In this in-depth interview, we spoke with Dr Venkat Srinivas, the Business Head of Mahindra Trucks and Bus & Construction Equipment, about the company’s latest innovations, strategic direction, and sustainability efforts.

Can you introduce us to your new product range and its key features?
We are excited to introduce the G100, a machine in the higher horsepower category. It delivers 102 horsepower, giving customers more power and performance. The G100 is part of our RoadMaster Series, which includes other models like the G90 and G80. G100 and G90 are available with 3 axle where as G80 is Available with 2 axle, with the G80 also available as a flexor machine for more compact spaces. We are launching these machines within our CEV V range, and they will be available for purchase starting January 1st.

One of the key areas of change is emissions. The G100, along with the entire CEV V range, is aligned with global norms for emissions and safety standards. We’ve also significantly improved the cabin design, offering air-conditioned cabins and Electric Powershift Transmission features for better control and comfort. Additionally, we are introducing the iMAXX telematics platform, which provides real-time monitoring of machine health and performance, helping our customers stay ahead of potential issues and enhance operational efficiency.

How does Mahindra’s product range provide cost-effective solutions, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises?
Our products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in India, which gives us a distinct advantage. Mahindra has a deep-rooted expertise in powertrain and engine technology, having developed engines for various sectors, including automotive, agriculture, and construction. We use this expertise to offer a 3.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine in our machines, which is proven, efficient, and now available in line with CEV V emission standards.

Our strength lies in offering advanced technology and a cost-effective solution. With our telematics system and after-sales support, we can monitor machines remotely, providing proactive solutions that help reduce downtime and maintenance costs. This translates into lower operational expenses and improved long-term value for our customers.

How does Mahindra Construction Equipment position itself in the competitive landscape of the industry?
The values of our parent company, the Mahindra Group, drive us. We focus on creating shared value, working closely with suppliers, dealers, customers, and employees to ensure mutual prosperity. This strong foundation allows us to offer differentiated products that focus on technological innovation and customer-centricity.

The construction equipment market in India, while already the third-largest in the world, is still growing and has significant potential. As the country’s infrastructure development accelerates, we are poised to capture a larger market share. For example, the government’s vision of building 30-40 kilometres of roads daily offers tremendous opportunities, and Mahindra actively participates in this growth.

With this vision in mind, we believe that the next decade will see significant expansion for the construction equipment sector, and we are committed to being a solid participant in that growth story.

How does Mahindra balance cost and quality in its construction machinery?
Balancing cost and quality is always challenging, especially with regulatory changes like the transition to CEV V standards. While compliance with stricter emissions norms can lead to higher costs, it also brings numerous benefits. For instance, with higher torque and better fuel efficiency in our machines, customers will enjoy improved productivity and reduced operating costs.

Our machines require less downtime for maintenance. This approach allows us to offer machines with enhanced technology and performance while keeping costs manageable for our customers.

How does Mahindra ensure scalability in meeting the growing demand for construction equipment?
Scalability is always a consideration, and as we are in a growth phase, we are well-positioned to meet rising demand. Our Chakan facility spans several hundred acres and is one of our largest manufacturing plants, with 30 acres dedicated to our construction equipment production. This gives us plenty of room for expansion as demand increases.

We continuously monitor market trends and scale our operations accordingly. Whether increasing production capacity or expanding our product offerings, we are ready to meet the evolving needs of the market.

With the increasing popularity of rental equipment, how is Mahindra looking to capitalise on this trend?
We have explored the rental business with our Hello machine range and believe it holds great potential. However, the rental market in India is still maturing, and it’s not yet at the stage where per-hour rental models are widely adopted. Our primary focus is on asset ownership, where customers can get full productivity from the machine’s lifespan.

We are experimenting with the rental business and monitoring its evolution. As the market grows, we plan to increase our participation in the rental sector while continuing to offer value through asset ownership.

What sustainability initiatives is Mahindra Construction Equipment undertaking?
Our Chakan facility is working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, and one of our other manufacturing sites has already achieved net-zero water usage. We also follow strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, ensuring that we maintain a positive impact on the environment and society.

In terms of governance, Mahindra Group is well-known for its ethical practices and consistently ranked among the top companies globally for governance. As we grow, we must continue to do so in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

Given the transition from CEV IV to CEV V and the competitive landscape, what are Mahindra’s strategies for growth in the coming years?
This financial year is transitional as the industry moves from CEV IV to CEV V standards, and that may temporarily impact market share. However, we are optimistic about our growth over the next three to three years. As more global brands enter the market, competition will intensify. Still, our customer-centric approach, differentiated products, and excellent after-sales service will help us maintain our position in the market.

We are focused on providing products that deliver exceptional performance and productivity, supported by our advanced telematics system and iMAXX platform. These growth pillars, along with our strong distribution network, will allow us to effectively handle the competition.

How does Mahindra address preventive maintenance and skill development for customers?
Preventive maintenance is a key focus for us. We’ve conducted over 6,000 hours of testing on our CEV V machines, and based on this, we are confident that our products are built to last. 

Through our iMAXX telematics platform, we provide insights into machine performance and offer training to ensure operators are skilled in maintaining their machines effectively. This proactive approach to maintenance not only extends the life of the machines but also helps improve our customers’ overall cost of ownership.

For more information, visit: https://www.mahindratruckandbus.com/