By Hercules Rodrigues
Mahindra and Mahindra have hit scales as the most popular model from their line-up hit 10 lac sales which is the highest since the SUV’s introduction in the country. The Bolero has also regained its position in the list of Top 10 Passenger Vehicles of India where it features as the third highest selling SUV in the country. It is significant to note that the Bolero has registered year-on-year growth of 23%, outperforming the industry which has witnessed 17% growth.
Since its launch in August 2000, the Bolero has evolved significantly, incorporating features and aesthetics in line with the changing lifestyle and aspirations of the Indian consumer over the years. Infact the Bolero was India’s highest selling SUV for 10 years in a row, since 2005-06. Today there are over 10 lakh Boleros on the road. The Mahindra Bolero community on popular social networking site, Facebook, has almost 2 million fans sharing their adventures and experiences in their Boleros. The legacy of the Bolero is far reaching as it has also emerged as the vehicle of choice for the military and para-military forces.
Speaking on this achievement, Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales & Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “This is a proud moment for us as our iconic brand, Bolero crossed the 10-lac unit’s milestone, since launch. Infact the Bolero has regained its position in the top 10 passenger vehicles in India, which is a validation of the confidence consumers, in semi urban and rural India, have reposed on the brand. Further the successful launch of the Bolero Power+ has helped the brand to grow steadily, inspite of several new launches in the UV space. I am sure that the Bolero will continue to be as popular on Indian roads in the years to come”.
The launch of the Bolero Power+ in 2016 has been an evolution of this powerful brand and since then the Bolero has grown steadily. With an enhanced value proposition, the Bolero Power+ delivers more power, more mileage & a peppier drive. This has further enhanced the brand’s appeal. With its take on anything capability, today the Bolero is the preferred choice not only amongst its core customers but also amongst a larger set of buyers.
Power for the Bolero comes from 2.5 litre diesel producing 70bhp at 3,600rpm, while the Power+ variant with 1.5 litre diesel makes 62.1 bhp at 3,200rpm. Both versions come equipped with 5 speed manual gearboxes and there is no automatic on offer yet. Mahindra is said to be working to engineer airbags, ABS and other safety features into the Bolero SUV, to make it safer for the roads and will be introduced soon.