Mahindra Unveils Vision Thar.e Concept, Global Pick-Up Truck And A Global Tractor Model

Mahindra Unveils Vision Thar.e Concept, Global Pick-Up Truck And A Global Tractor Model

Mahindra Electric Automobiles Limited (MEAL), a newly set-up subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled a powerful and distinctive new visual identity for its forthcoming range of Born Electric Vehicles in an event held in Cape Town, South AFrica. The company has done so in the form of 'Vision Thar.e', an electric SUV concept that has been developed grounds up. 

Not an electric version of the Thar SUV with ICE that Mahindra sells currently, the 'Vision Thar.e' is a basis for a five-door e-SUV based on a new platform called the INGLO-P1. Offering a high ground clearance and superior off-road capability, the e-SUV born out of the concept is expected to have a strong supply of torque and power for powerful performance under diverse conditions including an ability to tow. 

In what could be termed as an unusual approach, an e-SUV that will be born from the ‘Vision Thar.e’ concept would have 75 sounds right from the opening of the door to the use of different modes, conceived masterfully in collaboration with music maestro and Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri recipient, AR Rahman. Mahindra & Mahindra has also collaborated with Dolby Laboratories to this effect. 

Symbolising a blend of revolutionary engineering, cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility, the e-SUV – a modular construction that would use fabrics made of 50 percent recycled PET and carry a commitment to uncoated recyclable plastics – would encapsulate Mahindra's ambition to lead in the electric vehicle revolution, providing a clear and unique value proposition for modern, eco-conscious consumers. The Vision Thar.e-based e-SUV is expected to be launched in 2025. 

At the event held in Cape Town, South Africa, Mahindra & Mahindra also unveiled the Global Pik Up concept that is expected to fill into the shoes of the Scorop Getaway pick-up truck that was briefly sold in India and found a calling in various markets of the world such as Austalia and South Africa. 

The vehicle is based on the tough and versatile new generation ladder frame platform that is claimed to be currently doing duty on the Scorpio N. Crafted with a focus on toughness, versatility and capability, the pick-up truck will have Level-2 ADAS, immersive infotainment and more. 

Scoring high on safety with a 5-Star rating and having Trailer Sway Mitigation, All-Around Airbag Protection, and Driver Behaviour Monitoring, the pick-up truck with macho looks will employ an intelligent 4Xplore four-wheel-drive system. Featuring premium audio system, 5G Connectivity, a single-pane sunroof and a semi-auto parking, the pick-up truck will be powered by a 172 bhp, 2.2-turbodiesel engine coupled to a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto transmission. A petrol engine is also expected to be on offer as the vehicle nears commercial introduction. The company is expected to sell it in the ASEAN, Australian, South African markets among others. In India, the pick-up truck would compete with the Toyota Hi-Lux and Isuzu V-Cross. 

The Ojas tractor that Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled at the Cape Town function marks a future ready range of Global Light Weight 4WD Tractors developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Mahindra Agriculture Machinery, Japan. Made in India and to be sold in various markets of the world, the tractor will come in seven variants. It will have first-in-category technology features based on Three Technology Packs – MYOJA (Intelligence Pack), PROJA (Productivity Pack) and ROBOJA (Automation Pack).  

Priced INR 564,500 (Pune) for the OJA 2127 and INR 735,000 (Pune) for the OJA 3140, the 4WD tractor line-up, positioned as Sub Compact, Compact and Small Utility platform, will have a power range from 20 hp to 40 hp. Alongside the introduction of the OJA range, Mahindra will enhance its network of over 1100 channel partners to enhance customer experience. The tractor line up will be made at Mahindra’s Zaheerabad plant in Telangana. 

Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Variant Now Gets L2 ADAS Tech, New Z8T Variant Launched At INR 2.02 Million

Mahindra Scorpio-N ADAS

Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has upgraded its popular offering, the Scorpio-N Z8L variant, with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech.

This will see the Scorpio-N Z8L variant coming with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist features.

The ADAS tech will further enhance safety quotient for the Scorpion-N with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs.

