M&M raises Durban plant output as tariffs hit autos

SOUTH AFRICA'S ECONOMICAL CARS

- MATTHEW HILL

MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA is boosting capacity at its South African plant by two-thirds as India's largest automaker by value seeks to capitalize on demand for budget vehicles in the continent's biggest economy.

The company, which makes the Mahindra Pik-Up brand at its assembly plant near the port city of Durban, will boost capacity to 1,500 vehicles a month from 900, said Rajesh Gupta, chief executive officer of the local unit. It's also considering assembling other models, including the Bolero and the Veero pick-up, he said.