Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is coming up with a new product Ingenio this year to compete against both Toyota Innova and Chevrolet Tavera. To be built on an all-new platform, it would be equipped with latest technology and will have contemporary styling and spacious interiors. The company is likely to offer Ingenio as a hybrid option. It is expected that Ingenio will come with a variety of engine options, including the M&M’s indigenously developed common rail direct injection diesel engine. That will give Ingenio a distinct advantage with an extremely low cost of running. The multi-variant Ingenio will initially have a diesel engine followed by a petrol engine and an automatic transmission variant. The top-end Scorpio (VLX) currently retails for around Rs 10.5 lakh (on road). Analysts indicate that M&M has always been keen to be a strong SUV player, and that is why it was eyeing Ford’s Land Rover facilities. Industry sources feel that Scorpio sales are under pressure, but M&M officials say that the Scorpio retails around 3,200-3,300 units a month. The Ingenio is considered to be M&M's most ambitious project after the Scorpio, and the company intends to introduce it in several foreign markets, like the Scorpio that retails as the Mahindra Goa outside India. It is to be manufactured at the company's Nasik plant in Maharashtra, and will initially have a diesel engine followed by the launch of a petrol variant and an automatic transmission variant.
