By Greentech Lead Team: Mahindra REVA Electric
Vehicles announced it is planning to set up its first overseas assembly
facility in Australia. The company has tied up with the government of Victoria,
Australia, to support a feasibility study to explore potential for research,
supply chain development and manufacturing of clean technology vehicles there.
A final decision will be taken after the study is completed.
Currently, Mahindra REVA has its manufacturing facility
only in Bangalore and is setting up its second unit at the same place. The
company plans to launch its next product NXR this year and will start exporting
from next year to many markets including Australia. Initially, the company will
start exporting its future models to Australia from India to judge demand of
its products there.
“We are looking at possibility to set up a local assembly unit in
Victoria. A feasibility study is going on at present and it is expected to
complete in the next six months,” said Chetan Maini, chief of
strategy and technology, Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicles.
The company signed MoUs with two Victoria-based research
organizations — AutoCRC and La Trobe University’s Centre for Technology
Infusion. Mahindra REVA’s association with the AutoCRC will be for establishing
an operational framework for an applied research program. The two-year MoU will
facilitate the sharing of relevant confidential information and enable the two
parties to establish specific project agreements under the applied research
program.
“Our association with the State of Victoria will
further enhance our capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the
Government of Victoria to help make it the most desired destination for
development of electric vehicles in Australia,” Maini added.
Mahindra REVA expects that the research program will develop new concepts and
techniques at the crossroads of high-efficiency building design, electric
vehicles and vehicle-to-grid technologies.