Mahindra’s Marazzo set for September debut

Automobile major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is gearing up to drive back into the multi-utility segment with its latest offering: the Marazzo, a funky car with a shark-inspired design that will be launched before the end of September.

Mahindra is betting big on the Marazzo – condenamed the U321 until its official name was released on Tuesday – and its streamlined design jointly developed by the Mahindra Design Studio and Italian car design firm Pininfarina. The Mahindra North America Technical Centre and Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai also provided inputs

The auto market had been buzzing with excitement ahead of the unveiling of the new model’s name, Marazzo, which means shark in the Basque language spoken in Northern Spain. There was some talk that it might replace the Xylo.

But the company said the Marazzo will not replace any older vehicle and that it will take a call on whether an older offering should be discontinued based on demand.

The diesel variant of the car will be launched before the end of September. Rajan Wadhera, president, automotive sector, M&M, said a petrol version is a “work in progress”.

The company said the new model has the largest footprint (wheelbase x front track) among all its cars so far, making it one of the largest vehicles offered by the company.

The vehicle will be available in seven-seater and eight-seater versions. The company said it has not planned an electric version for the new offering yet.

Speaking at the pre-launch of the vehicle, M&M managing director Pawan Goenka said the company will look at increasing volumes in overseas markets with the Marazzo.

M&M has two other launches coming up this year: the G4 Rexton and the five-seater SUV codenamed S201. Goenka said one of them is likely before Diwali.