Mahindra has over 1.43 lakh SUVs yet to be delivered, as of July 1, 2022. This figure is just for four of its models, the XUV700, XUV300, the Thar and the Bolero, and is expected to rise significantly as the brand prepares to open bookings for the all-new Scorpio N from July 30.
Chip shortage a key reason for delays
Mahindra offers advanced tech like AdrenoX infotainment and ADAS in the XUV700 which requires many chips. The semiconductor shortage is leading to production delays for features like these resulting in longer waiting periods. The XUV700, XUV300, Thar and the Bolero cumulatively add up to 1,35,000 bookings, with the remaining number comprising other models from the M&M stable.
XUV700 waiting period stretches to 2024
The flagship XUV700, launched in August 2021, currently has the maximum bookings – 80,000 units – and is averaging 9,800 bookings a month. The XUV700 is available with both petrol and diesel engine options and comes with a host of advanced technology features, with ADAS being the key highlight. The Visteon-developed 10.25-inch multi-information display has proved to be a winner, in terms of wooing new-gen tech-savvy customers, with its 60 connected-car features. Some dealers tell us that units booked now can be delivered by 2024, depending on variant and location.
Since launch, the XUV700 – which comes in two trim series, MX and AX, and in 5- and 7-seater configurations, resulting in a total of 23 variants – has gone home to 35,824 customers till end-May 2022. That the XUV700 would be a winner was known within the first two days of its bookings, which saw 50,000 units, worth Rs 9,500 crore in ex-showroom value, being booked.
Over 26,000 units of the Thar yet to be delivered
Next in terms of unfulfilled bookings is the Mahindra Thar, with 26,000 units pending delivery. First revealed on August 15, 2020, and launched on October 2 that year, the new Thar has proven to be among the growth drivers for the company. A sub-Rs 10 lakh starting price helped the new Thar draw a new section of buyers and the first two weeks after launch saw it get over 15,000 bookings. Till end-May 2022, the SUV sold a total of 58,391 units, with 14,186 units in FY2021, 37,844 units in FY2022 and 6,361 units in April-May 2022.
Bolero still popular with 15,000 unit delivery backlog
The Bolero, Mahindra’s hardy workhorse and a powerhouse of its sales for over two decades, is No. 3 on the list, with 15,000 units awaiting delivery. The introduction of the Bolero Neo in July last year has also revved up demand for the Bolero brand.
XUV300 has a 14,000 unit delivery backlog
The popular XUV300, which has 14,000 units yet to be delivered, has seen sustained demand since launch on February 14, 2019, and has, till end-May 2022, sold a total of 1,42,264 units. Within 11 months of launch, the XUV300 clocked volumes of over 40,000 units, seeing strong demand come its way from the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine option. The strong demand pushed M&M to quickly introduce an AMT on the diesel variant in July 2019. Subsequently, the company first upgraded the petrol to BS6 emission norms and in February 2021, introduced an AMT on the 109hp, 200Nm petrol motor, along with enhanced connectivity.
Scorpio N bookings to commence on July 30
The latest Mahindra SUV that will up its ante is the Scorpio N. Its prices start at Rs 11.99 lakh for the entry-level petrol MT and go up to Rs 19.49 lakh for the top-spec diesel-MT variant (ex-showroom, India). Prices of the automatic, 4X4 and six-seater variants will be announced on July 21. Bookings for the model are set to officially open on July 30.
All-electric Mahindra SUVs on the way
Mahindra will introduce its direct rival to the popular Nexon EV, the XUV400 EV, in September this year. The brand is also working on a slew of 'Born electric' SUVs. These future models will be previewed in concept form on August 15, 2022.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
