Mahindra opens advanced development test facilities in Tamil Nadu

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has officially inaugurated two cutting-edge development test facilities in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, with a substantial investment of over ₹300 crores. The facilities, the Mahindra Passive Safety Lab (PSL) and the Battery & Cell Research Lab, aim to bolster the company’s commitment to enhancing automotive technology, particularly in the fields of safety and sustainable mobility solutions.

The Passive Safety Lab (PSL), one of the largest of its kind globally among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), covers over 25,000 square meters. This facility is designed to conduct comprehensive safety tests for Mahindra’s SUV range, aligning with various global standards, including the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP) and the European New Car Assessment Program (EuroNCAP). Mahindra officials stated that the lab features high-speed cameras capable of capturing 1,000 frames per second and sophisticated data acquisition systems to monitor over 400 channels during crash events.

Alongside the PSL, the Battery & Cell Research Lab represents Mahindra’s investment in developing and testing advanced battery technology. This facility focuses on enhancing battery efficiency, reducing charging times, and improving longevity. The lab, built on 1,374 square meters of land, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including laser welding tools and robotic fastening systems for battery packs. Mahindra aims to use this facility to prepare prototype battery packs that will undergo rigorous real-world testing.

Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, highlighted the importance of these facilities, emphasizing the state’s role in fostering innovation and technology in India’s automotive sector. He stated that Mahindra’s initiative aligns with Tamil Nadu’s vision of supporting sustainable mobility solutions and reinforcing the state’s position as India’s automotive hub.

Velusamy R., President of Automotive Technology & Product Development at M&M Ltd., expressed the company’s dedication to advancing SUV safety and sustainability. He reiterated Mahindra’s goal to leverage these high-tech labs to develop advanced and safe SUVs. The facilities, located just 55 km from Mahindra Research Valley (MRV), are expected to integrate seamlessly with MRV’s engineering and development processes.

Industry experts observe that Mahindra’s investment in these facilities reflects a strategic move to align with global automotive safety and sustainability standards. They point out that the PSL lab’s ability to conduct various high-impact crash tests, including side and rear impact tests, will significantly enhance Mahindra’s product safety credentials. Furthermore, experts note that the focus on battery technology comes at a critical time as the global automotive market shifts towards electric vehicles, underlining the company’s commitment to long-term, sustainable development.