Chinese carmaker push opens global doors for Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra is set to expand into South Africa, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America, including Brazil, using new pickup trucks and passenger vehicles. Automotive division CEO Nalinikanth Gollagunta told livemint.com that the rapid expansion of Chinese carmakers in established markets has made consumers more open to newer brands, softening the ground for Mahindra.

Improved safety ratings and a cleaner powertrain portfolio now allow Mahindra to meet fuel efficiency norms and sell both EVs and ICE vehicles in markets previously out of reach. Gollagunta said success of Chinese brands in a market signals consumer willingness to consider newer carmakers. The company is relying on products like the Scorpio Lifestyler pickup and EVs such as the BE 6 and XEV 9e, rather than acquisitions or joint ventures.

Mahindra had exited several international businesses over the past five years to trim losses. Gollagunta said the company will study each market extensively before committing to launch and scale. The company plans to leverage India's free trade agreement with the UK for exports.