Mahindra launches India's first SUV with AMT

India’s leading SUV manufacturer, Mahindra, has unveiled its much-awaited sports utility vehicle, the TUV300.

This features the first SUV use of the advanced autoSHIFT Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) co-developed with Ricardo.

According to Ricardo, Mahindra’s five-speed autoSHIFT transmission represents a significant step forward in driveline technology within the Indian automotive sector.

Designed to improve both the driving experience and fuel economy, the unit incorporates the key efficiency advantages of a manual transmission while providing the smooth comfort and convenience of an automatic.

Rajan Wadhera, president of truck and powertrain and head of the Mahindra Research Valley, “Ricardo was the partner of choice, having developed many manual gearboxes and transmissions earlier with Mahindra. The Team Mahindra threw the challenge of achieving top class shift quality with least torque interruptions. I am glad Ricardo rose to the occasion and achieved the targets giving excellent driving character to the TUV3OO.”

It is declared that driving the autoSHIFT provides a “rewarding experience”, with the ability to switch between automatic and manual mode with just a tap on the lever without the need to operate the clutch pedal.

Ricardo India’s president Mayank Agochiya, notes “This new Indian designed, engineered and manufactured vehicle represents yet another first for Mahindra in the Indian market, applying advanced technologies that set new benchmarks of performance, functionality and quality for customers.”