Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s leading automotive majors, showcased the Scorpio Hybrid Diesel SUV at SAE Detroit 2008. Mahindra’s Sustainable Mobility Solutions illustrate M&M’s commitment to the research, product development and advancement of the most cutting-edge technologies to bring about a cleaner and greener future.

Pollution related health concerns, global warming, climate change and energy security concerns related to the depletion and distribution of non-renewable conventional fuel options have pushed alternate energy and propulsion technologies to the forefront of national agendas. Mahindra has worked sustainable solutions into its long term product plan. These solutions reduce pollution and can be found from renewable sources; this is the future of transportation.

'Our eco-friendly vehicles are proof of our commitment to a cleaner environment, fuel efficiency, and emphasis on customer satisfaction. Mahindra’s range of driveable diesel Hybrid SUVs are well suited for the dense traffic conditions and driving habits of our customers,' emphasized Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., commented that, 'The Hybrids will be first introduced in the Indian market and later in other markets depending on customer demand. Hybrid vehicles are our near-term solution to reducing pollution and fuel consumption. We have already integrated these technologies into our research, development, and commercialization plans to mitigate GHG and CO2 challenges'.

'Advancing the latest high-tech, cutting-edge technologies in the world and combining this with India’s engineering know-how, agility and low-cost manufacturing capabilities, we are positioned to be the alternate powertrain and sustainable mobility solutions leader for the mass markets not only in India, but the world,' commented Dr. Arun Jaura, Group Chief Technology Officer of M&M.

Mahindra’s Sustainable Mobility Solutions Program

Utilizing domestic and international strategic partnerships, Mahindra’s 1200 strong R&D team works to bring the most advanced and futuristic technologies to India. Covering a wide range of advanced powertrain solutions, Mahindra is working on different platforms of driveable full hybrid vehicles, micro (start/stop) hybrid vehicles, bio-fuel vehicles, an electric passenger vehicle, a hydrogen combustion engine vehicle and many recyclable materials and reusable technologies.

M&M’s hybrid vehicles combine the best features of internal combustion engine and electric vehicle technologies to bring forth vehicles with incredible fuel economies with no sacrifice in performance. Advanced vehicle controller technology in both the parallel and micro hybrid options are set to give the Indian driver the best drive using minimal fuel, which results in less cost to the consumer. A fleet of full, parallel hybrid vehicles are being tested and the micro hybrid will be launched before the monsoon of 2008. The full parallel Hybrids have been developed in partnership with FEV and other subsystem suppliers. 'FEV has been a very receptive and experienced partner in the programme and is known for their HEV work across the globe', said Dr. Jaura.

As a part of the Sustainable Mobility Solutions Program, M&M has been successful in developing the hydrogen-powered Alfa 3-wheeler cargo vehicle. The first of its kind in the world, the Hy-Alfa runs on compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with near zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive and ride for everyone on crowded city roads. Mahindra’s everyday endeavour is to smartly steer its products and future developments in the near short-term and long-term towards sustainability, focusing on end-of-life and optimizing product life cycles.