#AutoExpo2018: Mahindra showcases its vision of the future of mobility

Greater Noida: The Mahindra pavilion has a slew of electric, hybrid concepts and production cars at the Auto Expo 2018. Following the company’s new ‘3Cs’ philosophy of Clean, Connected and Convenient, Mahindra unveiled its plans to shape the ‘Future Of Mobility’. Unveiled at the Auto Expo were the Mahindra UDO, ATOM and the e-KUV100.

The Mahindra UDO is a concept electric mobility pod, designed to address the urban issues of congestion and vehicular pollution. The concept is designed as a complete mobility solution, and also features a “fitness” feature in the form of a ‘smart cycling’ system, which recharges the batteries as the driver uses the pedals. While the UDO is a far fetched concept, it does show Mahindra’s initiatives toward an all electric future. A step towards the same is the e-KUV100, an electric version of Mahindra’s existing KUV100. The e-KUV boasts a range of over 140 kms, and promises to offer ease of driving with its automatic transmission. Its small dimensions are ideal for city driving, while its SUV-like styling stays true to Mahindra’s roots.

Also on display was the Mahindra-badged SsangYong G4 Rexton, which has already been launched globally. The Rexton will be sold in India under Mahindra’s badge, and will be launched with a different brand name. The latest SUV from the Mahindra stable will be powered by a 2.2L engine which produces 178 BHP and 420 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. Expect the rebadged Rexton to be launched in India later this year, with a long feature list that will help it compete with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.

The star of Mahindra’s display pavilion has to be the TUV Stinger, a futuristic concept that is based on the TUV300. The Stinger is a convertible SUV, and a first of its kind concept from an Indian manufacturer. Powered by one of Mahindra’s mHawk engine’s, the Stinger makes 140 BHP and 320 Nm of torque. While no concrete details were given on how the folding roof will work, the Stinger is an ambitious concept that showcases Mahindra’s capabilities in terms of design. Although the TUV Stinger will probably never be put into production, design elements from the concept could make its way into Mahindra’s lineup in the future.