Besides producing Roxor off-roader at 150,000 sq ft vehicle plant, Mahindra is in contention for designing and producing mail carrier for US Postal Service
India’s largest UV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra has promising future plans for the US market and its strategy has been nothing but different. Mahindra is investing heavily in Detroit, the then automotive hub long been used by the giants in the industry.
Opening its assembly plant meant Mahindra became the first non-domestic brand since Mazda in 1987 to have reinvigorated the colossal place that was steeped in American auto history. While other foreign companies enjoy huge incentives in setting up greenfield plants, Mahindra’s North American division is investing $230 million (around Rs. 1,600 crore).
Also Read: Mahindra Roxor Off-Roader Finally Revealed In The US
It is shared between three Michigan areas: a vehicle assembly unit in Auburn Hills; a warehouse and logistics centre in Pontiac and a prototype and engineering operation in Troy. The recently unveiled Roxor off-roader will be produced at the 150,000 sq ft vehicle plant, amidst Mahindra being in contention to grab $6 billion contract for designing and producing mail carrier for US Postal Service.
With a long-term vision for Detroit, Mahindra will use its production, development and supply chain facilities to expand its footprint into other segments in the US. The subsequent projects will give rise to additional 400 jobs with investment of $600 million.
Also Read: Mahindra Roxor Off-Road SUV Image Gallery
Mahindra received $800,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant along with $1 million in job training costs that is split between the state and Oakland Community College. Mahindra’s managing Director Pawan Goenka said the idea for a retro off-roader came into existence due to his brand’s engineering and prototyping centre in Detroit.
The sales performance of the Roxor will decide how far Mahindra will expand its plans for future in the US. Coming under the category of ‘off-highway’ vehicle, the Roxor features a muscular front end with vintage grille slats and flared wheel arches complementing the boxy design with round headlights.
It will compete against Polaris RZR ATV and Kawasaki Mule Pro and encouragingly has had good initial reviews. Constructed on a steel frame, the Roxor takes power from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine making 64 hp and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It gets four-wheel-drive system as standard and has top speed limited to just 72 kmph as it is positioned as in off-highway class.
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