Mahindra in top gear with `Centuro'; to expand capacity

Mahindra Two Wheelers today said it is ramping up capacity both at its plant as well as across vendors and logistics to meet the growing demand for products, particularly its just launched 110cc `Centuro' motorcycle.

`Centuro' has received over 30,000 bookings since it launch last month, the company said in a release here. "We have received fantastic response from customers for the Centuro, especially in today's challenging market environment. We assure them that we will meet this demand in the shortest timeframe possible," said Anoop Mathur, president -Two Wheeler Sector and Member of Mahindra & Mahindra Group Executive Board.

The company is in the process of ramping up production at its Pithampur plant (in Madhya Pradesh) in keeping with the growing demand for the Centuro, the release said. Mahindra has one million per annum capacity at the plant near Indore, which produces both scooters and bikes. But capacity utilisation is much below the installed capacity.

There are plans to significantly scale up production on the Centuro line, the company said, adding, "we are working to reduce the waiting period substantially".

On an average, the waiting period for the Centuro currently stands at 3-4 weeks. Besides, the auto firm is expanding capacity through the supply chain in line with the growing demand, release said.

Designed entirely at the company's R&D centre in Pune, the Centuro was launched on July 1. Powered by Mahindra's indigenously developed intelligent MCi-5 engine, Centuro comes with a range of features such as an anti-theft alarm with engine immobiliser and an encrypted remote flip key. The firm also offers a maintenance-free battery and is backed by a five-year warranty.