M&M enters leisure boat manufacturing with `Mahindra Odyssea'

Utility vehicles and tractor major Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has entered fibreglass powerboat and catamaran manufacturing as part of its its plan to enter leisure boating industry.

The Mahindra Group, one of India's leading business houses, said it hopes to establish a presence in the high-potential fibreglass power-boat and catamaran manufacturing industry with 'Mahindra Odyssea.'

Mahindra's entry into the fibreglass boat manufacturing industry marks the first ever foray of a major Indian industrial group into the leisure boating industry. The industry has so far been characterised by a small number of independent agencies offering imported versions from international manufacturers.

''After years of taming the toughest terrains, we now explore a new frontier - water. Our products, branded Mahindra Odyssea, will at the initial stage consist of high quality, custom designed fibreglass power boats in the range of 20 ft. to 40 ft, with varying fit-out levels to suit customer requirements,'' the company said in a release.

In the next phase, our portfolio would potentially expand to include cabin cruisers and catamarans. All products will match international quality standards, carry the international CE certification and will be competitively priced, the release added.

Mahindra would also back up sales with a network of service centres and a comprehensive support package, said Zhooben Bhiwandiwala, executive vice president, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.  ''These products will offer a new adventure experience,'' he added.

Mahindra Odyssea, the release  added, intends to establish itself as an organised and credible player in a market which has witnessed significant demand in recent years, in spite of the downturn in the economy.

''Mahindra Odyssea marks the advent of a new journey for Mahindra which now has a presence in almost every segment of the transport ecosystem. Our country's vast coastline and water bodies represent significant untapped potential for both water transport and marine based leisure activities. Through Mahindra Odyssea we would not only like to contribute to the organized growth of the Indian boating industry but also play a key role in developing India's waterways,'' said Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director of Mahindra Group.

The Mahindra Odyssea range incorporates key design features, including a hybrid trihedral hull for stable rides and superior operating efficiency as also a spacious deck and safe and quality fittings.

Other features include a robust build process, a high quality surface finish, adequate storage, excellent sea performance in terms of stability and
manoeuvrability,.

The company also offered to back up all these with the highest quality standards for safety and certification from international agencies.

Besides individual and institutional corporate clients, the company is also looking at the paramilitary and defence forces for marketing the products. Over a period of time, the company also plans to tap the export market as well.

The $6.7 billion Mahindra Group, the market leader in multi-utility vehicles in India and the only Indian company among the top tractor brands in the world, recently made an entry into the passenger car segment with the Logan.