Date:22/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/22/stories/2008102256181700.htm

Business

SUV variants of Mahindra with fuel efficient technology

Special Correspondent

Scorpio, Bolero are priced between Rs. 6.50 lakh and Rs. 6.97 lakh

— PHOTO: R. V. MOORTHY

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY: Union Petroleum Minister Murli Deora (left) with Mahindra Group Chairman Keshub Mahindra at the launch of Bolero and Scorpio SUV variants in New Delhi on Tuesday.

NEW DELHI: Mahindra & Mahindra on Tuesday launched the variants of its sports utility vehicles (SUVs) Scorpio and Bolero, containing ‘FuelSmart’ system with ‘micro-hybrid’ technology, priced between Rs. 6.50 lakh and Rs. 6.97 lakh.

The technology enables the SUV’s engine to switch off automatically at a traffic light when idle and in neutral gear, thereby saving in on fuel consumption.

“The system is based on the simple principle of not burning fuel when it is not required. It automatically detects moments during the drive when the vehicle is idle and stops the engine, while the engine gets started by just pressing the clutch pedal. This conserves fuel, leading to reduced running costs, and also leads to reduced emissions,” Mahindra & Mahindra President (Automotive Sector) Pawan Goenka said at press conference here.

Idling rest

Stating that an incremental cost of only Rs. 3,800 makes the highly advantageous system quite affordable, Mr. Goenka said: “The ‘FuelSmart’ technology has been developed by the Mahindra research and development team with the support from Bosch. It will give an average fuel saving of about five per cent from the normal vehicles. We are planning to bring this technology in all our high-volume products.”