Anand Mahindra and the business of bikes

When Mahindra Two Wheelers rolled out the Stallio and the Mojo, everyone around sat up and took a good look. After all, these were products from a company that has made it almost a habit to succeed. However, the going was tough and the plug had to be pulled on both those bikes very quickly. Most people wrote off Mahindra Two Wheelers, however what most people failed to notice was how fast the company was to pick up the pieces and go back to work. 

Speaking about the two wheeler business, Anand Mahindra explained, “This is not the first time that I have been questioned about a business decision. In fact it has given me a sense of dejavu. In the past I have been questioned about being a tractor manufacturer who wanted to get into passenger vehicles. I have been questioned about taking over Satyam. I have been questioned about just about every business interest we have today, but I choose not to listen to consultants along this line of advice.”  

Adding to this, Anand Mahindra elaborated, “I am not saying that we are non-conformists, or that we don’t listen at all, but the underlying fact remains that as a business, I have a right to succeed. Yes, a strategy must be in place, but the basic right to be in business and operate is not something that can be taken.”

No doubt, the two wheeler business hasn’t had the start that Mahindra expected, however the new products, especially the Centuro, have received great reviews and this is just the first step in the right direction of making inroads into a whole new segment for the company. Summing it up, Anand Mahindra stated, “Ultimately, it isn’t just brave words that will get you places. As far as success is concerned, that is the job of my team and the strategy they put in place along with getting the product right.”

Mahindra Two Wheelers have made huge investments into R&D and are working on a slew of products. In fact the company is targeting to roll out 10 new models in the next two and a half years and judging by the enthusiasm that the company has portrayed in pulling a 360 degree turnaround and setting the course straight, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mahindra Two Wheelers amongst the dominating brands in the country.

Also read: Mahindra Centuro: First ride