Mahindra Scorpio Suv & Pik-up Range Launched in Brazil

Commences second Assembly operations abroad

January 24, 2008

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), India’s leading automotive brand with a growing global presence, today announced the launch of the Mahindra Scorpio SUV and its Pik-Up range (Single and Double cab) in Brazil, in partnership with Bramont-Montadora Industrial e Comercial de Veiculos Ltda.

A special state-of-the-art facility has been set up to assemble the vehicles with an annual capacity of 5,000. Body assembly will be undertaken by Usiparts, a Usiminas System company, while the chassis, suspension and engine (power-train) will be assembled by Bramont at its plant in Manaus (AM).

Speaking at the eve of launch, Mr. Pravin Shah, Executive Vice President, International Operations, said “Mahindra has carved a distinct niche for itself in markets across the globe with its unique combination of rugged utility and style. The Brazilian economy and automotive industry is highly evolved and has strategic importance for Mahindra. This is the first assembly facility in South America for the Mahindra Scorpio platform and helps consolidate our presence in the Mercosur region. Our partner Bramont has a professionally managed network of dealers which will ensure our success in the competitive Brazilian market.

Elaborating on Bramont’s association with M&M to launch the Scorpio in Brazil, Mr. Eduardo de Castro, Chairman, Bramont said, “It is an honour for us to represent Mahindra in the fifth largest market in the world. Launching the Mahindra Scorpio in the Brazilian market is in tune with our objective of offering the customer world-class vehicles. We believe that the Mahindra Scorpio offers a strong value proposition that will make it a preferred vehicle in this market.”

The models introduced in the Brazilian market are powered by the 2.6 litre Mahindra Common Rail engine that delivers 110 hp. The models are available with 4X2 and 4X4 electronic shift on the fly and the engine conforms to Euro III emission norms. From 2009, Mahindra vehicles will be offered with a Euro IV compliant engine.

"We intend to provide the market with vehicles incorporating quality and technology of an international standard, offering customers a strong value for money proposition, Given the company’s strong track record, Mahindra vehicles will be able to compete successfully in the Brazilian 4x4 diesel utility segment. “ said Mr. Jose Francisco de Oliveira Neto, General Manager of Bramont.”

Since its launch, the Mahindra Scorpio has not only emerged as the leader in the UV (Utility Vehicle) segment in India but has also won widespread industry acclaim. It has also won several prestigious awards from the automotive media, including the CNBC Autocar Car of the Year Award, BBC Wheels Best SUV of the Year and Best Car of the Year awards and the BS Motoring Car of the Year Award.

Mahindra & Mahindra has been growing in stature as an international automotive major. Today, M&M has a global footprint with presence in major markets including South Asia, Middle East, Europe where Mahindra Scorpio is known as Mahindra Goa , Africa and in South America, where it is present in Chile and Uruguay. Over the past year, the Scorpio has been successfully launched in several markets, including Australia, Turkey and Ghana. Earlier this month, Mahindra launched the Scorpio SUV in Egypt, marking the commencement of its first assembly operations outside India. As part of its growing global footprint, one of India's favourite SUV is poised to take on the most challenging market, the USA, in 2009.

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