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M&M, Shell complete phase I of hydrogen vehicle study

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Announcement Companies & Industry
Last Updated : Feb 05 2013 | 1:20 AM IST
MUMBAI, JUNE 28, 2007: Mahindra & Mahindra today announced a significant milestone in its commitment to energy conservation. A leading Indian automotive manufacturer with a growing global presence, M&M announced the successful completion of Phase I the joint "Pre-feasibility Study on Hydrogen-based Transportation in India" with Shell, a global energy major.
 
"Mahindra & Mahindra is proud to take a commanding leadership role in alternative fuel technologies. In accordance with this role M&M believes it is important to collaborate and coordinate with energy providers to ensure a well-rounded research, development, and transition to alternate fuel vehicles. M&M is excited to announce the completion of this study on hydrogen transportation in India with Shell and looks forward to further initiatives that will advance the hydrogen economy in India," said Dr. Arun Jaura, Senior Vice President for Global Product Development and R&D in Mahindra & Mahindra.
 
Technical and commercial experts from both companies shared their insights over the course of the last year. The scope of the study includes hydrogen supply, infrastructure, and the timing of introduction of various hydrogen vehicle platforms, such as Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines and Fuel Cells, in India.
 
This Joint Pre-feasibility Study on Hydrogen-based Transportation in India aims to identify potential locations for Lighthouse Projects: projects where multiple automotive companies and multiple energy providers will focus their initial efforts in a concentrated effort, supported by government. The project hopes to further explore local fuel supply options, fuel distribution and storage options, automobile technology, safety, commercial viability, environmental benefits, and public/private partnerships.
 
Shell has been working closely with auto companies the world over in the area of hydrogen energy. In India, it has been partnering with Mahindra & Mahindra to develop a shared understanding of the emerging fuels scenarios.
 
M&M: Pioneer in hydrogen fuel technology
 
"Given the uncertainty of petroleum prices and availability of petroleum products, alternate energy efficient vehicles are of critical importance," Dr. Jaura said. As a leader of the Indian automotive industry and one which believes in sustainable growth, M&M has been committed to greener and cleaner environment. M&M has been striving to make the future of our current and forthcoming generations healthier by making much more fuel-efficient vehicles and cleaner vehicles. As an auto OEM, M&M believes that the Group has this social responsibility and has institutionalized conservation in all its products and processes.
 
Mahindra's pioneering initiative in the field of hydrogen fuels is the HY-Alfa concept. An industry first, the 3 wheeler Hydrogen Alfa uses compressed gaseous hydrogen and can give a range of 170 km. More importantly the vehicle literally has zero Carbon dioxide and Carbon monoxide emissions. The Hydrogen Alfa concept was unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo 2006 to an enthusiastic reception.
 
About The Mahindra Group
 
The US $4.5 billion Mahindra Group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. Mahindra & Mahindra is the only Indian company among the top four tractor manufacturers in the world and is the market leader in multi-utility vehicles in India. The Group has a leading presence in key sectors of the Indian economy, including trade and financial services (Mahindra Intertrade, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd.), automotive components, information technology & telecom (Tech Mahindra, Bristlecone), and infrastructure development (Mahindra GESCO, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., Mahindra World City).
 
With over 60 years of manufacturing experience, the Mahindra Group has built a strong base in technology, engineering, marketing and distribution which are key in its evolution as a customer-centric organization. The Group employs over 40,000 people and has several state-of-the-art facilities in India and overseas. The Mahindra Group has ambitious global aspirations and has a presence in five continents. Mahindra products are today available in every continent except Antarctica. M&M has one tractor manufacturing plant in China and three assembly plants in the United States.
 
It has made strategic acquisitions across the globe including Stokes Forgings (UK), Jeco Holding AG (Germany) and Schoneweiss & Co GmbH (Germany). Its global subsidiaries include Mahindra Europe Srl. based in Italy, Mahindra USA Inc. and Mahindra South Africa. M&M has entered into partnerships with international companies like Renault SA, France, and International Truck and Engine Corporation, USA.
 
The Group recently made a milestone entry into the passenger car segment with Logan, a product of its JV with Renault SA. Forbes has ranked the Mahindra Group in its Top 200 list of the World's Most Reputable Companies and in the Top 10 list of Most Reputable Indian companies.

 
 

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First Published: Jun 28 2007 | 12:00 AM IST

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