Anand Mahindra responds to criticism about Mahindra vehicles and service. His candid reply wins over netizens

Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, has once again demonstrated his ability to engage constructively with criticism, winning hearts across social media. This time, his response to a tweet criticizing Mahindra’s automotive design and service quality not only addressed the concerns raised but also shed light on the company’s remarkable journey in the automotive sector.

The tweet in question expressed dissatisfaction with Mahindra’s current vehicle designs, service standards, and customer experience. The user lamented the lack of aesthetic appeal in Mahindra’s vehicles and called for improvements in the company’s ground-level operations, such as spare parts availability and employee behavior. While the criticism was scathing, Anand Mahindra’s response was a masterclass in leadership and humility.

Acknowledging the user’s concerns, Mahindra reflected on the company’s evolution since the early 1990s. He recounted how global consultants once doubted Mahindra’s ability to compete with foreign automakers entering the Indian market. Today, Mahindra stands as a formidable player in the global automotive landscape. His response emphasized the company’s continuous drive for improvement and underscored that even criticism—no matter how harsh—serves as motivation to strive for excellence.

"We have used all the surrounding cynicism, scepticism—and even rudeness, as in your post—to fuel our hunger to succeed. Yes we have miles to go before we sleep. There is no room for any complacency and continuous improvement will continue to be our mantra," Anand Mahindra said in his post.

Expanding the EV portfolio
Mahindra’s response comes at a time when the company is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Recently, Mahindra & Mahindra unveiled two new electric SUVs, the BE 6e and XEV 9e. These ground-up models are set to enhance Mahindra’s EV portfolio, offering competitive features and pricing.
The BE 6e and XEV 9e are priced at ₹18.9 lakh and ₹21.9 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively, for their entry-level variants. The BE 6e boasts an impressive range of 682 kilometers, while the XEV 9e offers a range of 656 kilometers. Deliveries for these models are expected to commence by February or March 2025, with a phased rollout strategy starting in January.


Public reaction to Anand Mahindra’s esponse
The individual who initially posted the critical tweet, which prompted Anand Mahindra's thoughtful response, later expressed surprise and appreciation. Reacting to the reply, the user said, “OMG, this is so sweet. I’m glad you took the criticism constructively.”

Anand Mahindra’s reply to the criticism struck a chord with many netizens, sparking a diverse range of reactions. Some users praised the company’s focus on safety and reliability, emphasizing that these attributes are more critical than aesthetics. Others highlighted Mahindra’s dominance in challenging terrains, particularly in the Himalayas, where Mahindra SUVs are often the vehicle of choice for their power and dependability.

One user, recounting his extensive travels in the Himalayas, commended Mahindra vehicles’ performance in extreme conditions and expressed optimism about the company’s future. Another suggested the revival of Mahindra’s iconic WWII Jeep in an electric version, reflecting the brand’s cultural significance and customer nostalgia.

On the other hand, some users echoed concerns about Mahindra’s customer service, urging the company to improve the company's service standards.