Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Thursday said it will invest around Rs 196 crore to expand its Chennai-based research and development facility, as it looks to strengthen capabilities in advanced vehicle design, engineering and future technology development, according to a statement cited by PTI.
The Mumbai-based automaker said the investment will be used to augment Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), which it described as a key hub supporting advanced vehicle design, product engineering and future technology development.
Facility to be operational this calendar year
M&M said the expanded facility will be up and running within the current calendar year, PTI reported.
The company said the investment will help strengthen its engineering and testing capabilities in the region and reinforce Chennai’s role as a strategic hub for research and innovation.
“This marks a significant step in its allegiance towards enhancing R&D and focusing on Make in India. The commitment of fresh investments at the facility will strengthen the company’s engineering and testing capabilities in the region, and it will reinforce Chennai’s role as a strategic hub for research and innovation,” the automaker said in the statement.
New testing infrastructure, next-generation platforms
The expansion will include an Advanced Research & Development Centre and new testing infrastructure, which the company said will enhance capabilities for next-generation platforms across multiple vehicle segments, according to PTI.
M&M President, Automotive Business R Velusamy said: “This expansion underscores our long-term commitment to advancing product engineering capabilities in India, enhancing global competitiveness, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver superior products to customers worldwide.”
Tamil Nadu ecosystem and talent base
Velusamy added that, supported by Tamil Nadu’s industrial ecosystem and talent base, MRV will continue to serve as Mahindra’s global hub for innovation and engineering excellence, PTI reported.