Thabo Nkosi 
Mahindra, one of India’s largest automotive manufacturers, has confirmed its intention to introduce two electric vehicle (EV) models to the South African market. This announcement was made by Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, during the inauguration of the company’s newly constructed vehicle assembly plant at Durban’s Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone.
Expanded Production Facilities in Durban
The new 14,000m² facility represents a significant milestone for Mahindra’s operations in South Africa. Replacing the company’s earlier semi-knockdown (SKD) operation, the state-of-the-art plant enables full nuts-and-bolts vehicle assembly. This expansion is expected to boost production capacity and align with the company’s growth ambitions in the region.
Electric Vehicles Set for South Africa
When asked about potential EV introductions, Gupta confirmed the company’s plans, stating, "The good news is that what Mahindra has done in India this year, which is about launching two very amazing pure electric vehicles, which we call ‘spawn’ electric vehicle." He highlighted the success of these models in India, mentioning that one of the vehicles was showcased on August 15, 2023, and received an overwhelming response, resulting in approximately 35,000 bookings and a production rate of nearly 5,000 cars per month.
Gupta emphasized the company’s commitment to bringing these EVs to South Africa but acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the local market. "We are due to bring them here. The only matter is when, how, and what kind of approach we will take, as the country has a different perspective on electrification compared to others. So we will have to do some more tweaking on our business model, but we are extremely sure of bringing them sooner than later. That’s what I can say, but I can’t define any time", he explained.
Local Market Considerations
Gupta did not provide a specific timeline for the EV rollout, citing the need to evaluate South Africa’s infrastructure and business conditions to ensure a successful launch. While the timeline remains uncertain, Mahindra’s plans signal a clear intention to participate in the country’s nascent EV market, building on the company’s recent investments in local manufacturing.
Mahindra’s move towards electrification reflects a broader industry shift and positions the company to address rising interest in sustainable mobility within South Africa. However, the exact strategy and implementation details will depend on further market assessments.
The two EV models, already gaining traction in India, could mark a significant step forward in Mahindra’s expansion and sustainability initiatives in South Africa. The local market now awaits further developments as the company fine-tunes its approach to electrification in the region.
