Latest news with #NU_IQ
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mahindra eyes 350-acre land acquisition in Igatpuri
Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to expand its Igatpuri plant in Maharashtra, aiming to address the growing demand. The automaker recently revealed that it has submitted a letter of interest to the Maharashtra government to acquire 350 acres of land in Igatpuri. Mahindra already has manufacturing facilities in Nashik and Igatpuri in Maharashtra, and the additional 350 acres is a part of the UV maker's ecosystem. Mahindra has submitted a letter of interest to the Maharashtra government to acquire 350 acres of land in Igatpuri, close to its manufacturing facilities in the region. New 350-Acre Land Parcel In Igatpuri A PTI report quoted Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra, saying, "We have submitted a letter of interest for 350 acres of land in Igatpuri, which is part of our ecosystem. "The land parcel could be used for multiple things, including setting up a supplier park and anything that we may need more for either Nashik or the Igatpuri plant." Also check these Cars Find more Cars Mahindra BE 6 79 kWh 79 kWh 682 km 682 km ₹ 18.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra XEV 9e 79 kWh 79 kWh 656 km 656 km ₹ 21.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Tata Harrier EV 75 kWh 75 kWh 627 Km 627 Km ₹ 21.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Maruti Suzuki e Vitara 61 kWh 61 kWh 500 km 500 km ₹ 17 - 26 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Hyundai Creta EV 51.4 kWh 51.4 kWh 473 km 473 km ₹ 17.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Tata Curvv EV 55 kWh 55 kWh 502 km 502 km ₹ 17.49 Lakhs Compare View Offers Also Read : What is the Mahindra NU_IQ platform? Here is all you need to know He further stated that the Nashik and Igatpuri plants could benefit from a feeder facility in close proximity. Jejurikar further noted that the acquisition is still in its early stages, and will go through a whole process of due diligence, and then the land purchase approvals. The new Mahindra NU_IQ platform will bring a host of new subcompact and compact SUVs to the markets with both ICE and EV powertrains More SUVs Incoming Mahindra is ruling the utility vehicle segment and is set to further expand its lineup. The carmaker shared its Vision Concepts, previewing models that will arrive from 2027 onwards, and will compete in the subcompact and compact segments. Based on the NU platform, the automaker showcased the Vision S, Vision X, Vision T, and Vision SXT concepts, showcasing future ICE and electric SUVs. The new Mahindra Vision concepts will be developed as global products, including left-hand drive markets. Mahindra further revealed it is looking to expand the production capacity of the Chakan plant by around 2.4 lakh units in the first phase of this year. This will push the auto giant's overall production capacity at the plant up to 7.5-7.6 lakh per year. Mahindra is also looking at setting up an all-new greenfield facility and is exploring locations to increase capacity beyond 2027. The Indian auto giant plans to invest over ₹27,000 crore in its automotive business between FY2025-27. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
News18
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- News18
Mahindra's New Concept SUVs Had Everyone Cracking The Same Morbid Joke. But Why?
Last Updated: Mahindra & Mahindra recently unveiled four concept SUVs - Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.X - built under its all-new NU_IQ platform. Mahindra & Mahindra recently unveiled its new NU_IQ platform aimed at elevating its already robust SUV presence in the country. Promising new design, technology, and performance under the all-new platform, the company showcased its four concept SUVs, namely Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.X. While this event in Mumbai was Mahindra's way of flexing its muscles with rugged SUVs capable of handling rugged terrain offering off-roading capabilities, many on social media wondered if the concept vehicles were to become a reality on Indian roads, they would bring in more reckless drivers to add to the on-going menace caused by the Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) on the Indian roads. But why? Reactions To Mahindra's Concept SUVs I've never seen a vehicle designed so well for running people over mahindra knows its customer base, (sic)" wrote one user on X while responding to the video of the Mahindra concept SUVs unveiled in Mumbai. Presenting, the all-new electric Mahindra Vision. Because the only sound you should hear are their screams." 'Every single touchpoint designed for maximum damage if pedestrians get hit or dividers are rammed into. You truly listen to your costumers, M&M." 'Twitter was scared of Thar. Meanwhile Mahindra- Hold my beer (sic)." 