Mahindra and Mahindra Introduce Scorpio Diesel Hybrid

At the 2008 SAE World Congress in Detroit last week, Indian truck maker Mahindra & Mahindra introduced a diesel-electric version of the Scorpio for the Indian market. The Scorpio hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.2L, four cylinder 114-hp turbo-diesel coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 40-hp electric motor. The vehicle was designed to operate with a NiMH battery pack, and features regenerative braking, quick cold-start with electric assist and auto start-stop, which switches the operating mode of the vehicle automatically, based on driving conditions.

M&M has been working with FEV of Germany to create a diesel-electric hybrid SUV for the US market. FEV will supply an add-on system for M&M's diesel engine design, consisting of an electric motor and planetary gears that will replace the torque converter. FEV engineers expect the modified powertrain to provide a fuel efficiency of about 20 percent over the company's conventional diesel system. The hybrid SUV will be in development for about two years and is expected to hit the US market in 2010. If M&M meets its production target, it will be the first manufacturer with a diesel-electric hybrid for the North American market.

M&M announced in February that it intends to produce the vehicles in the US, at a plant in Ohio. Currently, it operates a design and technical center in suburban Detroit. The company recently signed an exclusive deal with Global Vehicles USA to distribute Mahindra & Mahindra trucks in the United States. The company plans to sell its line of five conventional diesel-powered pickups and SUVs in the US beginning in 2009. To date, Global says that it has contracted with 308 US dealers.

Sources:

PR Newswire/Mahindra&Mahindra

Auto News

Edmunds Inside Line

Photo Credit: Mahindra & Mahindra