Industrialist Anand Mahindra has recently clarified the confusion surrounding his vehicle ownership following allegations that he possessed several foreign luxury cars. In a detailed response, Anand Mahindra, who is a staunch supporter of the “Make in India” initiative, affirmed that he only drives Mahindra & Mahindra vehicles, including the current model, the Mahindra Scorpio N.
The controversy erupted when a social media post, which has been termed “fake” and “fabricated” by Anand Mahindra, circulated online. This post questioned why the chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra was allegedly seen driving foreign-made luxury cars, including high-end models like the Ferrari California T, Porsche 911, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The post featured a screenshot of an article claiming these vehicles were part of Mahindra’s collection.
In response to these claims, Anand Mahindra emphasized his commitment to his company’s products. He recounted learning to drive in his mother’s light sky-blue Premier car, which she affectionately called “BlueBird.” Since joining Mahindra & Mahindra in 1991, he has exclusively driven vehicles produced by his own company. Currently, he is seen driving a red Anand Mahindra Scorpio N and occasionally uses his wife’s silver Mahindra XUV 700.
Anand Mahindra also addressed a photo that had surfaced, showing him in front of a foreign car. He clarified that the image was taken at the Monterey Car Week during the launch of Anand Mahindra’s Battista electric hypercar. The car in the photo was identified as a classic Cisitalia, designed by Pininfarina, a company that is part of the Anand Mahindra group.
Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India, supported Anand Mahindra’s statement, confirming that the industrialist has only driven Anand Mahindra vehicles for over thirty years. Sorabjee highlighted Anand Mahindra’s loyalty to his brand, underscoring that he has consistently adhered to using Anand Mahindra products.
Anand Mahindra further detailed the cars he has driven over the years, starting with his mother’s Premier car, followed by a soft-top Mahindra CJ3 UV, and a Hindustan Motors Contessa after joining the company. He later drove a hard-top Armada, and over the years, he has used a Bolero, Scorpio Classic, XUV 5OO, and currently the Scorpio N. Mahindra reiterated that since the production of the Armada, he has not driven or owned vehicles from any other brand.
This clarification comes amidst growing scrutiny of public figures and their adherence to their brand principles, reinforcing Anand Mahindra’s commitment to promoting and supporting Indian manufacturing.