'Another Massive ass vehicle? People could at least survive from Thar with some bruises or fractures. This will definitely show them the end. Is there no regulation on how big you can build a car before it becomes a hazard on the road?" Mahindra Thar Whether you love them or hate them, Mahindra Thars are here to stay. Their iconic boxy and timeless design is synonymous with weekend getaways for off-roading adventures. Tall body language, more than sufficient ground clearance, 4X4 capabilities, and fitted modern technologies have made these rugged vehicles more lucrative than ever. Costing a fraction of world leaders such as the Jeep Wrangler, the Thar is the perfect weekend vehicle to escape the traffic madness of cities. The Bad Rep Mahindra Thar receives its fair share of love from car enthusiasts but also faces criticism for encouraging reckless driving on India's crowded streets. Just peep at some of the headlines of Mahindra Thars involved in incidents below- Mahindra Thar Driver Deliberately Hits Elderly In Reverse Gear After Scooty Collision Drunk Man Drives Thar On Railway Track To Shoot Reel, Gets Stuck As Train Approaches Driver, Not Mahindra Thar According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine cited by Cars 24, the SUV Effect comes into play whenever an individual boards one of these big, chunky vehicles. The study highlights that drivers of large, multi-passenger SUVs often exhibit aggressive and risky driving behaviours compared to those in smaller hatchbacks or sedans. These drivers frequently violate traffic rules, such as ignoring seatbelts, using mobile phones, and running red lights. Akshat Ajeya, citing the study, noted that SUV drivers tend to take unnecessary risks, bully other motorists and pedestrians, and impose dominance. The 'SUV Effect" stems from the vehicle's intimidating size, making other cars seem smaller and harbouring a sense of superiority. The tough image and status associated with SUVs can amplify ego-driven behaviour, with larger vehicles often linked to bigger egos. These vehicles also give a perceived sense of security that the driver would be unharmed in case of an accident or fender bender. In short, blame the driver, not the vehicle. view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 16, 2025, 18:46 IST News explainers Mahindra's New Concept SUVs Had Everyone Cracking The Same Morbid Joke. But Why? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Business Standard
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Mahindra & Mahindra unveils its multi-energy NU_IQ platform
Showcases four SUV concepts to go into production in 2027 on new platform Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled its all-new modular, multi-energy NU_IQ platform that will underpin a new range of disruptive SUVs. The company offered a glimpse of its next-generation products by showcasing four world-beating concepts based on the new platform. The revolutionary NU_IQ platform is the result of innovation born out of Mahindra's strategy in the automotive space by creating products that rewrite the rules of mobility and free consumers from compromises. The manifestation of this vision has been showcased via four world-beating SUV concepts - the Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.X, which address the white spaces while staying true to Mahindra's core attributes of turn-on design - unmissable presence, spirited performance - on-tap power, world-class safety, sci-fi today and tough yet sophisticated. R Velusamy, President - Automotive Business (Designate), Mahindra & Mahindra and Managing Director, Mahindra Electric Automobile, said, NU_IQ is a strategic blueprint for the future of Mahindra SUVs globally. With its modular, multi-energy architecture, it gives us the flexibility to innovate across multiple top hats and powertrains whilst staying true to our SUV DNA. Designed to resolve paradoxes, NU_IQ forms the foundation for our next generation of SUVs. It marks a bold step and the start of a new era that frees customers from compromises and puts truly desirable, premium core SUVs squarely in the mainstream. Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.X, each represent a distinct expression of Mahindra's future-ready NU_IQ platform. These concepts represent Mahindra's commitment to redefining personal, all-terrain mobility for a global audience, combining strong brand heritage with advanced, expressive design. From the Born Iconic spirit of Vision.T and to the Sporty Solidity of Vision.S, and the Sculptural Athleticism of Vision.X, each model is crafted with a clear, unique personality. Developed collaboratively by Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai and Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in Banbury, UK, the four concepts are a testament to the brand's evolving design language, one that balances timeless brand cues with modern, future focused innovation. These concepts, engineered at Mahindra Research Valley, will go into production starting 2027. This bold strategy furthers Mahindra's vision of delivering class-leading, luxury SUVs to a larger audience in India, while redefining the premium SUV experience in global markets, including Left-Hand Drive regions.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
From 30% to all: How Mahindra's NU_IQ targets India's SUV heartland
