Chaitanya Kagalkar, Manager, International Operations, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, an Indian company, has been supplying automobiles, tractors and cars in the Nepali market for the past 23 years from authorized distributorsAgni Incorporated Pvt Ltd. Kagalkar was recently in Kathmandu for the launch of Mahindra Quanto, a compact SUV. During his visit to Nepal, Kagalkar spoke to Sagar Ghimire of New Business Age about recently launched Quanto and his company’s future plans and strategies. Excerpts:

 

What brings you to Nepal this time? 

As you know, we are in the business of automobiles as well as tractors. Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd is the distributor for both businesses in Nepal. I am here to launch the Mahindra Quanto, Mahindra’s eagerly awaited all new compact and versatile SUV. In fact, this is the first compact SUV we have manufactured for the export market. 

 

Would you please tell us more about Mahindra’s latest vehicle, Quanto, which has been launched in Nepal? 

Designed and developed in-house by Mahindra on the robust, proven and highly successful Ingenio platform, Quanto is a direct outcome of customer insights pointing to the need for a compact and affordable SUV. 

 

The Quanto offers distinctive SUV styling, superior technology, space and convenience, along with best-in-class features. Besides being an urban-centric, stylish vehicle, it is also a powerful SUV that gives you a luxury drive even in the roughest terrains. 

 

What are the expectations of the Nepali customers from Mahindra? 

Mahindra is a well known brand in Nepal, with customers appreciating its tough and rugged UVs which are capable of taking on any kind of terrain. The Quanto has been developed keeping in mind the evolving needs of our customers and is ideal for both work and recreation. I am confident that it will create a new category within the SUV segment while offering a unique value proposition to our customers in Nepal. 

 

Since Mahindra is an established company here in Nepal, what are your future plans and strategies to take this company to greater heights? 

The launch of Quanto further strengthens us in Nepal and underscores our commitment to offer the best mobility solutions for the local market. Nepal is a very strategic market for us and in fact, we have launched several new products here over the past few months, including Mahindra XUV500 and a new Pickup truck. 

Along with the launch of the Quanto, the opening of our new dealer shop, Evolution Automobile Pvt Ltd in Kathmandu which adds to our existing sales network. 

 

What are the initial responses to the recently launched Mahindra Quanto? 

The initial response to the Mahindra Quanto has been very enthusiastic. We have regular inquiries from customers about the product and bookings have commenced. 

 

What are the challenges that Mahindra is facing in the Nepali market? 

Nepal is a very competitive market with a discerning customer base. This has only encouraged us to cater to the varied needs of the market and launch a variety of products. 

 

How do you find the partnership with Agni Incorporated as an official distributor? 

We have an excellent working relationship with Agni Incorporated Pvt Ltd which goes back over two decades. They have their finger on the pulse of the local automobile market and have proved themselves to be very able partners. 

 

Are there any products that you are planning to bring for the Nepali market any time soon? 

We plan to launch several new products in the Nepal market, with two new products slated to make their debut in the near future. We will make relevant announcements as and when the time is right.