Mahindra keen to steer R&D on driverless tractors

Mahindra group is investing in the future of mobility with intentions to play a pioneering role in the development of driverless tractors and commercial vehicles, its Chairman Anand Mahindra on 

Wednesday said.

Amid speculations in the world whether conventional auto companies will survive in a transformed environment, he said the 'buzz' about the future of mobility is centered around three topics -- shared mobility, role of renewable energy- powered vehicles and autonomous vehicles.

"Mahindra is investing in the future of mobility by combining our innovative manufacturing capabilities with our investments in downstream platforms," he said while addressing the company's AGM here. Stressing on the group's ambitions to be prepared for the future, Mahindra said: "Everyone in the world is speculating whether conventional mobility companies will survive in a transformed environment. 

"I am not an astrologer and cannot provide guarantees on that score, but I did want to emphasise to you all today, that if anyone is preparing feverishly for a disruptive future of mobility, it is Mahindra." 

The stress is on using the strength of telematics skills in the larger Mahindra Group and focus strongly on developing autonomous, driverless commercial vehicles, he added.