Mahindra to go for smaller petrol engines for future models

In a significant initiative Mahindra & Mahindrais preparing to launch a battery of small petrol engines to power its future compact models.

The move comes following its tie up with South Korean car maker Ssangyong with which it will be involved, on a number of platforms.

According to analysts, with the aim of de-risking itself from a high concentration on diesel-powered products, the company was also considering the use of petrol engines with higher capacities from Ssangyong – the South Korean carmaker it took over earlier this year.

Business Line quoted an unnamed company official as saying the M&M could use petrol engines from Ssangyong (larger capacities). He added the company was in the process of developing smaller petrol engines as well – of around 1- and 1.2-litre capacities, but it would be a three-year cycle, and would take some time.

He added, the automaker was also developing three new platforms with Ssangyong, of which the first – for a compact vehicle, was in more advanced stages.

Analysts say, this forms part of a strategy geared to costs by harnessing the benefits of joint platform development and integrate purchasing. The new platforms would see roll outs of new models for both brands.