Mahindra New Zealand is set to tackle the local market under new ownership and with direct links to the brand’s Indian headquarters.
New dealer principals Dr Harry Singh (a former dentist) and Dr Muhammad Sarwar (a former doctor) have been running the New Zealand operation for the past six months after acquiring distribution rights previously owned by major vehicle importer Nichibo Japan Trading.
Industry veteran Russell Burling, who has previously held local distribution rights for SsangYong and Daewoo, has also come on board in an advisory role.
The new head site is based in Papatoetoe, South Auckland, with another 17 dealerships around the country. The goal is to sell over 1000 new Mahindra’s into the Kiwi market by 2022.
The search is also on to find talented new people to join the team and help expand the brand’s local dealer network.
Mahindra is aiming to “disrupt” the local market offering the most competitive pricing around with new Pik Up model utes starting at $25,990 and the premium XUV 500 SUVs starting at $29,990.
Mahindra invited media to test drive its latest vehicles from Auckland to Rotorua to Taupo on Monday, March 25. The 4x4s were given a tough workout at Off Road NZ’s course along the way.
Mahindra representatives from India also visited, including head of international auto operations Joydeep Moitra and international operations export sales senior manager Nrupal Choudhari.
Moitra says there are “great expectations” for Mahindra in New Zealand.
“I believe New Zealand is a very interesting opportunity … it’s a right hand drive market, it’ a market that should be absolutely fit for the new range of Mahindra products.
“If we are able to build a dealer network and a service network which is good, we will get great quality products and great value proposition into the New Zealand market.
“We see the buinsess in New Zealand really growing and we are going to invest to make the brand grow,” Moitra says.
*Auto Media went along for the ride and full write-up of the trip is coming soon, so stay tuned.
