Mahindra Expands in Tamil Nadu with Two New Facilities for SUV Safety and Battery Cell Research
Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s largest SUV manufacturer, has officially opened two state-of-the-art facilities in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, for comprehensive SUV safety testing and advanced battery cell research. With an investment exceeding ₹300 crore, these facilities are designed to solidify Mahindra’s position at the forefront of automotive safety and energy technology innovation.
The new facilities include a Passive Safety Lab (PSL) and an Advanced Cell Research Laboratory & Battery Proto Build Shop, each focused on distinct aspects of automotive technology. The PSL, covering an impressive 25,000 square meters, is one of the largest passive safety testing centers owned by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) globally. The lab is capable of conducting extensive crash testing, in compliance with standards set by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP), Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), and European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP). This lab will allow Mahindra to assess SUV safety across a variety of load cases, contributing to more robust and reliable designs aimed at protecting passengers in real-world driving scenarios.
In addition to the PSL, Mahindra has established a Battery & Cell Research Lab over a 1,374-square-meter area to drive advancements in battery technology. This lab will focus on detailed research into battery cells, modules, and packs, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, increase performance, and improve the longevity of battery cells. This work is crucial for Mahindra’s transition toward sustainable mobility solutions, including electric vehicles (EVs), as it focuses on reducing charging times while ensuring high durability of battery packs.
These labs are strategically located just 55 kilometers from the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), where all of Mahindra’s SUV models are developed from the ground up. This close proximity ensures seamless integration between research, development, and testing processes, enhancing the quality and safety of Mahindra’s future vehicle models. This step reflects Mahindra’s commitment to setting higher standards for vehicle safety and technological advancements in the Indian and global automotive markets.
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Mahindra’s investment in these facilities comes at a time when the company is witnessing record-breaking success. In September, Mahindra surpassed the 50,000-unit mark in monthly domestic passenger vehicle (PV) wholesales for the first time. It delivered 51,062 units in September, which allowed Mahindra to surpass Tata Motors and become India’s third-largest OEM by sales volume, just 39 units behind Hyundai Motor India, which sold 51,101 units during the month.
Looking ahead, Mahindra is gearing up for the launch of the BE.05, the first vehicle under its electric-only BE brand. The BE.05 will be built on Mahindra’s cutting-edge INGLO EV platform, leveraging components from Volkswagen Group’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform. This new EV platform is expected to position Mahindra as a strong competitor in India’s EV market, offering high performance, energy efficiency, and compatibility with advanced battery technologies. Currently, Mahindra’s electric lineup includes the XUV400 electric SUV, and the BE.05 is anticipated to further strengthen the company’s portfolio in the electric vehicle segment.
These new facilities underscore Mahindra’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and enhanced customer safety. The combined effect of these efforts, along with its expanding product lineup, is expected to fortify Mahindra’s competitive edge in both the Indian and global markets.
