Mahindra Pik-Up Expands in Australia

As part of a plan dating back all the way since 2007, Indian carmaker Mahindra announced plans to expand its business in Australia by opening four new Mahindra dealers in West Australia. The four are Rockingham Mahindra, Melville Mahindra, Bunbury Mahindra and Midwest Mahindra and will bring the number of Mahindra dealers in the country to 24. Their main item will be the Pik-Up.

“Our latest Mahindra Pik-Up model is specifically OH&S compliant with added safety features such as airbags and ABS brakes, plus our Australian made and tested seatbelts and load pretensioners make the vehicle more appealing to the West Australian market,” Claire Tynan, Mahindra Automotive Australia CEO was quoted as saying by GoAuto.

The Pik-Up is powered by a 2.5l common rail diesel, developing 106 hp and 247 Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The car recently received a facelift, with the manufacturer adding a new grille, new wrap-around bumpers and new bonnet scoop.

The car is being perceived by the manufacturer as its main means of expansion into Australia. It plans on announcing new dealership appointments in the country in the coming months, as Australia has already been named by Pravin Shah, Mahindra Australia director, "of strategic importance to us."

The new dealers are confident they will make an impression and they plan to resort to new marketing initiatives, holding special events or advertising the car by means of print, radio and online media.