Ssangyong owner Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) plans to launch three compact SUVs in the next 18 to 24 months.
The Economic Times said all would be in the sub-four metre segment.
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The first will be a facelifted version of the Quanto. The model (codenamed U215) will receive major design changes that are being worked on at the company’s centre in Italy.
Other two models include a probable replacement of the Bolero, codenamed U301, and Mahindra’s first micro-SUV, the S101.
“All three sub-4 metre SUVs will have different characteristics catering to different segments of buyers. Design will be the key differentiator. The S101 compact SUV has a car-like appearance whereas the U215, the new Quanto, will assume a more rugged appearance than the boxy stance it had when launched,” a source told the business newspaper.
Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst, forecasting, at IHS Automotive said, “M&M is there with its Quanto but not with a proper sub-four-metre SUV, so it needs to prepare itself aggressively with more UVs in that space to protect its turf.”
Mahindra expects to sell 24,000 units of the face-lifted Quanto in a year. The redesigned Quanto (dubbed U321) is expected to be launched in 2017. This completely new model, which is currently under development in the US, will be using a platform that can be used for multiple products, from sub-4-metre to seven-seat utility vehicles.
Meanwhile, the company also plans to launch a face-lifted version of its XUV and Scorpio in the near future. The platform of its Thar off-roader will be changed from the MM540 to the U platform due to upcoming safety regulations. Mahindra will also facelift its Genio pickup truck.
