Mahindra’s New 3XO: A Strong Start
Hormzad said that Mahindra & Mahindra’s latest offering, the 3XO, has definitely created a buzz in the market. “They have come out all guns blazing with this 3XO. It was sort of like a do or die for them because this is one segment they have not been competitive in at all and they really want to grab market share,” said Hormazd Sorabjee. He emphasized that the car, loaded with features and priced competitively, has indeed wowed customers, drawing many to showrooms.
Key Challenges Ahead
Despite the initial success, Sorabjee stressed that maintaining long-term success will be challenging. “At the end of the day, you have got a player like Maruti which does not give you much. It is almost like a bare car compared to the 3XO; yet it sells in a lot of numbers. So what that tells you is that things like service and reliability in the end turn out to be a key factor, so that is what Mahindra will have to deliver on as well to keep the sustained interest and demand,” he explained.
Competitive Landscape
Mahindra faces stiff competition from other automakers. “You have got the Koreans, do not forget. You have got the Venue and the Sonet which are very competitive and everyone else can also play the price game. So, it really remains to be seen how the others react,” Sorabjee noted. He mentioned that Tata Motors, for example, often responds by adjusting prices to stay competitive. The revamped Tata Nexon, a significant competitor, still holds strong market presence despite the 3XO’s superior powertrain.Potential and Performance
He said that the 3XO’s initial reception has been positive, with strong interest and notable features impressing customers. Sorabjee highlighted the car’s powerful petrol engine and comfortable ride. “The wow factor has really dazzled customers,” he said. However, he also pointed out minor drawbacks such as limited boot space, though the overall interior space and features are commendable.Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Sorabjee believes that while the 3XO has potential, maintaining momentum will require continuous effort. “The 3XO is a really formidable competitor and has the potential to eat away at the Nexon numbers,” he said. However, he cautioned that market dynamics and competitive actions from rivals like Tata Motors and Hyundai will play a crucial role in determining Mahindra’s success in the SUV segment.
