Lanka a major market in SAARC region

by L.S.A. Wedaarachchi

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, the flagship company of the Mahindra Group in India considers Sri Lanka as one of the major markets in the SAARC region. Mahindra is a leading manufacturer of multi utility vehicles and key sectors such as infrastructure, information technology and financial services.

Executive Vice President automotive sector, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Pravin N. Shah told the "Sunday Observer" that the booming economy of 8 percent national growth in Sri Lanka encourages them to work vigorously with Sri Lanka.

"Sri Lanka is a mature market and the all new "Scorpio" and pickup will provide us the perfect platform to further M & M customer centric growth in the region, Shah said.

M & M Ltd launched the all new 'Scorpio' and Scorpio Pickup at the Auto Show India at the BMICH recently. It was part of a series of global launches of Bolero vehicles.

Emphasising the importance of Sri Lanka's market Shah said that they are determined to improve their market share in Sri Lanka, the most important and one of the biggest markets in the SAARC region.

"We seriously study the special requirements of the markets. After we study the type of the products required by the market utility of the products, we pass on the information to the product Development Department. The Bolero cargo vehicles launched in Sri Lanka recently are being developed according to the country's market requirements, he said.

The General Sales Company is the exclusive distributor for Mahindra vehicles in Sri Lanka.

"The 'Scorpio' is a direct result of the innovative integrated design and manufacturing (IDMA) process where Mahindra tied up with global automotive suppliers at an early stage for concurrent design and development. These partners include Lear-USA, Visteon USA, Dana USA, Behr - Germany, Bosch -Germany, Borgwarner USA, Fuji - Japan and Sylea France. Mahindra Scorpio offers Sri Lankan customers a true internationally manufactured world-class product, he said.

"Stylish and rugged, the Mahindra range of vehicles are a perfect fit for the market, in terms of market maturity and geography. The Sri Lankan terrain is very similar to that of India, he said.

The US$3 billion Mahindra group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. It is the only Indian company among the top five tractor manufacturers in the world and is the market leader in multi utility vehicles in India. It plays a leading role in key sectors of the Indian economy including trade and financial services, automotive components information technology, telecom and infrastructure development.

Having around 60 years of manufacturing experience the Mahindra group has built a strong base in technology, engineering, marketing and distribution. The Group employs around 30,000 people and has eight state-of-the art manufacturing facilities in India. The Mahindra group has ambitious global aspirations and has a presence in 20 countries spread across four continents. Chairman General Sales Chandra Senanayake was also present.