MNAL to launch heavy commercial vehicles by end-2009

Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to challenge the domination of Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland in the 16.6-tonne and above heavy commercial vehicles segment. By the end of this year, M&M will launch its own 16-44 tonne trucks (which will be manufactured near Pune), thus taking on Tata Motors and ALL, which together sold close to 80,000 units last year and which currently have a market share of over 90% in this segment.

M&M will launch its heavy commercial vehicles via its joint venture company, Mahindra Navistar Automotive Ltd. (MNAL). M&M holds a 51% stake in this company, which was set up in a joint venture with Navistar International Corporation (one of North America’s biggest commercial vehicle manufacturers) in 2005.

MNAL will kick off its heavy commercial vehicles venture in India by end-2009, starting with an annual capacity of around 50,000 units. Along with Tata Motors and ALL, MNAL will also have to contend with Eicher Motors, Asia Motor Works, Volvo, Tatra Vectra Motors and Mercedes Benz, all of whom are also present in the heavy commercial vehicles segment in the country.

Source: www.mycarqna.com