In an era where environmental issues are at the forefront of global issues, Mahindra & Mahindra has emerged as a leader in promoting sustainability within the automotive sector. The company has made significant steps in integrating eco-friendly practices across its operations, reflecting a deep commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

With the automotive industry facing increasing pressure to adopt greener technologies, Mahindra's efforts stand out as a benchmark for integrating sustainability into business practices.

This blog explores how Mahindra Auto is paving the way for a more sustainable future through innovative technologies, responsible manufacturing, and strategic partnerships.

1. Investments in Green Technologies

Mahindra is committed to advancing green technologies in its broader environmental strategy. The company's focus on these technologies reflects its dedication to lowering its carbon footprint and boosting sustainable development within the automotive industry.

Electric Vehicles

Mahindra is making substantial investments and strategic bets on electric vehicles, a centerpiece of its sustainability commitment. It already features an electric SUV, the eXUV300, launched in 2019, alongside the eKUV100, an electric version of its compact SUV. With solid acceleration and zero emissions, this helps drive the decarbonization of road transportation.

Specifically, Mahindra aims for electric vehicles to make up 20-30% of its total annual sales by 2027, reflecting a tenfold increase in its market share over the next five years

To achieve this goal, Mahindra Auto is expanding its EV portfolio rapidly across vehicle segments. It is developing new electric models for passenger vehicles and across its entire range of commercial vehicles and three-wheelers for cargo and logistics operations, like the Supro Electric van. The company is also setting up a new dedicated EV manufacturing platform.

Hybrid Technology Adoption

Additionally, Mahindra is also monitoring hybrid technology for future vehicles. Using a combination of battery power and internal combustion engine, Hybrid vehicles significantly improve mileage and reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only cars. Mahindra offers mild hybrid technology but will expand into vigorous hybrids and PHEVs.

2. Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

As part of its sustainability commitment, Mahindra Auto has also focused extensively on improving the environmental performance of its manufacturing plants:

Energy Efficiency

Mahindra's production facilities, including automotive manufacturing plants, maximize energy efficiency. The manufacturing plants utilize rooftop on-site solar photovoltaic systems and wind energy to meet a significant share of their annual electricity requirements in a renewable manner.

Furthermore, the company continually invests in improving insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting systems, and enhancing equipment and machine infrastructure to optimize energy consumption on the factory floor during vehicle production.

Water Conservation

Mahindra facilities are also minimizing water usage by installing rainwater harvesting pits, sewage treatment plants, and sensor-based water dispensers. Further reduction in water consumption is achieved by using dry-wash machines to clean vehicles during production, closed-loop recycling of coolant water, and maintaining water intensity levels below global benchmarks.

Waste Management

Mahindra Auto follows rigorous protocols and has implemented robust waste disposal processes across its facilities to prevent pollution and ensure environmental compliance. All hazardous wastes, such as chemicals, oils/lubricants, batteries, etc., are fully recycled or scientifically disposed of as per the highest ecological guidelines.

The company also follows the principles of a circular economy by maximizing the recycling of non-hazardous production waste. For example, stamping plants recycle all metal scrap to make new vehicle components. Authorized recyclers also collect and process plastic, paper, and e-waste.

3. Advancements in Vehicle Design

Mahindra Auto has also incorporated sustainable materials and efficiency improvements across its vehicle portfolio:

Eco-friendly Materials

Mahindra vehicles increasingly use recycled plastics in interior parts, PU paints devoid of heavy metals, and seat covers made from bio-based fabric, which are environmentally safe and don't release toxic emissions. Furthermore, certain exterior plastic parts are reinforced with polyester fibers made from PET bottles collected by waste pickers to support the circular economy.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

The latest Mahindra models feature cutting-edge engine design enhancements, such as optimized combustion, reduced friction losses, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation for maximized fuel efficiency. Aerodynamic improvements in body design, like optimized underbody structure, also boost mileage. Hybrid models further improve efficiency through battery power assist.

4. Partnerships for Sustainable Innovation

Mahindra has also entered several collaborations with research institutions, regulatory bodies, and NGOs to accelerate sustainability-focused innovation.

Academic Institutions

Mahindra has research partnerships with IIT Bombay, ICAT Manesar, and other institutions to co-develop next-generation green technologies at its central R&D facility, such as electric power trains, advanced battery packaging and charging solutions, hydrogen fuel cells, etc.

Government & NGOs

The company partners with bodies like the UNDP and ICAT on vehicle emissions testing equipment, certification, and compliance. It also works closely with NGOs on community initiatives like planting trees and conducting waste management awareness campaigns near facilities.

Future Goals and Commitments

Mahindra Auto is dedicated to setting ambitious goals for sustainability to enhance its environmental and social impact further. The company's future commitments focus on advancing green technologies, improving resource efficiency, and fostering a sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Mahindra has outlined ambitious sustainability goals for the future. These include achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 across the company's entire value chain, from manufacturing operations to the dealership network and vehicles in use. This will be realized through maximizing energy efficiency, scaling the use of renewable power, exploring carbon capture and storage technologies, and material recycling.

With growing investments in electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle technologies, Mahindra intends to accelerate environmentally sustainable mobility innovation while upholding its core philosophy of 'Rise'. The company will also continue investing in battery tech and alternate fuel research for the future.

Conclusion

Mahindra Auto is one of India's leading auto companies and is at the forefront of the sustainability revolution. Its extensive efforts span four key areas: investments in green technology adoption, implementing sustainable improvements in manufacturing, vehicle design, and partnerships to enable positive environmental impact.

By strongly aligning sustainability with its core vision through clear goals and continual innovation across domains, Mahindra aims to deliver cutting-edge mobility products and solutions that are technologically advanced and planet-positive for a better future.

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