At its flagship event on August 15, which this time around was deemed as Freedom_NU, Mahindra made a statement that went well beyond concept cars and futuristic slides. The unveiling of the NU_IQ platform was not merely about a new base for vehicles, it was about staking a claim to the next decade of India's SUV market. For a company that has built its identity around 'authentic SUVs," the challenge today is not about preserving the past but ensuring relevance in a market where expectations are shifting rapidly, regulations are tightening, and design is no longer an afterthought. Also check these Cars Find more Cars Mahindra XEV 9e 79 kWh 79 kWh 656 km 656 km ₹ 21.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Mahindra Thar E 75 kWh 75 kWh 400 km 400 km ₹ 25 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra XUV500 2025 2179 cc 2179 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra e20 NXT 15 kWh 15 kWh 140 km 140 km ₹ 6 - 8 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Mahindra Scorpio N 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 13.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Scorpio Classic 2184 cc 2184 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 13.77 Lakhs Compare View Offers It was this sense of transition that Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra, underscored when he reflected on the company's journey. 'A decade ago, we were firefighting. Today, with steady gains and confidence, we can afford to look at the long term," he said. That long-term vision is crystallised in the form of NU_IQ, a modular platform that Mahindra hopes will allow it to reclaim the ground it has ceded for too long. Also Read : What is the Mahindra NU_IQ Platform? Here is all you need to know… From 30% to the rest of the pie India today is the third-largest car market in the world, and SUVs are its driving force, accounting for nearly half of all passenger vehicle sales. Within this segment, the compact SUV has become the default choice for buyers, thanks in large part to India's quirky tax policy that incentivises vehicles under four metres. Globally, this category barely exists, yet in India it has come to define aspiration and practicality rolled into one. Mahindra, despite being the name most associated with SUVs in the Indian imagination, has largely sat out this story. Its forte has been larger models like the Bolero, Scorpio and XUV700, vehicles that define ruggedness but operate only in about 30 per cent of the SUV market. Rivals, meanwhile, have marched ahead with compact offerings that sell in vast numbers. Maruti Suzuki with the Brezza, Tata with the Nexon, Hyundai with the Venue, and even newcomers like Kia with the Sonet, have capitalised on the sub-four metre opportunity. With products like the Mahindra XUV700 and Scorpio N, Mahindra is currently catering to the 30 per cent of the passenger vehicle market while rest 70 per cent is still untapped. Nalinikanth Gollagunta, who heads Mahindra's Auto & Farm Sectors, admitted as much during the Freedom_NU event. 'We serve about 30 per cent of the SUV market today. The task now is to capture the rest," he said. That 'rest" is not trivial; it is the bulk of the market, and Mahindra's absence from it has been glaring. NU_IQ is, in many ways, a statement of intent that Mahindra cannot afford to stay on the sidelines anymore. NU_IQ: An engineering reset NU_IQ is being positioned as much more than a flexible platform. For Mahindra, it represents an engineering reset, an attempt to get right what it failed to achieve in its earlier forays into the compact space. Models like the Quanto and KUV100 were ambitious but flawed, compromised on proportions and space, and ultimately fell by the wayside. NU_IQ is an effort to erase that memory. Veluswamy, President of Automotive Technology and Product Development, outlined what makes NU_IQ different. He spoke about the importance of getting the fundamentals right, wheelbase, legroom, seating position and suspension, the aspects that determine whether a compact SUV feels cramped or complete. NU_IQ's 2665 mm wheelbase and 937 mm rear legroom are intended to offer 'business class" space, while a 1563 mm seating point ensures the commanding driving position that Indian buyers value. A five-link rear suspension, uncommon in this category, has been designed to provide stability and comfort. Safety, too, has been prioritised from day one. NU_IQ vehicles are being engineered to achieve five-star ratings not just in Global NCAP but also in Euro NCAP and ANCAP. More than 100 patents have been filed around structural safety and engineering. This represents a significant departure from the past, when compact SUVs were often treated as budget vehicles with limited safety credentials. The platform's timeline is ambitious. According to the company's roadmap, the first NU_IQ based compact SUVs, both ICE and EV, are expected to reach the market by 2027, with a pipeline of at least three products unveiled in the initial phase. These will include sub-four metre SUVs designed for India as well as slightly larger models positioned for international markets. The idea is to establish NU_IQ as a scalable base for the next decade of compact Mahindras, with derivatives spanning multiple body styles. Design maturity and cultural resonance If engineering determines credibility, design determines acceptance. For Mahindra, design is not just about aesthetics but about projecting authenticity. Chief Design Officer Pratap Bose has often spoken about the growing maturity of Indian car buyers. At the Freedom NXT showcase, he noted that Indian consumers are no longer willing to settle for second-best. 