Mahindra launches new 110cc Gusto scooter, exports planned

Mahindra Two Wheelers has launched its 110cc Gusto developed entirely indigenously at its R&D facility in Pune. The name – Gusto – is a derivative of a gust (strong wind) and the scooter comes with a variety of consumer-inspired technology innovations, the company said. Some of these features include a patented height adjustable seat, remote flip key, find-me Lamps, guide lamps, and several others.

The scooter’s styling has its origins in Italy. Its advanced (M-TEC) engine and vehicle design offer superior performance, efficiency, reliability, ride quality and comfort, the company said. Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director, M&M, commented, "The Gusto is Mahindra’s first ground-up scooter developed entirely in-house. With the Gusto, we are committed to further consolidating our two-wheeler business in India and globally." 

Rajesh Jejurikar, chief executive – Farm Equipment & Two Wheeler Division & board member, said, "The Italian- styled Gusto is powered by the smooth and fuel efficient M-TEC engine. The telescopic suspension with air springs and 12- inch wheels give it a best-in-class ride experience.”

The Gusto, which will come in two variants, is being launched at an introductory price of Rs 43,000 for the Dx variant while the top end Vx variant will retail at Rs 47,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). Mahindra Two Wheelers will launch the Gusto in the north and west parts of the country and then in a phased manner across India. The Gusto will also be exported to  South Asia, Latin America and Africa.  

Just under a year ago, the company obtained international patents for its four indigenously developed technologies. These included a fuel gauge system, the automatic ignition cut-off, the distance-to-empty fuel system, and the engine immobiliser system. Some of these have been incorporated in the company’s products and the Centuro bike that has sold well.

Mahindra Two Wheelers’ market share for April-August 2014 was 1.04 percent up marginally from 0.87 a year earlier, as per SIAM data.

Mahindra’s aggressive move into the scooter market is with reason. Two-wheeler sales have been the bulwark of the Indian auto industry through the slowdown of the past two years. Even in this fiscal, although passenger vehicle sales have started their movement upwards, two-wheeler sales have kept up their momentum.

In the five-month (April-August 2014) period, as per SIAM data, a total of 6,601,935 units were sold, posting a year-on-year-growth of 14.79 percent. While motorcycles with sales of 4,542,276 registered 10 percent growth, scooters with sales of 1,751,881 units notched a handsome 30.72 percent YoY growth.

Photograph (L-R): Dr Pawan Goenka, executive director, M&M and Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive – Farm Equipment & Two Wheeler Division & Member of the Group Executive Board at the launch of the Gusto in Mumbai.