M&M at number 2: Hybrid, EV plans to drive its future

125-acre campus of Mahindra Research Valley in Tamil Nadu fuelling company's innovations

- SHINE JACOB

Around 60 kilometres away from Chennai, at the 125-acre picturesque campus of Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chengalpattu, a group of experts is becoming the global neural network of the company's future by working on electric and hybrid vehicles, autonomous driving, connected vehicle technology, and eco-friendly practices.

As auto major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) became the number two player in the retail passenger vehicle segment for the first time in February, powered by its new launches, the company is setting its sights on technology upgrades.

To ensure its future cars offer best-in-class technology like immersive sound experiences, the company is getting the help of the best in the industry, like music maestro A R Rahman.

The music legend reportedly composed a soundscape, which includes over 75 sounds, including exterior and interior drive sounds, infotainment cues, and functional signals for the BE 6 and XEV 9E models, which witnessed around 30,000 bookings on the first day.

Mahindra also became the first Indian automaker to integrate Dolby Atmos technology into its vehicles, setting a new standard for in-car entertainment.