Latest news with #SachinArolkar
The Advertiser
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mahindra studying its first hybrid models
The first hybrid vehicles from Mahindra could be on their way as the Indian automaker looks to capitalise on the increasing popularity of petrol-electric powertrain technology. Mahindra is one of a handful of car manufacturers not to offer a hybrid model anywhere in the world, meaning its Australian arm does not have an 'off-the-shelf' hybrid it can easily add to its local lineup. Two all-electric vehicles (EVs) – the XEV 9e and the Be 6 electric SUVs – were revealed in India last year as part of Mahindra's transition from a commercial vehicle -focused manufacturer to a fully fledged mainstream auto brand. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While these are on the cards for eventual release Down Under, Mahindra Automotive Australia says it is aware of the growth in popularity of hybrids locally, where the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 was Australia's best-selling SUV in 2024 and so far in 2025. "Hybrids are definitely part of what I call 'the study' – I'm calling it the study phase – and I'm just leaving it at that right now for us," Mahindra's head of international operations, Sachin Arolkar, told CarExpert at the recent launch of the petrol-engined Mahindra XUV 3XO – the brand's most compact SUV yet and a challenger to the cut-price Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV. "From a from a powertrain migration perspective, Mahindra has primarily been a diesel [powertrain producer]. From there we added petrol [engines] over the last few years. "Now we have in our priority list moved to the EV phase… [while] not discounting anything else that could come." Sales of new hybrid vehicles increased by 76 per cent in Australia in 2024, and by a further 14.9 per cent in the first half of 2025. In the first six months of this year hybrids accounted for 15 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia, while EVs made up 7.6 per cent (down 0.4 per cent). Hybrid sales have also increased in the world's two largest auto markets – China and the US – and many automakers including Volkswagen (which Mahindra partnered with for its EV tech) as well as Toyota, Honda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have wound back their previously self-imposed deadlines by which to stop selling internal combustion-engined (ICE) vehicles and sell only EVs. Others like Audi have also committed to new development of combustion engines, while many other premium brands are developing V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrains. Mahindra has announced a bold plan to grow its local sales six-fold by 2030 and become a top-15 auto brand in Australia by volume, and to get there it says it will launch at least one new model here annually. The new XUV 3XO – backed by introductory pricing that makes it temporarily Australia's cheapest SUV – sits below the XUV 700 medium SUV and the Scorpio large SUV in Mahindra's local range, and is expected to become the Indian brand's top-seller here. MORE: Mahindra eyes electric cars for Australia MORE: Why Indian giant Mahindra turned to VW to 'jumpstart' electric push Content originally sourced from: The first hybrid vehicles from Mahindra could be on their way as the Indian automaker looks to capitalise on the increasing popularity of petrol-electric powertrain technology. Mahindra is one of a handful of car manufacturers not to offer a hybrid model anywhere in the world, meaning its Australian arm does not have an 'off-the-shelf' hybrid it can easily add to its local lineup. Two all-electric vehicles (EVs) – the XEV 9e and the Be 6 electric SUVs – were revealed in India last year as part of Mahindra's transition from a commercial vehicle -focused manufacturer to a fully fledged mainstream auto brand. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While these are on the cards for eventual release Down Under, Mahindra Automotive Australia says it is aware of the growth in popularity of hybrids locally, where the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 was Australia's best-selling SUV in 2024 and so far in 2025. "Hybrids are definitely part of what I call 'the study' – I'm calling it the study phase – and I'm just leaving it at that right now for us," Mahindra's head of international operations, Sachin Arolkar, told CarExpert at the recent launch of the petrol-engined Mahindra XUV 3XO – the brand's most compact SUV yet and a challenger to the cut-price Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV. "From a from a powertrain migration perspective, Mahindra has primarily been a diesel [powertrain producer]. From there we added petrol [engines] over the last few years. "Now we have in our priority list moved to the EV phase… [while] not discounting anything else that could come." Sales of new hybrid vehicles increased by 76 per cent in Australia in 2024, and by a further 14.9 per cent in the first half of 2025. In the first six months of this year hybrids accounted for 15 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia, while EVs made up 7.6 per cent (down 0.4 per cent). Hybrid sales have also increased in the world's two largest auto markets – China and the US – and many automakers including Volkswagen (which Mahindra partnered with for its EV tech) as well as Toyota, Honda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have wound back