The ‘baadi gaadi’ status symbol is not an uncommon sight in India. Mahindra & Mahindra’s Managing Director Pawan Goenka reiterated this by pointing out that single persons often drive around in big cars. Speaking at an alumni event organised by IIT-Kanpur, Goenka said Indians weighing 65-70 kg use an entire 1,500-kg car to travel individually.
“We need to have personal transport that is more tuned to moving a single person,” he said,
Goenka also spoke about how the country’s cheapest car, Tata Nano, failed to meet the expectations of Indians. “It is very unfortunate that Nano didn’t do very well,” he added.
In India, experts point out that cars are seen as lifestyle accessories instead of a transportation solution primarily. ownership.
Goenka explained that automobiles contribute to around 7 per cent of CO2 emissions and 20 per cent of particulate matter PM 2.5.
He revealed that Mahindra is planning to introduce smaller cars that would have a lower carbon footprint.
Talking about electric vehicles, he explained that India is around 5 years behind China in EV development, but can lead the world on the research and development and production fronts.
Only 1,400 electric cars were sold in India in 2019, a small number compared to global standards.
Also Read: Here’s Why The Tata Nano Failed
