M&M to set up technology academy to strengthen R&D.

Mahindra & Mahindra will set up a technology academy at the Mahindra Research Valley near Chennai to strengthen in-house R&D capability.

The auto maker is also finalising plans for an overseas technology centre in Europe along the lines of the one it has in Detroit.

The 40,000-sq-ft academy will be commissioned in March. This will support fast-track development and launch of new vehicles - SUVs and tractors - said Aravind Bharadwaj, Head-Technology, MRV.

The MRV now has over 2,500 technically qualified personnel, including 1,500 graduate engineers and over 220 diploma holders.

In an interaction with journalists at the 125-acre R&D facility at Mahindra World City near Chennai, Bharadwaj said the MRV has contributed to the company launching three automobiles and two tractors in the last three years. This 'quite aggressive’ approach will be intensified in the coming years with products featuring greater technology inputs cost effectively.

HBL