Mahindra's new Italian move aimed at growth on and off the race track

In a move which marks the return of Mahindra & Mahindra to Italy, Mahindra Racing – the only Indian constructor in the MotoGP World Championship series – has taken a further step towards growth and development – both inside and beyond racing – with its recent move to a new headquarters in the north of Italy. It was earlier based in Switzerland. It may be recollected that M&M had exited its JV with Engines Engineering of Italy in early 2012.

The latest version of Mahindra Racing's MGP3O was extensively redesigned and upgraded in line with the latest technical regulations for the smallest grand prix class.

The new engineering and development facility is at Varese, in the heart of the Lombardy region, and at the core of much of Italy’s long and glorious history in motorcycle racing and production. This centre will be a key block in M&M's engineering network.

According to Anand Mahindra, chairman, Mahindra Group, “This new centre in Italy joins Mahindra’s neural network of innovation along with other development centres in India, the US and South Korea. We decided to set up this centre in Italy given the country’s passion for, and expertise in motorcycle development. It also demonstrates our growing commitment to the MotoGP championship.”

Engineered for growth
The facility incorporates computer-aided design and engineering (CAD &CAE), as well as FMEA (Failure Modes Effect Analysis) studies. High-tech test and quality-control laboratories combine with cutting-edge prototyping manufacturing processes; and a well-equipped warehouse to ensure spare-parts availability for customers.

It is staffed by personnel drawn from some of the best motorcycle companies in Italy, with experience ranging from racing both on- and off-road, as well as production.  This will be very important as Mahindra's performance in teh two-wheeler industry is far from what it would like to see.

“By taking development entirely into our own hands, we can make faster progress and have quicker reactions to our customers’ needs. At the same time, we are developing technologies that can be transferred to our growing range of production two-wheelers. With engineering development anchored at Varese, it will help us to grow our overall business,” says Mufaddal Choonia, CEO, Mahindra Racing.

Mahindra Racing entered the World Championship series in 2011, and has grown steadily in results in the highly competitive Moto3 class. Up against well-established racing constructors Honda and KTM, the Indian brand has gone from just two factory-backed riders to support nine riders in four teams in 2015; and from learner-racers to regular contenders for top podium positions.

Choonia explains the reason for the choice of location, an area with a strong racing culture and an abundance of high-quality design and engineering talent. The Varese facility is close to several leading Italian motorcycle manufacturers. It is a hotbed of motorcycling heritage and renown.

“By locating in Varese, Mahindra is able to take advantage of a big talent pool of experience and excellence, with a special focus on motorcycles and a wonderful motorcycle racing history. Furthermore, the Lombardy region in the north of Italy is convenient for the rest of Europe, giving us access to a network of suppliers,” says Choonia.

Nine riders campaign the Mahindra MGP3O in the 2015 Moto3 championship, led by the three-strong Mapfre Team Mahindra. San Carlo Team Italia, Outox Reset Drink Team and the CIP team field two riders apiece.

Photograph: World copyright: Kevin Wood/LAT Photographic