Mahindra’s got good news and not-so-good news for SUV fans. The good news: the order backlog for their SUVs has shrunk by a significant 21% since November 2023. The not-so-good news: some popular models like the Thar still have a long waitlist. Let’s dive into the details!
Order Backlog Shrinks, Deliveries Rise
As of February 1, 2024, Mahindra has 2.26 lakh open orders for its SUV line-up, a healthy drop from the 2.86 lakh backlog they had in November 2023. This positive trend comes thanks to a combination of factors:
- Increased Deliveries: Mahindra’s been ramping up production and deliveries, currently averaging around 40,000 units per month. This, along with their previously announced production boost, has helped clear the order backlog faster.
- Steady Bookings: The brand continues to receive a strong flow of bookings, averaging 50,000 per month. This indicates sustained demand for their SUV range.
Model-Wise Breakdown:
So, which models are driving these numbers? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Top Sellers: The Scorpio and Scorpio N reign supreme, garnering a whopping 16,000 bookings per month. However, over 1 lakh units of these SUVs are still awaiting delivery.
- Consistent Demand: The Bolero range and XUV300/XUV400 duo clock in at 11,000 and 9,000 bookings per month, respectively. The good news is their delivery backlogs are relatively low, at around 10,000 and 8,800 units, respectively.
- Long Waitlists: The Thar and XUV700 continue to be crowd favorites, averaging 7,000 bookings each month. But be prepared to wait, as their order backlogs are substantial – 71,000 and 35,000 units, respectively.
Cancellation Woes:
While the order backlog reduction is encouraging, Mahindra experienced a rise in cancellations during November 2023-January 2024. This was attributed to year-end VIN changes. However, the silver lining is that cancellations have dipped to less than 8% in January 2024.
What’s Next for Mahindra SUVs?
Mahindra’s SUV game is on an upward trajectory. With increased deliveries, consistent bookings, and strategic production plans, they’re working to bridge the gap between demand and supply. The XUV400’s recent update and the upcoming XUV300 facelift are further testaments to their commitment to keeping their offerings fresh and exciting.
So, if you’re eyeing a Mahindra SUV, be prepared for some wait time depending on the model. But hey, with their focus on clearing the backlog and ramping up production, your dream SUV might be closer than you think!