CHENNAI: Taking the war to the utility vehicles segment, where it has been losing market share over the past few years, homegrown auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has launched a new, revamped version of the KUV100 compact. The new KUV100 NXT’s price starts at Rs 4.43 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai) and, according to the firm, it will create a new segment in the compact SUV market.
M&M managing director Pawan Goenka pointed out the launch is a response to feedback from ears on the ground. “The KUV100 created a new category with an SUV in the price segment of Rs 4.5-7.5 lakh. We have always been a listening organisation and in line with that, we have managed to successfully launch the New KUV100 within 21 months,” he said.
Rajan Wadhera, president - automotive sector, M&M added that evolving customer aspirations demand more in terms of premiumness, style and hi-tech features. “Given that the growth in the UV segment has been primarily driven by the compact SUVs, I’m confident that the KUV100 NXT will resonate well with its buyers, both first-time car buyers as well as upgraders.”
The KUV100 NXT is M&M’s gambit to arrest and reverse its falling market share in a segment it has long dominated. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, M&M’s utility vehicle market share has fallen from 55.59 percent in 2011-12 to just 29.2 percent in 2016-17.
The KUV100 has been loaded with 40 new features and upgrades, according to M&M, and will be available in both petrol and diesel versions. It will be offered in five variants -- K2 and K2+, K4+, K6+ and K8 in both petrol and diesel.