India's Mahindra launches 2nd generation SUV at USD 13,355-18,738 price range

India's Mahindra & Mahindra has launched second-generation sport utility vehicle Thar at an ex-showroom price of 13,355 U.S. dollars to 18,738 U.S. dollars across the country, the company statement said, Friday.

Coinciding the launch with the 75th anniversary of 19.4 billion U.S. dollar diversified Mahindra group, the new Thar which has been present on Indian roads for over a decade, will be available in six colours and deliveries will begin from November 1.

"In its all new avatar, the Thar is a notch higher in its timeless appeal, owing to its ability of being as comfortable on paved roads, as it has always been off-road. We are confident that the Thar tribe will grow stronger as a new set of customers come into its fore, in addition to the traditionalists," said Pawan Goenka, Managing Director & Chief Executive officer, Mahindra & Mahindra.

Apart from Mahindra's Thar, Indian automakers have lined up another four launches this month as the two-month festive season begins in Asia's third-largest economy that has been gripped by COVID-19, industry sources said.

Indian auto sector is already facing unprecedented challenge after sales growth declined by 18 percent last year, but the pent-up demand in September after stagnancy due to the lockdown has brought in an element of promise, said an auto analyst.