet global safety requirements. "The Mahindra XUV 3XO is entering a very competitive segment with a competitive price tag, and while some may suggest safety isn't important for the smaller end of the market, in fact the opposite is true," ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg told CarExpert. "It is positive to hear Mahindra are working to bring safety improvements to their future model lineup, but consumers should be aware that – until independent safety testing is undertaken – the safety performance of any new model arriving in our market is unknown." The range-wide push for five-star safety ratings in 2026 comes after the brand was caught short with a zero-star ANCAP rating on its Scorpio off-road SUV in 2023. The Scorpio has since been joined in local Mahindra showrooms by the XUV700 mid-size SUV – which like the 3XO is not ANCAP-rated – with the Pik-Up S10 dropped after it didn't meet new side-impact safety regulations introduced in late 2022. A new Pik-up is due in local showrooms in 2026 with a keen focus from Mahindra on obtaining a five-star rating, given the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and other utes currently boast five-star ANCAP ratings . Mr Halliwell said the XUV 3XO landing in local dealers this month is still a safe vehicle, and Mahindra previously said it was designed for 'real world safety' instead of ANCAP requirements. "Given the new protocol is not very far away, there's no point in launching a vehicle with [all of] the testing [carried out] and spending a whole bunch of money on the current [ANCAP] standard when it's changing in six months' time." The XUV 3XO is a critical new model for Mahindra, which it predicts will be its best-selling model in Australia given the size of the small SUV segment here. The changes to ANCAP's new protocols for 2026 include new three-year cycles between changing testing requirements, as well as a new moving object test. "The moving object test in Australia is a very critical one for safety globally, because not only are you protecting your occupants – which we've always done – you now need to show the adverse impact on the object that you're hitting," Mr Halliwell said. "Designing a vehicle to meet those two requirements is almost contradictory in its engineering." MORE: Explore the Mahindra showroom Content originally sourced from:
