Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) launched its Gio compact truck in Mumbai on October 28 priced at Rs 1.65 lakh. The company says it has positioned this new model between the three-wheeler and mini- truck segments and hopes to create a new segment by appealing to buyers in both segments with the Gio.

The Gio, developed by M&M with some outside help, at a cost of just Rs 25 crore, has a payload capacity of upto 500kg. It is powered by a 9bhp diesel engine supplied by Kohler, while the gearbox is an all-new Mahindra design. The company says that while the Gio is based on an all-new platform, it uses about 50 percent of the parts from its current Alfa three-wheeler platform. It is claimed to offer fuel economy of 27kpl and is ideal for intra-city transport of goods. M&M says the Gio has an ergonomic design and will offer ‘car-like’ comfort to this segment for the first time and meets the relevant crash and safety norms. The vehicle has been tested and validated over 100,000km to ensure its reliability.

According to Dr Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive Sector, M&M, “The Gio is the first of its kind entry level four-wheel cargo vehicle and is all set to change the dynamics of the small CV segment. As city limits gradually expand and distribution needs increase, the Gio presents a high earning potential for customers who will benefit from its high mileage, low maintenance cost, optimum utilisation of space and low acquisition cost.”

The Gio will be made at the Haridwar plant and has an initial production capacity of 20,000 units per annum which will be increased to 30,000 units per annum in the future. M&M is launching it in a phased manner across the country.

29/10/2009