'We can design cars that work in Bengaluru and Birmingham alike," he said, signalling that Mahindra's designs would need to straddle local and global expectations. The sub-4 metre SUV was perhaps the toughest challenge for Bose. It is a format that exists only in India, born of tax rules rather than customer demand, and yet it has become the best-selling category in the market. Bose's approach has been to retain Mahindra's SUV DNA, upright stance, strong shoulders, large wheels while ensuring proportions and design maturity that meet international standards. 'Authenticity is non-negotiable," he emphasised. Design remains an intergral part of Mahindra's current and future products to gain new customers and retain existing clientele. Sometimes, design also becomes cultural storytelling. The Mahindra BE6 Batman Edition was one such example, created after Mahindra realised how deeply younger Indians connect with superhero films. Bose pointed out that while comics may no longer dominate, cinema has given these characters new life for a generation of audiences. The BE6 Batman Edition remains the only mass-produced car in the world with official Batman branding. While it is limited in numbers, its symbolic value is significant: Mahindra is showing a willingness to engage younger consumers on their cultural terms, not on legacy tropes. Two philosophies for EVs Electrification, for Mahindra, is not a one-size-fits-all play. The company is pursuing two distinct approaches depending on the size and positioning of the vehicle. For larger models over 4.5 metres in length, ICE and EV products will run on entirely separate platforms, the INGLO architecture for electric SUVs and the existing ICE platforms that underpin models like the XUV700 for combustion engines. The compact segment, however, is a different story. With the NU_IQ platform, Mahindra is attempting something more ambitious, a single base engineered for both ICE and EV derivatives. Even though the EVs developed on NU_IQ are being described as 'born electric," they will share the same underlying architecture as their ICE siblings. As Veluswamy explained, this was a deliberate engineering choice to offer flexibility without compromising on packaging or performance. This dual-track strategy reflects Mahindra's recognition that electrification will unfold unevenly across segments and geographies. Larger SUVs are more likely to find early EV adoption among premium buyers, while compact SUVs will need to serve both combustion and electric customers for the foreseeable future. NU_IQ provides that flexibility, while INGLO allows for purist EV design at the top end. The timeline is already in place. Mahindra has indicated that the first NU_IQ-based products will begin rolling out in the second half of this decade, starting around 2027, with sub-four metre SUVs and compact crossovers leading the charge. This cadence is meant to plug Mahindra's absence in the fastest-growing part of the market while keeping pace with the regulatory push towards cleaner mobility. Premiumisation at the entry point One theme that came through strongly in the discussions was how the entry point into car ownership has shifted. A decade ago, it was the hatchback, the Alto, the Santro, the WagonR. Today, the first-time buyer is far more likely to enter through a compact SUV. This changes the logic of how compact vehicles are built. Mahindra executives noted that these buyers expect strong design, safety, and features. They are no longer willing to compromise just because the vehicle is small. NU_IQ has been built with this in mind, to ensure that Mahindra's compact SUVs are aspirational rather than stripped down. This reflects a broader societal trend in India, where affluence has risen and expectations of quality have grown with it. Global ambitions, tempered by lessons Mahindra's global ambitions are not new, but they have often been thwarted by missteps. Its investment in SsangYong in Korea failed to yield lasting results. The Roxor in the US became mired in intellectual property disputes. Even earlier, Mahindra's small-car experiment with the Logan ended in retreat. This time, the company insists, the approach will be measured. India remains the first priority, but the international roadmap is clear. Mahindra's SUVs are already present in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, with the Scorpio-N and XUV700 gaining traction in those markets. Europe and Latin America are next in line, with initial entries planned by 2027, once Mahindra has a proven portfolio of five-star-rated vehicles on the NU_IQ and INGLO platforms. Also Read : Mahindra inaugurates new assembly plant in South Africa Early signs are encouraging. The XUV3XO was recently named 'Car of the Year' in South Africa, reinforcing that Mahindra's new generation of products is capable of competing against global brands. The company is also investing in homologation and testing for Euro NCAP and ANCAP standards from day one, ensuring there are no engineering compromises when models are exported. As Dr Shah puts it, 'We are designing from day one for Euro NCAP and ANCAP standards. That is the only way to build credibility abroad." The timeline may be gradual, but the intent is unmistakable: Mahindra wants to reclaim international credibility not by rushing into acquisitions, but by letting its product portfolio do the talking. The larger canvas For Mahindra, the