Mahindra 2-Wheelers have inaugurated a two-wheeler specific research and development (R&D) center in Pune. The company claims this facility is the third largest of its kind in India, set-up with an investment of Rs 90-100 crore. A team of 175 engineers are employed, headed by two-wheeler industry veteran, PS Ashok.
Mahindra 2-Wheelers showcased their air-cooled, single-cylinder and 110cc Stallio commuter bike engine, with a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 300cc engine to be used on the Mojo, along with a Duro DZ scooter that has incorporated micro hybrid technology; engine stops and restarts automatically when stationary for better efficiency.
Mahindra 2-Wheeler’s announced they are working towards re-launch of the withdrawn Stallio motorcycle by the upcoming festive season, while the Mojo motorcycle launch has now been further delayed to Jan-March 2013.
Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, Mahindra Group while disclosing a Rs 20,000 crore revenue target from his two-wheeler business by 2020, shared that this new two-wheeler R&D facility becomes a part of Mahindra’s ‘neural network’ of R&D facilities, that will benefit the company to develop innovative new products. He mentioned Mahindra aims to develop an electric scooter using technology sharing with the M&M owned Reva electric car.
M&M plans to invest a further Rs 500 crore across all R&D facilities in the coming five years.