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Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, part of the diversified Mahindra Group, joined hands with Ideal Motors in Sri Lanka to underscore the importance of the island to its global strategic growth plans, with an automotive assembly plant inaugurated in Welipenna recently.
Mahindra has had a strong presence in Sri Lanka for over two decades, dominating the pick-up segment in the country with its popular Bolero range, automobiles and tractors and will now assemble the KUV100 mini-SUV at its plant in Welipenna. The KUV 100, which is produced with 30% local value addition including its seats, tyres and exhaust system, will be marketed locally, with the potential for it to be exported at a later date based on performance.
Mahindra also has a range of electric vehicles, with over 80 units of the E2O small electric car already sold in Sri Lanka. The company recently brought its commercial three-wheeled electric vehicle, Treo, into Sri Lanka and it is currently undergoing testing on local roads.
The KUV 1OO, which will be manufactured in Sri Lanka to suit global requirements, is also exported by Mahindra to Europe, Chile, Tunisia and South Africa, and will be serviced by a network of over 100 touch points island-wide. Currently, the company, together with Ideal Motors, enjoys over 75,000 users island-wide. Mahindra and Mahindra says it is looking to increase local content for the production of the KUV 1OO and that will also reduce shipping from India.
Mahindra also manufactures and distributes the Swaraj brand of tractors in Sri Lanka, while the Mahindra family of tractors holds the distinction of being the largest in the world in terms of units sold by focusing on smallholder farmers. With motorcars, the company says its purpose is to build great affordable SUVs, adding that looking ahead, Mahindra will launch more ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ products of global standard using its Welipenna plant while generating new employment and technology opportunities.