Furthermore, the company has also expanded the Scorpio-N line-up with the introduction of the Z8T variant at INR 2.02 million. The new variant will sit between the Z8 and Z8L variants. It comes with a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Maruti Suzuki India Clocks New Milestone Of Servicing 2.45 Million Vehicles In A Month

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new milestone in its aftersales service. The company recorded servicing (free and paid) over 2.45 million vehicles in May, the highest in a single month in its history.

The feat was achieved through the company’s vast network of over 5,400 service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is the first time in the company’s history that we have serviced over 24.5 lakh vehicles in a month, an achievement that reflects scale, depth, and efficiency of the service network. It is a result of the tireless efforts of our service teams and dealer partners across the country.”

“Good quality aftersales service is critical to maintain vehicle health, leading to a delightful car ownership experience and strengthen customer retention. Even before we started mass sales of vehicles in India, our focus was on building a robust service network, a foundation that continues to support us as we expand our business further. Going forward, we aim to expand our service touchpoints to 8,000 by FY 2030-31 and introduce innovative formats to cater to the requirements of diverse customer needs. This will help in our EV launch as well. We are preparing 1,500 EV enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities with specially trained manpower and special equipment to extend all EV related support to our customers,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki India has through its dealer partners introduced several innovative and industry-first service formats, to address the smallest query to full-car service needs ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar workshops to mobile workshops. Over the years, it has also created a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) to provide emergency on-road assistance across the country.

 

Mercedes-Benz India Appoints Brendon Sissing As New VP Of Sales And Marketing

Brendon Sissing

Mercedes-Benz India, the German luxury car brand, has announced a significant organisational change, effective from 1 August 2025, with the appointment of Brendon Sissing as the new Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He will take over from Lance Bennett, who has moved to Mercedes-Benz Middle East as their Chief Financial Officer.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to welcome Brendon Sissing as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India. Brendon takes over the responsibility from Lance Bennett, who has joined Mercedes-Benz Middle East as the CFO. Brendon brings rich experience from the world of financing and insurance, as he successfully steered Mercedes-Benz Financial Service India, doubling its portfolio, driving record profit and business transformation, while elevating the integrated customer journey. We are confident Brendon will continue the growth momentum of Mercedes-Benz in this highly diverse and dynamic Indian luxury car market. We thank Lance for his immense contribution and wish them both, the very best in their respective new roles."

Brendon Sissing previously served as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India, where he was instrumental in doubling the company's portfolio and achieving record profits. He is recognised for his strong advocacy of digital transformation and risk management, leveraging his expertise in credit risk to drive operational excellence. He has extensive experience within the Mercedes-Benz group, having worked with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leading Credit Operations in both markets. He also held roles in Credit Underwriting and Key Accounts at Daimler Mobility, Stuttgart, before joining Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India in 2022.

The German brand stated that under Sissing's leadership, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India significantly enhanced customer journeys through integrated online and offline platforms. He is also noted for his passion for coaching and mentoring, fostering high-performing team environments. Sissing holds a B. Tech degree in Cost & Management Accounting from Technikon Pretoria, South Africa and a Diploma in Credit Management from the Institute of Credit Management. He is also a founding member of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, established in 2012.

A South African national, Sissing has worked in various international locations, including Malaysia, South Africa, Germany and India.

Honda Launches Sporty New Variant of City Sedan At INR 1.48 Million

Honda City Sport

Honda Cars India has launched a new variant of its popular mid-size sedan, the Honda City Sport, adding a dynamic and youthful edge to the City line-up. Priced at INR 1.48 million (ex-showroom, Delhi), the City Sport is positioned as a limited-edition offering designed to appeal to style-conscious, spirited drivers.

The new variant will be exclusively available with a CVT automatic transmission and is offered in three colour options — Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Sporting a blacked-out exterior theme, the car features a Sporty Black Grille, Glossy Black Shark Fin Antenna, Trunk Lip Spoiler and multi-spoke grey alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment with red stitching, leather seats and ambient lighting for a premium, performance-inspired feel.

Under the hood, it retains the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl. The model also comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling.”

The City Sport is being positioned as a limited-unit, exclusive edition for customers seeking distinction in both design and driving dynamics.