Arvind Mathew, Chief of International Operations for Mahindra & Mahindra, explains the significance of this new facility: "Mahindra has always seen South Africa as a ‘second home' and a base from which it could grow its market share on the continent. We believe that our investment in an ultra-modern assembly facility and our intention to localise part-sourcing over time reaffirm this view."

Mahindra South Africa already supports other African countries in the Southern African Customs Union and it aims to grow its reach throughout sub-Saharan Africa, using this facility and South Africa as base.

Says Gupta: "The assembly of the Pik Up is a very important step, but it remains only the first step in our long-term plan that will see us increase employment, local sourcing and content as well as the complexity of our assembly facility in KwaZulu-Natal."

Mahindra has set its aim on sourcing 40% of the components, measured by value, of its Pik Up range from local component suppliers. It has already started with this project and hopes to announce more details soon.

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