CB BureauMahindra & Mahindra Ltd, a part of Mahindra Group, has launched a new and ‘affordable’ line of ambulance developed in-house on the company’s Supro van platform. The BS6 Supro ambulance is available in two variants, LX and ZX, at a competitive price of Rs 6.94 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The first batch of this ambulance has been manufactured exclusively for the Maharashtra government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The variants have been developed to assist medical and health services, especially during the ongoing global pandemic. It is driven by Mahindra’s DI engine, which delivers 47 HP and 100 Nm of torque. As per the company’s claims, the compact dimensions of the ambulance enable easy manoeuvring on Indian roads, resulting in faster movement of patients. It accommodates five attendants apart from patient and driver. Additionally, the ambulance comes with a warranty of 2 years/60,000 km.
The Supro ambulance is factory-fitted with all the essential equipment including a foldable stretcher-cum-trolley, a medical kit, provision for an oxygen cylinder, a fire extinguisher along with internal lighting, flame-resistant interiors, and an announcement system.
In a press release, Veejay Nakra, CEO – Automotive Division, M&M Ltd, said: ‘The launch of Supro ambulance is one more step by Mahindra to fight the pandemic, in addition to manufacturing of face shields, ventilators and sanitisers. The first batch of 12 vehicles have been produced in record time and delivered to the government. This is the most affordable solution fitted with all necessary equipment and complying with all norms.’
CB’s question on what measures have been taken to make the vehicle’s design and performance eco-friendly is yet to be answered by the company.