their previously self-imposed deadlines by which to stop selling internal combustion-engined (ICE) vehicles and sell only EVs. Others like Audi have also committed to new development of combustion engines, while many other premium brands are developing V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrains. Mahindra has announced a bold plan to grow its local sales six-fold by 2030 and become a top-15 auto brand in Australia by volume, and to get there it says it will launch at least one new model here annually. The new XUV 3XO – backed by introductory pricing that makes it temporarily Australia's cheapest SUV – sits below the XUV 700 medium SUV and the Scorpio large SUV in Mahindra's local range, and is expected to become the Indian brand's top-seller here. MORE: Mahindra eyes electric cars for Australia MORE: Why Indian giant Mahindra turned to VW to 'jumpstart' electric push Content originally sourced from: The first hybrid vehicles from Mahindra could be on their way as the Indian automaker looks to capitalise on the increasing popularity of petrol-electric powertrain technology. Mahindra is one of a handful of car manufacturers not to offer a hybrid model anywhere in the world, meaning its Australian arm does not have an 'off-the-shelf' hybrid it can easily add to its local lineup. Two all-electric vehicles (EVs) – the XEV 9e and the Be 6 electric SUVs – were revealed in India last year as part of Mahindra's transition from a commercial vehicle -focused manufacturer to a fully fledged mainstream auto brand. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While these are on the cards for eventual release Down Under, Mahindra Automotive Australia says it is aware of the growth in popularity of hybrids locally, where the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 was Australia's best-selling SUV in 2024 and so far in 2025. "Hybrids are definitely part of what I call 'the study' – I'm calling it the study phase – and I'm just leaving it at that right now for us," Mahindra's head of international operations, Sachin Arolkar, told CarExpert at the recent launch of the petrol-engined Mahindra XUV 3XO – the brand's most compact SUV yet and a challenger to the cut-price Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV. "From a from a powertrain migration perspective, Mahindra has primarily been a diesel [powertrain producer]. From there we added petrol [engines] over the last few years. "Now we have in our priority list moved to the EV phase… [while] not discounting anything else that could come." Sales of new hybrid vehicles increased by 76 per cent in Australia in 2024, and by a further 14.9 per cent in the first half of 2025. In the first six months of this year hybrids accounted for 15 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia, while EVs made up 7.6 per cent (down 0.4 per cent). Hybrid sales have also increased in the world's two largest auto markets – China and the US – and many automakers including Volkswagen (which Mahindra partnered with for its EV tech) as well as Toyota, Honda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have wound back their previously self-imposed deadlines by which to stop selling internal combustion-engined (ICE) vehicles and sell only EVs. Others like Audi have also committed to new development of combustion engines, while many other premium brands are developing V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrains. Mahindra has announced a bold plan to grow its local sales six-fold by 2030 and become a top-15 auto brand in Australia by volume, and to get there it says it will launch at least one new model here annually. The new XUV 3XO – backed by introductory pricing that makes it temporarily Australia's cheapest SUV – sits below the XUV 700 medium SUV and the Scorpio large SUV in Mahindra's local range, and is expected to become the Indian brand's top-seller here. MORE: Mahindra eyes electric cars for Australia MORE: Why Indian giant Mahindra turned to VW to 'jumpstart' electric push Content originally sourced from: The first hybrid vehicles from Mahindra could be on their way as the Indian automaker looks to capitalise on the increasing popularity of petrol-electric powertrain technology. Mahindra is one of a handful of car manufacturers not to offer a hybrid model anywhere in the world, meaning its Australian arm does not have an 'off-the-shelf' hybrid it can easily add to its local lineup. Two all-electric vehicles (EVs) – the XEV 9e and the Be 6 electric SUVs – were revealed in India last year as part of Mahindra's transition from a commercial vehicle -focused manufacturer to a fully fledged mainstream auto brand. