Mahindra to launch XUV500 in Italy, Australia, Chile

Mahindra is all set to increase the footprint of the XUV500 in markets of Italy, Australia and Chile. The company had slowed down on its international operation for the SUV due to the huge demand in the Indian market.

“We plan to go ahead with our international launches of XUV. Italy and Australia are planned shortly. These are vehicles adapted to the needs of these markets,” M&M Chief Executive, International Operations (Automotive & Farm Equipment sectors), Ruzbeh Irani said.

The company have not decided on the exact timeframe and has made the necessary adaptations to meet the norms in these markets such as emission and left hand drive in case of Italy have been completed.

Mahindra will increase the output of XUV500 to 4,000 units by May from the earlier 3,000 units and the output would ultimately be taken up to about 5,000 units a month. The company is in the process of delivering the bookings of 7,500 orders that were selected through a lottery following excessive demand.

M&M currently exports the XUV500 to South Africa and was launched simultaneously in the South African market along with India.