Commander 650 DI

1991 was a disastrous year for the auto industry and Mahindra was no exception. Auto sales had collapsed in view of the Gulf War and the resultant increase in fuel prices. Drastic measures were needed to survive the downslide.

They say when things get tough, the tough gets going. Mahindra marketing spotted an opportunity for a rural workhorse which can transport people across villages and a clause in the motor vehicle regulations which allowed lower excise duty on vehicles which can seat 10 or more people.

Engineering and manufacturing teams rose to the occasion and quickly put togather 10-seater vehicle – the chassis from CJ640DP, the new fuel efficient MDI2500 engine, mechanicals from the robust CJ500 vehicle and an additional row of seat. Thus was born the Commander 650DI, out of a crisis.

• Plant – Kandivali
• Production – 1991 to 1996
• Model – Commander 650 DI

The Commander 650 DI was fitted with –

• MDI2500, 2.5 liter Diesel engine
• T90, Warner, 3-Speed gearbox
• 103.6” Wheelbase
• 48.4″ Wheel Track

The Commander 650 DI became an instant success and helped Mahindra to weather the crisis. The vehicle was in huge demand across India and became small business for the rural youth who operated Taxis between villages which were not connected by public transport. In effect the Commander 650 DI became the private legal transport solution for India as well as an employment generator.

A variant, Commander 655 DI, was introduced to improve fuel mileage further. This variant had a lower rear axle reduction ratio to improve the fuel mileage.

A newspaper ad for the Commander 650 DI –

Author’s note – Eventhough the vehicle was a 10-seater, it’s generally seen transporting many more people, livestock and cargo and it never flinched, such was the toughness of its design and build.