Mahindra South Africa marked a significant achievement with a special ceremony at its vehicle assembly facility in Durban. The event commemorated the production of the 20,000th South African-assembled Mahindra Pik Up, a milestone reflecting the brand’s growing footprint in the country.
The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from both South Africa and India, including the High Commissioner of India to South Africa, the Honourable Shri Prabhat Kumar, and the Consul General of India in Durban, Dr. Thelma David. Also in attendance were key figures from Mahindra South Africa’s leadership team, including CEO Rajesh Gupta, and Corrie Kotze, CEO of Auto Investment Holdings (AIH) Group, Mahindra’s production partner.
Mahindra South Africa’s assembly journey began six years ago, on May 25, 2018, with an initial goal of producing 2,500 Pik Up models annually. The facility has since quadrupled that target, culminating in the production of the 20,000th unit, a special Pik Up S6 4×4, which was showcased at the celebration.
Originally focused on producing single cab Pik Up models, the Durban plant has expanded its capabilities and now assembles the entire Pik Up range, including double cab and special edition models such as the popular Karoo Editions. The facility’s evolution from semi-knocked down (SKD) kits to a complete nuts-and-bolts assembly process underscores Mahindra’s commitment to local production.
Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting, “The Mahindra Assembly Facility could rightfully be described as the largest and most complex of its kind on the African continent, particularly among single-brand facilities that maintain a consistent flow of vehicles every month.”
AIH, a Level 2 BBBEE Empowered company, has been instrumental in supporting Mahindra South Africa’s assembly operations. Corrie Kotze, CEO of AIH Group, emphasized the collaborative nature of their partnership, stating, “AIH and Mahindra have worked closely to enhance the production output and complexity of the facility. The intellectual property we’ve developed through continuous improvement is shared with Mahindra for use in other facilities worldwide.”
Looking ahead, Mahindra and AIH are set to embark on the next phase of their journey with the construction of a new 14,000 m² assembly facility. Scheduled for completion by June 2025, the new facility will significantly increase production capacity and staff numbers, further reinforcing Mahindra’s investment in South Africa. Currently, the assembly line employs 90 staff members.
This expansion aligns with Mahindra’s broader growth strategy in South Africa. “The assembly facility has enabled us to meet the increasing local demand for Pik Up models and cater to the diverse needs of South African bakkie buyers,” said Rajesh Gupta. Mahindra is now the second-largest seller of single cab bakkies and the fourth-largest bakkie retailer overall in the country.
Since its establishment in October 2004, Mahindra South Africa has grown its vehicle range, dealer network, and supporting infrastructure to rival many local manufacturers. The company’s strategic investments, including a new multi-storey parts warehouse in Johannesburg, a high-tech training facility in Centurion, and a Special Fitment Centre in Kempton Park, underscore its commitment to making South Africa its second home outside of India.
The Honourable Shri Prabhat Kumar, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the significance of the automotive industry in strengthening trade and investment ties between India and South Africa. “Mahindra exemplifies the growing trade and investment between our two countries, gaining local popularity while continuously increasing its investment in South Africa,” he said.
As Mahindra South Africa continues to expand, its assembly facility will play a crucial role in the company’s global strategy. With plans to produce the current range of bakkies alongside a new model, Mahindra is poised to solidify its position as a key player in the South African automotive industry.
For more information about Mahindra, visit www.mahindra.co.za.
