Mahindra has confirmed that it won't launch the SsangYong Tivoli SUV in India, which has been considered a successful premium SUV in many parts of the world. Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra and Mahindra, confirmed the same, while speaking to the media at the 56th Annual Automotive Component Manufacturers' Association (ACMA) convention.
He has also made it clear that none of the SsangYong models will make it to India, at least not sooner. There, of course, are some buyers who expected the Tivoli SUV and other SsangYong models to be launched in India, who would obviously have gone in for a disappointment.
Still, the SUV being showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo in February was a different story altogether, as it was not done with the purpose of launching the Tivoli or any other SsangYong product in India.
Probably, the Rexton admittedly not doing well in India is behind Mahindra's decision to not introduce any other SsangYong models. The Rexton is the Mahindra-acquired Korean manufacturer's only offering in India.
However, a new compact SUV will be launched in India built on the SsangYong Tivoli's X100 platform. Even then, it won't be launched as a SsangYong product but will be sold under the Mahindra brand. A 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine will likely be found under the hood.
It was also here that Mr. Goenka confirmed that it might launch the production version of the XUV Aero showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo back in February. So, without the SsangYong badge and based on the Tivoli's X100 platform, under the Mahindra brand, the new compact SUV could be launched to compete in the Rs. 20+ lakhs price segment.
This price will pit it against the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda CR-V. It is also believed that Mahindra expects to enter this price segment, up its price and improve its brand image as a luxury carmaker in India by shelving the launch of SsangYong models. And for now, Mahindra's decisions have been auguring well for itself.
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Source: Vicky.in
