M&M targets schools with new VX variant

Mumbai, January 29, 2014: Mahindra & Mahindra, which claims an 18 percent share in the small commercial van segment, has added a new variant to its Maxximo minivan range. It has launched a VX variant that also targets the school transportation segment. The VX variant for schools is equipped with a ‘SafeEye’ feature, which the company says offers parents, school authorities and van operators a way to keep track of the vehicle in real-time via live video streaming feed on smartphones.

The ‘SafeEye’ feature will also offer SMS alerts in case of rash driving or should the van takes a wrong route. The device can also help school bus operators keep track of their fleet and the conduct and driving habits of the drivers they employ.

The Mini Van VX is also available without the safety device which will cost Rs 4.37 lakh (without live streaming) and Rs 4.88 lakh (with live streaming), ex-showroom, Mumbai. M&M hopes its product will click with van operators, parents and school authorities. The school bus segment is a significant business area for M&M, as 25 percent of the Maxximo Minivan’s sales are school vans.

The overall van market is pegged at around 125,000 units annually. An estimated 25,000 units out of this constitutes the school van pie. With the new introduction, M&M hopes to enhance its share of this market.

SUMANTRA BAROOAH