Mahindra and Mahindra recently made an announcement regarding the reception of an order for 1,850 units of the Mahindra Scorpio Classic. This follows a previous order of 1,470 units received earlier in January of this year. These SUVs are intended for deployment across various departments of the Indian army. The Scorpio Classic is an upgraded version of the original Scorpio, while the Scorpio N is an entirely new model introduced by Mahindra.
Mahindra Scorpio Classic
The Indian army currently utilizes a range of vehicles including Tata Safari, Tata Xenon, Force Gurkha, and Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. In order to enhance their diverse fleet, the inclusion of the Scorpio Classic would be highly beneficial. Moreover it is equipped with a 4×4 powertrain, this vehicle would effortlessly maneuver through rugged and demanding terrains. It is likely that the army variant would retain the previous generation’s reliable 140HP 2.2L diesel engine.
Having a more diverse fleet would greatly benefit the army as it would allow them to deploy vehicles that are specifically suited for each task. For instance, in scenarios where passenger transportation is required, the Scorpio would be a more suitable choice compared to the Gypsy. The Scorpio’s spaciousness and features make it better equipped to fulfill the needs of carrying passengers efficiently.
Currently, the civilian version of the Scorpio is equipped with a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine, generating 130HP and 300NM of torque. It is worth noting that there is no 4×4 option available, and it solely offers a rear-wheel drive setup. Furthermore, the Scorpio is exclusively offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, with no automatic transmission options available.
Mahindra and Indian Army
The Indian army’s past procurement of vehicles from Mahindra has been seen as an opportunity for the company’s expansion. Consequently, Mahindra has established a dedicated division named Mahindra Defense Systems (MDS) to oversee all defense-related programs. The establishment of MDS showcases Mahindra’s dedication to serving the defense sector and meeting its unique demands. This commitment is evident in the development of specialized vehicles like the Mahindra Armado, an armored vehicle designed to withstand the harshest war-like environments with exceptional toughness.
