Mahindra 2 Wheelers, a part of the USD 15.4 billion Mahindra Group, formally inaugurated its new Research & Development Centre in Pune. The future-ready centre, which is the third-largest of its kind in India, was inaugurated by Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group. The centre has been recognised by the Department of Science and Industrial Research (DSIR) and will enable Mahindra 2 Wheelers to undertake in-house design and development of engine technology for its motorcycles as well. "It thus bears further testimony to the company's commitment to utilize technology-driven innovation to emerge as a serious player in the highly competitive two-wheeler market in India," Mahindra said.

The company also unveiled two brand new engines developed at the facility. The first is an indigenously developed and tested 110cc engine while the second is a 300cc cutting-edge liquid-cooled engine. "The new dedicated facility will enable us to harness the technology of the future to create tomorrow's products. It will allow us to design in India for the discerning Indian consumer. The micro hybrid technology developed for the new Duro DZ is a clear validation of the value it offers the business. In future, I am sure we will see this R&D facility emerge as a symbol of Indian ingenuity," Mahindra added.

Home to over 175 engineers and designers, the new Mahindra 2 Wheelers' R&D facility was created at an investment of about Rs 100 crore and has two-wheeler experts who are leading various technology and product development projects. In fact, the new Duro DZ and the recently launched Rodeo RZ with the all-new 'Z' series engine were developed at this facility. This engine series incorporates the pioneering Dual Curve Digital Ignition (DCDI) technology and patented fuel level indication system.

"The R&D Centre will provide us with the dual benefits of indigenous design at lower costs and shortened product development lifecycles. These two tangible benefits, when coupled with a considerably shortened go-to-market strategy with newer and more technologically superior products, augur well for the future of the business. We are also set to launch three new motorcycles in this financial year, which will include the Stalio and the Mojo. The third will be announced later," said Anoop Mathur, President - Two-Wheeler Sector. But taking pride of place at the inauguration was the all new start-stop Duro DZ, India's first scooter with micro hybrid technology which is ideal for urban areas. This technology helps conserve fuel when the scooter is idle, such as at a traffic signal, resulting in increased savings.

Commenting on the direct and indirect benefits of the new R&D centre, P S Ashok, Head - Research and Development, Mahindra 2 Wheelers said, "This multi-faceted R&D facility boasts of truly advanced facilities in the two-wheeler industry in India, including a design studio, prototyping centre, engine development centre (EDC), CAE/CFD facility, fatigue test and reliability lab and an electrical and electronics lab, amongst others. The centre will develop prototypes and components from design through to production, which will then be transferred to the company's brand new production lines at the Pithampur plant."

According to Mathur, the centre will encourage a collaborative approach, permitting direct knowledge transfer between various teams. "It promises to be a cradle of innovation for Mahindra 2 Wheelers, allowing it to indigenously develop state-of-the-art products right from conception through to mass production. For example, the engine development and testing centre will address various issues involved in the development of engines. This integrated centre will help us indigenously design, modify, develop, calibrate and evaluate existing as well as new engines based on parameters like performance, reliability, durability, legislative and customer requirements," he added.