After rolling out 5,000 units from its Chakan plant, Mahindra Navistar, the commercial vehicle joint venture of Mahindra & Mahindra and US-based Navistar, is now gearing for exports. Nalin Mehta, CEO, Mahindra Navistar Automotive Ltd (MNAL) said the company has already seeded South African market with two trucks.
Following the test marketing, MNAL may start exports to African market by the end of this fiscal year. Meanwhile, in the domestic market, the company added 56 dealers covering 75 out of 80 major truck markets. “This year will be a defining year for us,” said Mehta. “We are now making 500 trucks a month. In 3-4 years we will reach the full capacity of 50,000 per annum.”The company is also entering ambulance van market with rolling out of 6,000 unit this year.
MNAL’s truck engine production is also getting into full swing. A top official said a truck maker will soon source Navistar’s 7.2 litre Maxxforce engine for its trucks sold in overseas markets.
