Mahindra XUV Automatic maybe launched next year

Mahindra may launch a new variant of the XUV500 with an automatic gearbox in 2015. This new transmission will be shared between Mahindra and Ssangyong and may find its way across range if the version becomes successful.

Mahindra was the first Indian manufacturer to introduce an automatic transmission in a diesel SUV. The AT gearbox for the Scorpio was sourced from Austrian company Drivetrain Systems International (DSI) which also provided transmissions for the Ssangyong group. Mahindra ended its association with DSI and has been on the hunt for supplier to source automatic transmissions.

"Yes, we are going to install a six-speed automatic, which is coming in January 2015 and Mahindra is also considering that same gearbox for the XUV500, so in terms of volume that is great for us and we can save some money," said Y I Lee, President and CEO of Ssangyong Motor Company.

The new transmission will be a six-speed unit and will be first seen in the SsangYong compact SUV and then will be made available in the Mahindra XUV500. This also marks the beginning of component sharing between Mahindra and Ssangyong.

At the Auto Expo, Mahindra displayed a Quanto with an Automated Manual transmission, which might make it to the market shortly. This technology is also seen in cars like the recently launched Maruti Celerio and the upcoming Tata Zest. However, this system makes a lot of sense in city cars and considering the XUV appeals to a different set of audience Mahindra might go the conventional way. This AT could also make its way into the Mahindra XUV diesel hybrid showcased at the Auto Expo which made its public appearance with a manual transmission.

Source: ACI