Mahindra launches Alfa Passenger

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), one of India’s leading automotive companies, today unveiled the Alfa Passenger, an ergonomically designed, modern diesel 3 wheeler, which is set to redefine its segment with best-in-class features.
“The new Alfa Passenger 3 wheeler is the first vehicle in its segment which is truly designed and developed by customers. The Alfa is based on extensive customer feedback and incorporates a host of special features which will ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for passengers as well as the driver. In fact, the latter will benefit the most as he often has to drive his vehicle for approximately 200 km a day which can be a very tiring experience,” said Mr. Vivek Nayer, Vice President – Marketing (Auto Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. at the launch of the Alfa Passenger. The Alfa Passenger offers several customer-centric features which add greater value to the vehicle: • Spacious Cabin for both Driver and Passenger: The Alfa’s Spacious Passenger Cabin is its USP over competition. The Floor Panel is 20 per cent larger, while overall height is around 10 per cent more as compared to the competition. This ensures more head room, shoulder room & Leg space for the passenger. The driver also benefits from greater cabin space and more leg room, resulting in a comfortable ride. • Sitting Comfort: Ergonomically designed, best quality non – setting foam material seats provide a greater level of comfort as compared to the PU+PE Material available in vehicles in the same category. • Less Vibration and Low Noise Level: The Engine of the new Alfa has low noise levels and vibrates far less, as compared to the competition due to improved mounting. • Stylish Vehicle: The Alfa Passenger’s stylish, aerodynamic design Strong Superstructure consisting of thick, interconnecting tubes, ensure it stands apart from the crowd. In addition to the above features, the special snorkel allows intake of fresh air to the engine, increasing its life span. The wide wheel base ensures greater vehicle stability, while, the Alfa’s sturdy and durable nature ensures it does not buckle under heavy loads. The Alfa is one of the most successful brands from the commercial vehicle stable of Mahindra & Mahindra and offers features that are best in its class. The Alfa is part of M&M’s leading range of commercial vehicles, which includes successful brands like Alfa Cargo three wheeler and the MaXX Maxi truck. The company will add to this line-up with the forthcoming launch of the CNG and LPG versions of the Alfa in the cargo and Passenger Segments. With annual sales of approximately 2.2 lakh vehicles, the 3 wheeler, 3 seater passenger category is a big potential market and is expected to grow further on account of infrastructure development and increasing transportation needs. The 3 wheeler 3 Seater (passenger) industry grew by 2% in F08 over F07. However, while the petrol segment declined, the diesel segment grew (In which Alfa Passenger has been launched) by 18 per cent YoY. The other major segment contributing to overall growth is the gas segment which grew by 42 per cent YoY. Presently, Diesel sales contribute to around 62 per cent of the total sales of this category, while petrol contributes to 22 per cent and gas (LPG and CNG) contributes to 16 per cent.

Mahindra showcases its eco-footprint at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2008

Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s leading automotive majors, showcased its cutting-edge Sustainable Mobility Solutions Programme at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2008. Mahindra’s Sustainable Mobility Solutions illustrate M&M’s commitment to the research, product development, and advancement of the most cutting-edge technologies to bring about a cleaner and greener future.

Pollution related health concerns, global warming, climate change and energy security concerns related to the depletion and distribution on non-renewable conventional fuel options have pushed alternate energy and propulsion technologies to the forefront of national agendas. Mahindra has worked sustainable solutions into its long term product plan. These solutions reduce pollution and can be found from renewable sources; this is the future of transportation.

“Our eco-friendly vehicles are proof of our commitment to a cleaner environment, fuel efficiency, and emphasis on customer satisfaction. Mahindra’s range of drivable SUV hybrids and biofuel vehicles are well suited for the dense traffic conditions and driving habits of our customers,” noted Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Anand Mahindra.

“Alternate power train vehicles, especially hybrid vehicles are our near-term solution to reducing pollution and fuel consumption. However, zero-emission vehicles such as hydrogen fuel cell and affordable battery electric vehicles are the long-term solution. We have already integrated these technologies into our research, development, and commercialization plans,” emphasized Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector regarding Mahindra’s business strategy for the future.

