US truck manufacturer Navistar Inc today said it may explore the possibility of supplying engines to third parties from India through its joint venture with the Mahindra & Mahindra Group.
Navistar, which makes diesel engines with capacities ranging between 3 ltr and 15 ltr, has a joint venture Mahindra Navistar Engines in which it hold 49 per cent stake.
It also has another joint venture Mahindra Navistar Automotives that is into manufacturing of commercial vehicles in India.
"Our priority is to supply engines for our trucks in India and once we do that we will explore the possibility of supplying engines to third parties," Navistar Inc Chairman, President and CEO Daniel C Ustian said here at the 10th Auto Expo.
He said by next calendar year the company would start exploring the option. The JV has an engine production plant at Chakan, near Pune.
Earlier, in the day, Mahindra Navistar Automotives unveiled two trucks - MN 49 and MN 40 at the Expo, in addition to two other models showcased on Monday.
The JV intends to launch the trucks in Indian markets before March end.
"India is an important market for us and the Mahindra Navistar JV will redefine the trucking industry in India," Ustian said.
The trucks from Mahindra Navistar JV have been completely designed and developed in India.
Besides the trucks, the JV is also planning to enter into the Indian bus market but not before next year end.
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan was the star attraction at the Mahindra pavilion where he launched a limited edition of SUV Scorpio.
