Scorpio dealers cut old variant prices

Slash rates by Rs 15,000-30,000.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) dealers have reduced the prices of the old variants of Scorpio by Rs 15,000-30,000. This follows the introduction of the latest variant of Scorpio with 43 new value-added features, in the beginning of this month.

"Dealers were forced to make the old version cheaper by Rs 15,000-30,000, as the customers started preferring the new Scorpio. A majority of the dealers in the country will be resorting to the same tactic," said James Aranha, senior manager, NBS International, the largest M&M dealer in the city.

Over 1,500 old Scorpios are estimated to be stocked with the 200-odd M&M dealers in the country. In mid-February, M&M discontinued the manufacture of the old Scorpio.

While the old Scorpio, priced in the range of Rs 6.55 lakh to Rs 7.93 lakh, will become cheaper by up to Rs 30,000, the price of the new variant will remain the same.

"We will keep the same price for the new Scorpio for the next six weeks," Pawan Goenka, president (automotive sector), M&M, said.

Mahindra Scorpio achieved sales of about 35,000 units during the financial year 2005-06. In January, the prices of Scorpio were raised by Rs 6,000.

Scorpio enjoys a market share of 32 per cent in the domestic premium utility vehicle market. It commands a market share of 12 per cent in the category of cars priced above Rs 5 lakh.

The new Scorpio rides on a five-zone rear suspension, fine-tuned by Lotus Engineering. It also features tubeless tyres.

The new variant comes with a macho front grille and large clear lens, headlamps complimented by a sporty new scoop on the bonnet. The all-new tail lamp runs all the way to the top.