Mahindra & Mahindra celebrates 75th anniversary by launching new Thar 

Mahindra & Mahindra today launched the new second-generation Thar on the occasion of its 75^th anniversary. On October 2, 1945, 'Mahindra & Mohammed' was set up by brothers, JC and KC Mahindra along with Ghulam Mohammed.


Jagdish Chandra Mahindra and Kailash Chandra Mahindra,the founders of Mahindra & Mahindra
(Image: M&M).


Mahindra Jeeps roll ouf the factory, ready for delivery 

In 1947,  Jeep hit the Indian shores when 75 Jeeps come in from Willys Overland Export Corporation, USA in CKD condition with assembly commencing at Mazagon, Bombay (now Mumbai). In 1948, Mahindra & Mohammed became Mahindra & Mahindra, as Ghulam Mohammed moved to Pakistan after the partition and went on to become the country's first Finance Minister. Mahindra & Mohammed subsequently changed its name to Mahindra & Mahindra.

Cut to October 2, 2020. The new Mahindra Thar, which was first revealed on August 15, was officially launched today at prices starting at Rs 980,000 for the base spec petrol-manual variant.

The new Thar is available in two variants: the AX and LX. The base-spec AX trim can be had with both a petrol-manual version (priced at Rs 9.80 lakh) and diesel-manual version (priced at Rs 10.65 lakh). According to the company, this trim is geared more towards hardcore off-road enthusiasts. It gets steel wheels, a fixed soft-top, a mechanical locking differential, dual front airbags and a roll cage as standard.

The higher LX trim level gets a number of additional features. These include a larger, 18-inch alloy wheels, the choice of a hard-top or convertible soft-top, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the option of an automatic gearbox. The Thar LX petrol-auto (no petrol manual in the LX) is priced Rs 12.49 lakh, while the diesels range from Rs 12.85-13.75 lakh.

A big change for the new generation of the Mahindra Thar is the option of both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol producing 152hp and 300Nm (320Nm with the automatic gearbox).

The diesel engine is a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit making 132hp and 300Nm. Both engines get a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. As standard, the Thar gets a 4x4 system and a manual-shift transfer case with a low ratio.

Speaking at the launch of the new Thar, Dr. Pawan Goenka, MD and CEO, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Over the years, the Thar has been a part of Mahindra’s rich history and has found its way into the hearts of many as an object of desire. On the occasion of the Group’s 75^th anniversary, we have written another chapter in its glorious history. In its all new avatar, the Thar is a notch higher in its timeless appeal, owing to its ability of being as comfortable on paved roads, as it has always been off-road. We are confident that the Thar tribe will grow stronger as a new set of customers come into its fore, in addition to the traditionalists”. 

According to Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director, Auto & Farm Sectors, M&M, “Brand Mahindra is tough, edgy, and unique and the all-New Thar is its flagship brand. It embodies the value of Exploring the Impossible with a greater level of refinement and sophistication. Since its unveil, the response has been phenomenal, clearly proving to be one of the most awaited launches this year. We believe our attractive pricing will appeal to the adventure lovers as also to the urban lifestyle seekers.” 

Veejay Nakra, CEO – Automotive Division, M&M said, “We are happy to announce the opening of bookings for this eagerly awaited, iconic SUV on the day of Mahindra Group’s 75^th anniversary. The test drive for the new Thar will start in phases and the deliveries will commence from November 1, 2020. It has been a labour of love for everyone at Mahindra and we are confident that it will make a lasting imprint as India’s most desirable, yet affordable SUV.”

M&M says test drives for the new Thar will begin in phases, starting with 18 cities from today. The company will add 100 more cities on October 10, 2020 and test drives for the rest of the county will be available from October 15, 2020. Deliveries will commence on November 1, 2020.

Designed and engineered in India and manufactured at Mahindra’s Nashik Plant, the new Thar will be available in six colours, namely - Red Rage, Mystic Copper, Galaxy Grey, Napoli Black, Rocky Beige and Aquamarine.

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