“M&M’s automotive R&D is a powerhouse of 1200 strong, razor-sharp, passionate, and innovative engineers and technologists. Advancing the latest high-tech, cutting-edge technologies in the world and combining this with India’s engineering know-how, agility, and low-cost manufacturing capabilities, we are positioned to be the alternate powertrain and sustainable mobility solutions leader for the mass markets in not only India, but the world,” commented Dr. Arun Jaura, Senior Vice President, R&D and Global Product Development.

Green Vehicles on display
Utilizing domestic and international strategic partnerships, Mahindra’s 1200 strong R&D team works to bring the most advanced and futuristic technologies to India. Covering a wide range of advanced powertrain solutions, Mahindra is displaying different platforms of drivable full hybrid vehicles, micro (start/stop) hybrid vehicles, bio-fuel vehicles, an electric passenger vehicle, a hydrogen combustion engine vehicle and many recyclable materials and reusable technologies.

B100 and B20 biodiesel vehicles on Scorpio and Bolero platforms were displayed at the Auto Show to illustrate Mahindra’s bio-diesel program. Bio-diesel is derived from renewable plant sources, which can greatly improve energy security and conventional fuel depletion concerns. The organization has an ambitious biofuel programme that has been kick-started by production ready B5 and B10 vehicles.

M&M’s hybrid vehicles combine the best features of internal combustion engine and electric vehicle technologies to bring forth vehicles with incredible fuel economies with no sacrifice in performance. Advanced vehicle controller technology in both the parallel and micro hybrid options are set to give the Indian driver the best drive using minimal fuel, which results in less cost to the consumer. A fleet of full, parallel hybrid vehicles are being tested and the micro hybrid will be launched before monsoon of 2008.

Mahindra’s Sustainable Mobility Solutions Programme
As a part of the Sustainable Mobility Solutions Programme, M&M has been successful in developing the hydrogen-powered Alfa 3-wheeler vehicle. First of its kind in the world, the Hy-Alfa runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas. The Hy-Alfa is incredibly engineered to run with near zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive and ride for everyone on crowded city roads. Mahindra’s everyday endeavor is to smartly steer its products and future developments in the near short-term and long-term towards sustainability, focusing on end-of-life and optimizing product life cycles.

The E-Alfa is also a zero-emission vehicle technology. This electric, battery-powered passenger vehicle offers extended range, and a smooth, silent, and clean drive. It’s a perfect option for short-range in-city driving. Its rugged and state-of-the-art systems provide both on-board and off-board charging capabilities that allow the driver flexibility. Mahindra & Mahindra has also developed end-of-life plans for battery disposal to reduce the negative environmental impacts. The end-of-life plans are part of a larger programme at M&M to increase the use of reusable and recyclable materials in its vehicles.

Robbin Uthappa owns the first Bolero Special Edition

Vivek Nayer, vice-president, marketing, Mahindra and Mahindra, launched the edition by presenting the keys of a special edition Bolero to cricketer Robin Uthappa.

``Robin is a role model for the younger generation. The new Bolero special edition, with its sporty looks, is an apt choice for this dashing cricketer,'' Nayer said on the occasion.

``The Bolero should be a great drive and I am looking forward to drive it both in the city as well as on long road trips,'' said Uthappa.

Specifications : Bolero Special Edition

TOUGH GOES EXCLUSIVE : Bolero Special Edition

Leading automaker Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd Wednesday launched a special edition of its sports utility vehicle Bolero here. The company will sell only 1,000 units of this edition in the country.

The special edition Bolero redefines exclusivity. With interiors that are simply out of the ordinary. Park yourself in bucket seats cocooned by lavish European leather. And black piping running seamlessly along the plush surface. Plug-n-play music from a high-speed USB port. A luxury you won’t find in most vehicles. And to remind you of this brute’s uniqueness, it has ‘Special Edition’ aesthetically embroidered into the seats.

Mahindra Bolero is designed to overwhelm. Its one-of-a-kind Java Brown exterior sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. Specially designed body graphics make the vehicle really hard to miss. And the intimidating front grille is tempered by the trendy wire mesh below. Kind of like a brute in a tuxedo.

The interiors are a perfect complement to the stylish outside. And they’ll make sure you’re nothing less than comfortable. Come what may.