Pioneers innovative Fuel Smart technology
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has launched the new Maxximo Plus, a technologically advanced 0.85 ton payload mini-truck. Equipped with the pioneering yet simple-to-use Fuel Smart technology, the new Maxximo Plus allows the customer to choose between higher power (26 HP; 19.2 kW) or higher mileage (21.9 KMPL) as and when he needs at the press of a button.
An upgrade over the successful Maxximo launched in January 2010, the Maxximo Plus is attractively priced at Rs. 3.53 lakhs (ex-showroom Chennai).
Apart from the Fuel Smart technology, the new Maxximo Plus adds to the superior value proposition of its predecessor with a longer wheelbase and a stronger 7-leaf rear suspension, which imparts more sturdiness under heavy load & over-rough roads. Critical to commercial vehicle ownership is the operating cost, per ton per kilometer. With the new Maxximo Plus the customer will potentially earn approximately 30 per cent more, per year. This is on account of superior mileage that lowers the fuel cost, a lower maintenance cost and the ability to carry more load with faster turnaround time.
The new vehicle model also comes with a class-leading two-year or 60,000-km warranty, which provides greater peace of mind to the customer. Apart from these significant new advantages, it retains the delight-features which give it the lead in comfort, style & safety. It is available in two attractive shades of Appy Red and Diamond White.
Speaking at the launch event in Mumbai, Mr. Pravin Shah, Chief Executive – Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: “At Mahindra, our endeavour has always been to use Alternative Thinking with deep consumer insight in a bid to provide superior value to our customers. The new Maxximo Plus mini-truck delivers on this endeavour with the pioneering but simple-to-use Fuel Smart technology, superior engine performance and superior load carrying capability. We are sure that the new Maxximo Plus will go a long way in helping our customer prosper in life, which is in keeping with our philosophy of Rise”.
Built at Mahindra’s state-of-the-art Chakan plant in Maharashtra, the Maxximo Plus has undergone rigorous and full test cycle runs and has been validated on all performance, safety and reliability parameters.
During the vehicle launch in Chennai, Mr. Vijay Nakra, Vice President – Sales, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said: “At Mahindra, we aspire to innovate and improve our products in order to help our customers ‘rise’. Since the launch of the Maxximo in January 2010, we’ve sold 1,60,000 units across four variants, with about 22 per cent market share in the relevant segment. We have also been in touch with our customers to get product feedback and identify areas where we could add more value, the result of which is the birth of the Maxximo Plus.”
Maxximo reinforced
Maxximo Plus is the only commercial vehicle in India to be equipped with the innovative but simple-to-use Fuel Smart technology. It allows the driver to choose between more power or more mileage as and when he deems necessary at the press of a switch. In power mode, 26 hp (19.2 kW) of power is made available to the driver. This is useful when the driver needs to carry heavy loads, or when ascending a hill-road or when he needs to deliver goods faster at far away locations.
On switching to Eco mode the driver can enjoy the benefit of better fuel economy (21.9 Kmpl). This is useful when travelling with no-or-light loads on clear or flat roads; or declines / downhill or when not in a hurry; or when stuck in traffic where power is of little use. This ‘power to choose’ between more power and more mileage, in real time as the situation demands, enables the customer to benefit from greater net earnings.
The Maxximo Plus comes with strong seven-leaf rear suspension which allows the customer to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. Along with a larger wheel base of 1950mm this makes the Maxximo Plus sturdier than other mini trucks. The cargo body is redefined and reinforced to make it strong and long-lasting. Further, a large loading area of 35 sq. ft. (3.23 sq. mt.) and 850 kg of rated payload allows the customer to carry a greater load in a single trip enabling him to increase his revenue. In terms of comfort, safety and styling aspects as well, the Maxximo Plus has been highly upgraded from the Maxximo.
M&M realises the importance to the commercial vehicle buyer of a good sales experience. With the launch of the Maxximo Plus, the company has introduced hand-held computer tablets at commercial vehicle showrooms across the country. The tablet runs an application available in multi languages that takes the customer through a simple but informative guide which allows him to select the best Mahindra vehicle suited for his needs.
M&M also believes in taking after-sales service closer to the customer. In the months leading up to the launch of Maxximo Plus, the company has identified and trained over 2,400 local mechanics to service the vehicle. With easier access to service, the Maxximo Plus customer saves on time and minimizes lost-earning by getting his vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible.
Going forward Mahindra will try to enhance the involvement of these trained technicians by driving business to them and by using their services in all promotional activities that the company does jointly with its dealers.