India’s Mahindra rolls into the region

India’s second-biggest motorcycle maker, Mahindra Two Wheelers (MTW) last month started operations to assemble and sell three of its models in the region.

The company also announced plans to expand to Colombia and Peru.

MTW’s local partner, Guatemala’s Motinsa Group, will be responsible for the company’s operations in Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador, as well as Guatemala.

The group will offer the Pantera and Centura motorcycles, and the Duro scooter, all powered by a motor between 110 and 125 ccs, at prices ranging from $1,100 to $1,500.

MTW’s regional operation includes assembly, parts inventory, sales and service.

India and Latin America much in common, in terms of both the type of client, and the conditions, which a motorcycle faces, said MTW’s export manager, Sandeep Singh, during the company’s Guatemalan launch.

MTW is a subsidiary of Mumbai-based Mahindra Group, which in 2011 had $16 billion in revenue from operations in over 100 countries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automotive, energy, finance and technology.

Central American importers have in recent years sold only a few Mahindra vehicles, mainly utility vehicles and Reva electric cars.

However, the success in the region of Chinese vehicles – both cars and motorcycles – suggests that there is room for growth for Indian producers.