Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) multi-purpose vehicle, Xylo is now available with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The ABS system has been developed and supplied by Bosch Ltd. Developed over a period of one year, the ABS system went through a stringent evaluation process before being approved by M&M.

According to Bidyabijay Bhaumik, senior vice- president, product development, M&M, “The Xylo's ABS system has been built from scratch and took a little over a year to develop according to our norms. Once the initial design was approved, we installed the ABS and tested it under various conditions including snow and rain."

Other from India, the testing was also carried out in Australia and Sweden. With the exception of the electro-hydraulic control unit, the ABS system is fully localised.

An ABS-equipped Xylo costs Rs 20,000 more than the regular E8 variant, with the E8 ABS costing Rs 9.37 lakh on-road in Mumbai. Bhaumik explains, “It wouldn’t have been feasible to import parts for this ABS system as it would have escalated costs."

Local sourcing has kept the price difference low and initial demand for this version is strong. According to the company, the ABS system was incorporated into the Xylo on the basis of customer feedback and would help drive sales.

Since its launch in January this year, the Xylo has been a huge success for Mahindra, managing to sell 12,500 units in the first five months of 2009.