M&M set to launch utility vehicle Quanto

India’s auto major Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) is likely to launch its compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Quanto on September 20.

“The company is expecting volumes to be around 1,500 to 2, 000 units per month to start with.  Capacity won’t be a constraint because it could come up on the same line as Scorpio and Xylo. We will have flexibility on what we can produce. It is very unlikely that we will run out of capacity,” M&M president, Automotive and Farm Equipment sectors  Pawan Goenka said on the sidelines of SIAM meet.

When asked about the pricing of the Quanto, Goenka said, “I cannot say now but expectation should be realistic as it is not a small hatchback. It is after all a sports utility vehicle (SUV).”

Trade analysts, who refer to the yet to be launched Quanto as the mini Xylo without putting a number to it, expect the pricing of the vehicle to be very competitive as it would be competing in a already very crowded market.

Regarding M&M’s foray into Russian markets, Goenka said a decision would be taken in the next six months, but the launch of its vehicle would take place in the next two years.

He said the company is discussing different aspects regarding its Russia launch and added, “We are studying the market as to whether we should start with a manufacturing facility or by selling the vehicles as  completely built unit (CBU).”

About the XUV 500 model, he said the company has pending order of 15,000 units which would be cleared by November.