M&M inks pact with IIT startup for affordable campers

Mahindra and Mahindra signed a collaboration agreement with Campervan Factory, IIT Madras-incubated caravan manufacturing company to launch budget-friendly luxury campers in India. These well-equipped campers based on the double-cab Bolero Camper Gold platform, will cater to the self-drive tourism segment that is gaining popularity in the country.

As a part of this agreement, Mahindra will introduce innovative campervan designs and models in India that match international standards. These will be developed with assistance from IIT Madras Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC), International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW) for water management and waste disposal solutions and Saint Gobain Research Centre for their expertise in glazed solutions.

 Commenting on this new venture, Harish Lalchandani, VP- Marketing, Mahindra Automotive said “Our Bolero Camper Gold - luxury camper trucks will be kitted with all modern conveniences for safe, comfortable and enjoyable travel – that too, at an affordable cost.”

 The Mahindra Bolero Gold Camper luxury camper trucks will be offered with a range of facilities, including smart water solutions, comfortable interiors to cater to all travellers. Each camper truck will offer sleeping facility for four, sitting and dining facility for them and a restroom fitted with a bio-toilet and a shower, a complete kitchen with mini-fridge and microwave, an air-conditioner (optional) and a complete multimedia experience, including television and other conveniences.

 The pocket-friendly caravan will be easy to operate and drive, and won’t require special driving skills, making it easy for tour operators to rent these caravans out as self-drive campers.

 “This could be a major shot in the arm for the Indian caravan market and will change the very dynamics of holidaying in India. Caravan tourism is a blessing for the sector, especially given the effects of the pandemic," added K M Vandhan, Director, Campervan Factory

Caravan Tourism has found favour from various State Governments and they have announced many initiatives to support the industry, like the establishment of Caravan Parks. States of Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and many others have already announced caravan policies and are promoting it extensively.