In a recent townhall session at Mahindra Towers, Worli, on March 21, 2024, Dr. Anish Shah, MD & CEO, Mahindra Group and R Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology & Product Development took the stage to share insights into the company’s journey, its pivotal milestones and the strategies that propelled it towards continued success.

Here are some key takeaways from the enriching discussion.

R Velusamy (fondly called Velu) offered invaluable insights, underscoring the significance of perseverance, excellence, collaboration and innovation in propelling organisational success.

He shared insights into his journey at Mahindra, reflecting on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his international assignment in Austria

The Scorpio saga

Velu elaborates on his role in developing the Scorpio, highlighting the collaborative efforts and engineering ingenuity that went into creating this iconic vehicle. “The engine development of the Scorpio took place in Austria. That transformed my dream of what India should be for me. Working closely with the design team led by Ram Kumar, I witnessed the birth of the Scorpio’s iconic design. Our small team of 32 individuals embarked on a journey to redefine vehicle development processes. From overcoming engineering hurdles to aligning with the vision set forth by Anand Mahindra, every step was a testament to our collective resolve,” he recalls.

Establishing Mahindra Research Valley  

He delved into the establishment of Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) and its role as a hub of innovation. He discusses the challenges overcome in relocating operations to Chennai and emphasises MRV’s contribution to Mahindra’s continued success in the automotive sector. “Following the success of the Scorpio, scaling up our operations became imperative. This necessitated the integration of various functions, including engine, transmission and vehicle assembly. The establishment of MRV aimed to foster synergy among these critical areas. MRV emerged as a hub of innovation, driving Mahindra’s continued success in the automotive sector,” he explains.

Elevating quality standards

Quality has always been at the forefront of Mahindra’s ethos, and Velu emphasised MRV’s role in upholding this standard. From automotive development to software innovation, MRV’s commitment to quality and innovation remains unwavering, ensuring unparalleled value for customers.  Drawing from his time in powertrain and exposure to European engineering, Velusamy underscores the importance of delivering an experience akin to that of top-tier brands like BMW. He recounts the meticulous process of enhancing Mahindra’s offerings, particularly the XUV700, aiming to surpass the quality benchmark set by BMW.  

Agility and adaptability

Velu highlights that at the heart of MRV’s success lies a culture of collaboration and innovation. By fostering an environment where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued, we’ve been able to unleash the full potential of our workforce. This collaborative spirit transcends functional boundaries, allowing us to tackle complex challenges with agility and creativity.