Man criticizes Mahindra cars’ quality online, Anand Mahindra’s response wins him over
In a remarkable display of humility and grace, Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, recently addressed sharp criticism aimed at the company’s car designs and service quality. The critique followed the highly anticipated launch of Mahindra’s new electric vehicle range, which includes the BE6e and XEV 9e models.
The Criticism That Sparked Discussion
The controversy began when a social media user took to X (formerly Twitter) to express dissatisfaction with Mahindra’s automotive offerings. The post, which has since been deleted, stated:
“Every single product of yours is for those who don’t study and research… your cars stand nowhere at all near Hyundai when it comes to aesthetics… I have no idea if your design team or you yourself have such bad taste. But seriously, your cars are for those who want a mountain-size car in 20l and have no idea about reliability and quality.”
Additionally, the critic described some Mahindra designs as “gobar [dung] kinda,” concluding with, “So far, only disappointed.”
Anand Mahindra Responds to Criticism with Poise
Rather than ignoring or dismissing the harsh remarks, Anand Mahindra responded to a screenshot of the now-deleted post. His reply highlighted the company’s journey, resilience, and commitment to improvement. He acknowledged that Mahindra still has much to achieve but emphasized the progress made since the 1990s when many doubted their potential in the automotive sector.
You’re right, Sushant.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 1, 2024
We have a long way to go.
But please consider how far we have come.
When I joined the company in 1991, the economy had just been opened up.
A global consulting firm strongly advised us to exit the car business since we had no chance, in their view, of… pic.twitter.com/xinxlBcGuV
“When I joined the company in 1991, the economy had just been opened up,” he shared. “A global consulting firm strongly advised us to exit the car business since we had no chance, in their view, of competing with the foreign brands that would enter. Three decades later, we are still around and competing fiercely.”
Turning Criticism into Motivation
In his response, Anand Mahindra made it clear that the company uses “cynicism, scepticism—and even rudeness… to fuel our hunger to succeed.” He admitted there was “no room for complacency” and reiterated Mahindra’s dedication to continuous improvement.
Addressing the critic directly, he thanked them for “feeding the fire in our bellies,” transforming negativity into a catalyst for growth.
A Change of Heart
Following Mahindra’s response, the critic reacted with surprise and appreciation, posting, “OMG this is so sweet. I am glad you took the criticism constructively. I had to delete the tweet after a call from your team because I thought they were unhappy with the harsh words.” He also admitted that his earlier comments were “wrong.”
New Launches: Mahindra’s Electric Future
The incident occurred in the wake of Mahindra’s recent launch of their electric SUV, the XEV 9e, priced at ₹21.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Built on the innovative INGLO platform, this model is expected to hit the market with deliveries starting in February 2025. The BE6e, another highly anticipated release, also marks a step forward in Mahindra’s push towards electric mobility.
Conclusion
Anand Mahindra’s measured and thoughtful response underscores the company’s commitment to growth and transparency. By addressing criticism head-on and turning it into an opportunity for dialogue and reflection, he showcased leadership qualities that resonate beyond the automotive industry. The phrase “Anand Mahindra responds to criticism” now stands as a testament to the power of constructive engagement and continuous improvement in a competitive marketplace.
