Mahindra launches Genio

Mahindra & Mahindra, the market leader in utility vehicles, today launched the Genio, a pick-up vehicle based on the Xylo model, with an introductory price tag of Rs 4.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Navi Mumbai) for the Bharat Stage (BS) III variant. A BSIV variant will cost an additional Rs 15,000-16,000 in areas where new emission norms are in place, according to M&M executives.

Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive (automotive division) M&M said, “The size of the pick-up industry is more than 6,500 vehicles per month. The segment saw a subdued growth of around 5 per cent last year, owing mainly to the lack of new launches. The Genio should be able to address the needs of customers like small businessmen.”

 

The Genio, a commercial vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 1275 kg, has been developed to cater to small and medium business transportation needs. M&M spent Rs 100 crore on developing the vehicle, while an additional Rs 125 crore was spent on tuning the manufacturing facility at Chakan, Pune.

The Genio is powered by a 2.5-litre CRDe diesel engine, which produces peak power of 75bhp. The vehicle boasts of a top speed of 120 kmph. In the first phase, it will be available in 70 outlets, and will be introduced across the country from mid-February.

The commercial vehicle pick-up market is about 85,000 units per year, and M&M, with the Bolero pick-up, has a market share of 70 per cent. Tata Motors, India’s third-largest passenger car maker, also shares the pick-up space with its TL pick-up.

M&M will launch a double cab version of the Genio, with a second row of seats, in the coming days.