Corner Office Conversation With Rajesh Jejurikar, ED and CEO, Automotive And Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra
Aug 31, 2024
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Rajesh Jejurikar, the CEO of the automotive and farm sector at Mahindra & Mahindra, shares insights into the company’s leadership in the SUV market. He discusses their ambitious electric vehicle strategies and a potential partnership with Skoda to boost innovation. The conversation also dives into the art of storytelling in automotive marketing and how it shapes customer engagement. Furthermore, Jejurikar highlights strategic pricing initiatives and global market expansion plans, emphasizing adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.
Mahindra & Mahindra is strengthening its market leadership in the SUV segment through effective marketing and a diverse product portfolio.
The company is heavily investing in electric vehicles, planning to launch multiple new models to capture emerging opportunities in India’s EV market.
Deep dives
Strong Performance in the SUV Market
Mahindra and Mahindra has established itself as a leader in the SUV market, with July sales of utility vehicles increasing by 15% year-on-year to 41,623 cars. The company has actively expanded its portfolio, which now includes 10 SUVs and four pickup trucks, ensuring that each model caters to various price points and customer segments. This strategy is complemented by significant marketing efforts prior to each vehicle's launch, aimed at boosting initial demand while also focusing on robust sales after the launch. Despite facing increased competition in a market where SUVs now make up 60% of passenger vehicles, Mahindra remains disciplined and customer-oriented, suggesting this approach is yielding positive results in a competitive landscape.
Aggressive Investment in Electric Vehicles
Mahindra is placing a strong emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), with plans to invest Rs. 12,000 crore over the next three years specifically for EV initiatives, which constitutes a third of its total automotive investment. The company aims to launch five to six new EV models by 2025, marking a significant portion of its strategy to introduce 23 new vehicles by 2030. This focus on EVs is underscored by the belief that India's EV penetration, currently under 2%, has ample room for growth, given that mainstream players have yet to enter the segment. Mahindra's strategy aligns with the understanding that well-priced and positioned products will stimulate market growth despite the current global slowdown in EV adoption.
Strategic Growth and Global Expansion Plans
Mahindra is adopting a phased approach to its global expansion strategy, leveraging its existing presence in markets like South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, while also preparing to introduce new vehicles tailored to these regions. The company plans to launch the new 3xO in South Africa soon, embodying its strategy of taking products into established markets first, building brand recognition before extending to new territories. This growth strategy also involves focusing on a new lifestyle pickup designed for both existing and new markets, demonstrating a commitment to achieving scalable success. By aligning the product development with regional preferences and market dynamics, Mahindra showcases its adaptability in enhancing competitive positioning on a global scale.
Mahindra & Mahindra is on top the SUV game. It’s the market leader by revenue and no. 2 by volumes. The company is on a launch spree. And is heavily invested in the EV story. But with heavy competition in the SUV space, a global slowdown in EVs and sporadic demand in India’s automotibe industry, how will it stay ahead of the game. Hosts Anirban Chowdhury and Shally Seth talk to M&M’s ED and CEO of auto and farm sector in this Corner Office Conversation. Listen in.
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