Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd on Tuesday launched its Gio Compact Cab, the next generation passenger cab, in Kerala — the first South Indian State where it is being introduced.
The Gio Compact Cab is priced at Rs 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom Kochi).
Described as the ‘most affordable' four-wheeler cab, the Gio Compact Cab has been developed to “change the face of intra-city stage and contract carriage travel in India”, Mr Jacob Varghese, General Manager, Sales Strategy Planning and Commercial, Automotive Division, said at a press meet in connection with the launch.
The capacity at Mahindra's Haridwar plant, from where the product will be rolled out, is 24,000 a year. The capacity can be increased up to 48,000 a year if a demand goes up, he said.
The General Manager said the new vehicle will change the way people look at urban-rural connectivity. The Gio can be used for transporting schoolchildren in Tier-II and III towns, and in segments like large campuses, resorts and factories which have transportation requirements on premises.
He pointed out that the Gio Compact Cab has undergone rigorous test runs, has been validated on all parameters and is supported by Mahindra's service network, which is spread across the country. The Gio Compact gives 30 km to a litre, which is almost equivalent to that of a three-wheeler and much better than that of four-wheeled small commercial vehicle. The operating cost is almost equivalent to a three-wheeler and is much lower than four-wheelers.
With a carrying capacity of driver plus six passengers and competitive pricing, the vehicle offers 27 per cent higher earning to customers and is a value for money product, the General Manager added.