Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), country’s largest XUV maker is planning to reduce the price of XUV 500 by up to Rs 33,000. Currently it is offering this vehicle around Rs 12-15 lakh and the reductions will be in the range of Rs 27,000-33,000. M&M has lowered ground clearance of XUV 500 to sub-170mm which would qualify it for the lower 27% excise duty, effectively reducing its price.

Automaker’s SUVs sale was affected by the new ground clearance stipulation and prices were hiked in March after the Budget. But now, XUV 500 will be fitted with a stone guard, a protective panel under the body, which also serves the purpose of lower ground clearance.