
Mahindra’s SA Special Fitment Centre Opening
Mahindra has acknowledged the unique needs of the South African market by opening a specialist fitment centre in Gauteng.
Mahindra has found a place in South Africa’s heart and the brand is growing rapidly here, with year-to-date growth of 34% in a market that declined by 3.5%. Initially, the range comprised affordable, tough-as-nails, no-frills vehicles, many developed for the myriad needs of the Indian military. These vehicles are very popular, but more recently Mahindra has made inroads in the sophisticated urban SUV market with vehicles such as the Mahindra XUV300 and XUV500.
Mahindra vehicles were always made in India and imported to here, but a year ago the company committed to South Africa with its Durban Assembly Facility. There it builds the full range of Mahindra Pik-Up bakkies, including locally developed models such as the Mahindra Dropside and the popular double cab range.
The new Special Fitment Centre is in Kempton Park in Gauteng and boasts more than 20 technical specialists. This centre will give Mahindra South Africa the means to introduce locally designed and tested Special Edition models and unique vehicles to meet the specific requirements of a client.
The Special Fitment Centre has four dedicated fitment lines where specialist technicians can fit a range of company-approved equipment and accessories to Mahindra South Africa’s specifications.
This centre is part of Mahindra’s systematic growth in investment in South Africa. This investment includes the aforementioned assembly plant, a large parts warehouse, upgrades to its 4×4 training ground and a state-of-the-art technical training facility in Gauteng.
One of the most prominent locally developed vehicles to benefit from the Fitment Centre is popular top-of-the-range Mahindra Pik Up Karoo S10 Special Edition, first launched at the end of 2018.
Although initially launched as a limited edition model, the S10’s luxurious features and special design made it so popular that Mahindra had to drastically increase production at the assembly plant. The new Fitment Centre will allow Mahindra to further develop and roll out South African special editions of its popular vehicles.
Many of the parts fitted there will be sourced from local suppliers. These will include off-road bumpers and tow bars, tonneau covers, wheels and other luxury equipment for its SUV range.
It is great that, during these difficult economic times here and abroad, this global giant is prepared to invest so handsomely in South Africa. To see why – simply have a look and book a test drive of your favourite Mahindra here.