Freedom_NU moment is less about flashy concepts and more about reclaiming ground. The company knows that it cannot afford to play in just 30 per cent of the SUV market while rivals consolidate their presence across the spectrum. NU_IQ is designed to fill that void, to ensure Mahindra can compete not just in the premium and large SUV space but also at the entry point where volumes are greatest. The Scorpio once gave Mahindra an urban identity. The XUV700 cemented its relevance as a mainstream SUV maker. NU_IQ now represents the attempt to universalise Mahindra's appeal, to build vehicles that meet the demands of India's unique compact SUV market while also establishing credibility abroad. The Freedom_NU was about more than new models. It was about staking relevance in a market that has moved on, chasing the missing 70 per cent of the SUV space, and preparing for a decade in which safety, design and electrification will determine winners. For Mahindra, the task is not to preserve the past but to write itself back into the centre of the SUV story, in India and beyond. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
What is the Mahindra NU_IQ Platform? Here is all you need to know…
Mahindra unveiled its all-new NU_IQ platform on India's 79th Independence Day yesterday. Alongside, the carmaker also unveiled four concept SUVs, Vision.S, Vision.T, Vision.S X T and Vision.X. This modular platform is designed to shape the next generation of Mahindra SUVs, both in India and abroad. Here's a breakdown of what makes NU_IQ significant. What is the NU_IQ platform? The NU_IQ is a monocoque, multi-energy architecture capable of supporting multiple body styles and powertrains. It can house both internal combustion engines and all-electric systems, offering Mahindra the flexibility to develop SUVs for varied markets. Presenting NU_UX - the smart, sleek and more intuitive than ever Human Machine Interface that is set to redefine the Mahindra driving experience. — Mahindra Automotive (@Mahindra_Auto) August 15, 2025 Also check these Cars Find more Cars UPCOMING Mahindra e20 NXT 15 kWh 15 kWh 140 km 140 km ₹ 6 - 8 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra XUV500 2025 2179 cc 2179 cc Diesel Diesel ₹ 12 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Mahindra Thar E 75 kWh 75 kWh 400 km 400 km ₹ 25 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Mahindra BE 6 79 kWh 79 kWh 682 km 682 km ₹ 18.90 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Thar 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 11.50 Lakhs Compare View Offers Mahindra Scorpio N 2184 cc 2184 cc Multiple Multiple ₹ 13.99 Lakhs Compare View Offers Why is it a game-changer? NU_IQ platform is key as it represents Mahindra's most ambitious global strategy yet. Unlike earlier platforms, Mahindra has tried to create a perfect blend of versatility, safety, off-road ability, and premium design into a singular and scalable architecture. This allows Mahindra to serve both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive markets with one foundation, giving customers in India and abroad SUVs that are capable, comfortable, and future-ready without compromises. Also Read : Mahindra Vision S & Vision X concepts revealed based on NU_IQ platform Which SUVs can it support? The platform is built to accommodate SUVs measuring between 4.3 and 4.5 metres in length, with a 2.6-metre wheelbase. This size bracket places them in the hotly contested compact and mid-size SUV segment. What about off-road performance? Unlike most monocoque platforms, NU_IQ is designed with genuine off-road credentials. Its geometry includes a 28-degree approach angle, a 28.2-degree breakover angle, and a 34.9-degree departure angle. Combined with 227 mm ground clearance, it promises strong SUV capability on rough terrain. Also Read : Mahindra Vision.T and concepts unveiled based on new NU_IQ platform How safe is it? Safety is at the forefront as Mahindra is targeting 5-star ratings in both Global NCAP and Euro NCAP tests with this new platform. A 5-link rear suspension, more common in luxury cars, has also been integrated to improve ride quality and handling. What about passenger comfort and practicality? NU_IQ has been designed with cabin space in mind. The space between front and rear passengers stands at 830 mm, while second-row legroom measures 937 mm. Shoulder room for rear occupants is 1404 mm, and boot space is rated at 450 litres up to the seatback and 644 litres up to the roof. The flat floor ensures rear-seat passengers enjoy more comfort, while the large boot makes it versatile for everyday use and long trips. Also Read : Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition: 5 standout features of the limited-edition electric SUV What role does technology play? Mahindra says NU_IQ is built for next-generation tech integration, including connected features, cloud support, and future-ready digital interfaces. Which upcoming models will be based on this platform? Four concepts have been revealed on NU_IQ: Vision.S, Vision.T, and Vision.X. The Vision.S will be the first to enter production, expected in 2027. Each model represents a unique design direction under Mahindra's evolving Heartcore design philosophy, developed at its studios in Mumbai and Banbury, UK. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date:
