Mahindra & Mahindra is launching its Xylo multi utility vehicle (MUV) on on 13 January 2009 from its Nashik, in Maharashtra,  where the vehicle is being manufactured.

The utility vehicle maker said it plans to start accepting bookings from 14 January 2009.

The company says the Mahindra XYLO, combins the style and sophistication of a sedan with the ruggedness of an SUV, and has been its most anticipated product from the Mahindra stable since the Scorpio.

"Production for the Mahindra XYLO is well on schedule at our Nashik Plant which has an annual manufacturing capacity of about 25,000 units.

The XYLO has been developed by a Project team consisting of 160 experts who have created new benchmarks in terms of styling, technology and performance. The team deployed the ReFinE methodology aimed at creating emotional surplus.

Mahindra said the vehicle has been extensively tested and validated for Real World usage in India and several other countries, said Rajesh Jejurikar, chief of operations.

M&M said the XYLO has been co-created with customers for developing a vehicle built around their lifestyle and luxury aspirations.

In the mean while, the company said that since going live on 26 November 2008, the XYLO's pre-launch website (www.mahindraxylo.co.in) has registered 174,708 total visits with 9,651 entries for the Win a XYLO contest, 3,518 requests for updates related to the new MUV and 2,543 requests for test drives.

The site is part of the pre-launch activities related to the Mahindra XYLO and aims to generate interest and create a positive "buzz" around the vehicle.

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