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. While these are on the cards for eventual release Down Under, Mahindra Automotive Australia says it is aware of the growth in popularity of hybrids locally, where the hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 was Australia's best-selling SUV in 2024 and so far in 2025. "Hybrids are definitely part of what I call 'the study' – I'm calling it the study phase – and I'm just leaving it at that right now for us," Mahindra's head of international operations, Sachin Arolkar, told CarExpert at the recent launch of the petrol-engined Mahindra XUV 3XO – the brand's most compact SUV yet and a challenger to the cut-price Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV. "From a from a powertrain migration perspective, Mahindra has primarily been a diesel [powertrain producer]. From there we added petrol [engines] over the last few years. "Now we have in our priority list moved to the EV phase… [while] not discounting anything else that could come." Sales of new hybrid vehicles increased by 76 per cent in Australia in 2024, and by a further 14.9 per cent in the first half of 2025. In the first six months of this year hybrids accounted for 15 per cent of all new vehicle sales in Australia, while EVs made up 7.6 per cent (down 0.4 per cent). Hybrid sales have also increased in the world's two largest auto markets – China and the US – and many automakers including Volkswagen (which Mahindra partnered with for its EV tech) as well as Toyota, Honda, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have wound back their previously self-imposed deadlines by which to stop selling internal combustion-engined (ICE) vehicles and sell only EVs. Others like Audi have also committed to new development of combustion engines, while many other premium brands are developing V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrains. Mahindra has announced a bold plan to grow its local sales six-fold by 2030 and become a top-15 auto brand in Australia by volume, and to get there it says it will launch at least one new model here annually. The new XUV 3XO – backed by introductory pricing that makes it temporarily Australia's cheapest SUV – sits below the XUV 700 medium SUV and the Scorpio large SUV in Mahindra's local range, and is expected to become the Indian brand's top-seller here. MORE: Mahindra eyes electric cars for Australia MORE: Why Indian giant Mahindra turned to VW to 'jumpstart' electric push Content originally sourced from:
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
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mahindra plans Aussie growth after XUV 3XO launch, eyes top 15 carmaker rank by 2030
The Mahindra XUV 3XO was recently launched in Australia Check Offers The Mahindra XUV 3XO has been launched Australia, underscoring its renewed ambitions in one of the world's most competitive SUV markets. The compact SUV, unveiled in Victoria earlier this week, is expected to play a central role in reshaping the brand's image from a rural workhorse to a credible urban SUV contender. According to a report by Mahindra is aiming to break into Australia's Top 15 best-selling car brands by 2030—up from its current 32nd position. The XUV 3XO joins the mid-size XUV700 in Mahindra's local line-up and is positioned to compete in the light SUV segment, currently dominated by the Mazda CX-3. Executives expect the new model to become Mahindra's top-seller in the country and a catalyst for broader brand transformation. Also Read : Mahindra XUV 3XO launched in Australia, available in 2 variants Sevenfold growth and market expansion Mahindra's Australian operations have traditionally remained under the radar, largely due to the company not submitting data to industry-standard VFACTS reports. That changed at the XUV 3XO launch, where executives revealed that the brand sold 4,185 vehicles in the latest Indian financial year (April 2024 to March 2025). This marks a sevenfold increase over its 2022 performance and places Mahindra just behind brands like Chevrolet, Mini, and Skoda. Sachin Arolkar, Head of International Operations, said that while the 2030 target is ambitious, the more immediate goal is to break into the top five within specific segments. 'Being top in light SUVs is a step in the direction of being in the Top 15," he told 'Australia is a strategic market, and we believe we have the right formula for growth here." Rebranding from rural to urban appeal Mahindra is no stranger to the Australian market—it's been present for nearly 20 years—but until recently, its appeal was limited to commercial and rural buyers. Since 2021, the firm has been working actively to reposition itself for younger, urban customers. Neha Anand, Vice President and Head of the XUV brand, said in an interview with Drive that the change was a deliberate one. 'Earlier, Mahindra represented ruggedness and reliability. Today, we need to be tech-conscious, young, and attention-grabbing." Also watch: Mahindra XUV 3XO review: XUV300 reborn with more zeal and style? | Check - Price, Interior, Colours This turnaround is seen in its growing dealer network—70 stores at present, with a further 10 to open over the next five months—and opening a local spare parts warehouse to provide strong aftersales support. Next steps in a competitive landscape Mahindra's Australian range is still modest for the time being. The Scorpio SUV, introduced in 2023, is put on the backburner temporarily because of impending safety regulations imposing autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The Pik-Up ute is out of showroom stands until a new model comes along in 2026, after government changes regarding side-impact crash protection. Still, the company remains optimistic. Arolkar emphasized that Mahindra isn't looking to copy established Japanese, Korean, or Chinese brands, but rather forge its own path. 'We're calling out our own nation in a calibrated way," he said. With a renewed strategy, modern products like the XUV 3XO, and a long-term vision, Mahindra is preparing for a new phase in Australia—one that could finally put it on the mainstream buyer's radar. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 06 Jul 2025, 08:30 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.'
