We have seen the Mahindra Maxximo make it into the Mini Van circuit and fight it out with the likes of the Tata Ace Magic. The Maxximo, however, was launched at a later date than the Ace Magic but Mahindra has now given it a fresh start and an altogether new outlook.
Mahindra today launched the Maxximo Mini Van Vx school bus with SafeEye technology. With this technology Mahindra wants to provide a 360% safe school transport solution. SafeEye technology integrates GPS based messaging service and real time tracking of children, which can be accessed by parents and school administrators on their smartphones or PC's.
The technology will also help in giving out information like location of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, notification in case of emergencies, deviation from pre-set routes or non-scheduled stops. The SMS on your phone will notify you about anything and everything.
It does not stop here though. There are 2 cameras placed in the car, one on the front and the other at the rear which will help in providing live video feeds via a 3G network in case you want to peep in and look at what your kids or driver is upto. Besides that there is a first aid kit provided and the van is equipped with a fire extinguisher as well.
Mahindra has priced the top-of-the-line Maxximo which comes with all the bells and whistles at Rs. 4.88 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai). If you do not want the on-board cameras then the price of this BS4 variant is 4.37 lakhs. Mahindra produces nearly 125000 Maxximo's annually and the Mini Van with SafeEye technology will comprise of 20% of those produced.
The technology is revolutionary and indeed Mahindra has taken a long stride in ensuring safety. All they need now is for the 400 school principals they've approached to bite into the idea.
