Mahindra & Mahindra was established in 1945 as Mahindra & Mohammed in Ludhiana. When Pakistan was created, Mohammed from Mahindra & Mohammed went to Pakistan to serve as Pakistan’s first finance minister. Consequently, the company changed its name to Mahindra & Mahindra in 1948.
The company assembled Willys Jeep in India. It added manufacturing of other commercial vehicles such as LCVs and farm tractors. Over time, it transitioned from manufacturing military vehicles and tractors to automobiles and exporting them to a global market. Currently, it is the largest manufacturer of sport utility vehicles in India with its flagship model, the Scorpio, also known as Mahindra Goa when sold in Italy.
The company, also known as M&M, is the largest SUV manufacturer in India. It has bought auto plants in China, UK, USA and has partnered with other international car manufacturers such as Renault SA, France and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA.
They also export to many countries. Its worldwide subsidiaries are headquartered in Italy as Mahindra Europe Srl., in the US as Mahindra USA Inc., in South Africa as Mahindra South Africa and in China as Mahindra Tractor Co., Ltd.
In April 2007, the company built the Logan, its first passenger car in collaboration with Mahindra Renault. With another joint venture, this time with International Truck, USA, Mahindra built its first heavy truck department with Mahindra Navistar. Mahindra & Mahindra manufactures a full range of vehicles, including MUVs, LCVs and three-wheelers. It has more than 20 models similar to the Scorpio and Bolero in multipurpose vehicles.
As India’s leader in SUV production, M&M has moved quickly in manufacturing various SUV designs including the 5-passenger small turbo diesel engine, the Mahindra Xylo in January 2009 which has sold over 15000 models. .
M&M It also has automobile assembly plants in Brazil, where the Scorpio Pik Up with single or double cab pick-up bodies and SUVs are manufactured.
The company has a global reputation for excellence and was rated as one of the top 10 companies in India. The company is currently making plans to sell the diesel SUVs and pickup trucks in the US through an independent dealer, Global Vehicles USA, beginning in February 2010.