Diesel vital, EV probable for Mahindra ute

MAHINDRA has confirmed that its new-generation ute will initially make use of old-school fuel, with the company stating that diesel is, and will remain, the staple for work vehicles for years to come.

However, the Indian company has also stated that it understands the expectations and customer considerations are changing, and that additional environmentally-focused options - such as a fully electric ute - may also eventuate.

Veejay Nakra, president of automotive for Mahindra, said the brand understands that there is a push towards new-technology options for commercial vehicle buyers, but he sees diesel fuel being a vital inclusion for the brand’s future global ute model, due in ‘financial year 2027’.

“Bringing in a diesel pickup would be our first priority into the market. And that's where the largest volume sits,” said Mr Nakra, suggesting that the new ute - which will be based on underpinnings derived from the diesel-only Scorpio 4x4 SUV mode - will follow that vehicle’s lead.

“At the end of the day, it's got to make economic sense in that category,” said Mr Nakra, suggesting that offering diesel is the most cost-effective means of getting a ute to market in a shorter period of time.

But Mr Nakra also said that customers for tradie models might not necessarily be making their decision based on powertrain, rather than their budget and their requirements of what the vehicle is capable of - and that is likely to be increasingly more important when it comes to EV utes.

There is some evidence to point to that, too - the Toyota HiLux, for example, is the only remaining ute on the market with a petrol powertrain. The Workmate single-cab-chassis model is also, not coincidentally, Australia’s most budget-friendly ute, which gives it a distinct advantage in the market. For example, Toyota’s HiLux models account for 41.2 per cent of the 4x2 ute segment.

At the other end of the scale, the only electric ute on the market - the LDV eT60 - costs the equivalent of more than three entry-level Hilux petrol models, at $92,990.

“I don't think the consumer chooses the powertrain to be climate conscious versus the economics of the purchase – it's a rational choice.

And I think hence, we just need to see at what point in time with the cost of battery, the cost of an EV, the range that one gets at that load… charging infrastructure availability. I think there are multiple pieces of the jigsaw that will need to fall into place,” he said.

“I think one needs to just watch this as we go along. Where would EVs come first? Double-cab? Single-cab? What application?” he posited, before stating that an electric ute is a totally viable proposition in time.

“Is it do-able? The answer is yes. There are many companies that are already thinking about it and doing it. So EVs on pick-ups, obviously will be an important part of anyone's global pick-up strategy,” he said.

As for what powertrain options will be offered and what body-styles the brand will sell, Mr Nakra said it’s a balance between aiming to meet the needs of ute buyers who want a vehicle for work, while also offering something that is appealing for customers who are more focused on the lifestyle aspects of a double-cab pick-up, for instance.

“If you break that down into a single-cab or double-cab, typically in the double-cab it's more the lifestyle application. But at the end of the day, in the single-cab, it's got to make economic sense for the load that you carry,” he said.

Mr Nakra has also stated the company understands the expectations and requirements of Aussie ute customers, and will ensure that its new-gen model will be shaped by local feedback from dealers and potential buyers.

As the all-new ute model is set to be built on underpinnings derived from the Scorpio ute, the brand has indicated it will need to be mindful of uprating the payload capacity and towing capability to align with consumer expectations in the market.

The Australian ute segment remains strong, with new model activity in recent times including the launch of the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger.

Kia Australia has also slated its intent to join the fray with a new ute, reportedly known as Tasman, due within 24-36 months, likely with diesel and EV options available.

During that timeframe it is also expected that Australian customers will see a new-generation version of the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Toyota HiLux.