Mahindra & Mahindra displayed its Scorpio Hybrid Diesel at the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Detroit 2008 show on April 14. The company says it has worked sustainable solutions into its long- term product plan and this new Scorpio hybrid demonstrates the company's commitment to offering green solutions for future transportation.

“Our eco-friendly vehicles are proof of our commitment to a cleaner environment, fuel efficiency, and emphasis on customer satisfaction. Mahindra’s range of diesel Hybrid SUVs is well suited for the dense traffic conditions and driving habits of our customers,” said Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, while unveiling the vehicle at the show.

According to Dr Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive Sector, “the Hybrids will be first introduced in the Indian market and later in other markets depending on customer demand. Hybrid vehicles are our near-term solution to reducing pollution and fuel consumption. We have already integrated these technologies into our research, development, and commercialisation plans to mitigate CO2 challenges”.

Utilising domestic and international strategic partnerships, Mahindra’s research and development team of 1,200 engineers is working to bring these technologies to India.

Covering a wide range of advanced powertrain solutions, Mahindra is working on different platforms of driveable full hybrid vehicles, micro (start/stop) hybrid vehicles, bio-fuel vehicles, an electric passenger vehicle, a hydrogen combustion engine vehicle and many recyclable materials and reusable technologies.

The company’s hybrid vehicles combine the internal combustion engine and electric vehicle technologies to improve fuel economy with no drop in performance.

A fleet of full, parallel-hybrid vehicles are being tested and the micro hybrid will be launched in mid- 2008. The full parallel hybrids have been developed in partnership with FEV and other subsystem suppliers.

The company is also planning to enter the US market in 2009.