The 120th edition of the Mahindra Great Escape, one of
India’s most loved off-roading adventures, concluded on February 22, 2015 in
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan with around 70 Mahindra SUVs manoeuvering the challenging
route through the expansive Sam Sand Dunes. The Annual ‘Invitation Only’ Great
Escape received an overwhelming response from invited dignitaries, which
included CEOs of domestic and international auto component companies and
agencies. The Mahindra SUVs negotiated an overall track of 60 km comprising a
12 km off-road track of steep inclines, shifting slopes and undulating sand
dunes, leaving everyone asking for more.
This exclusive annual edition of the rally was by invitation
only and saw eminent personalities from all walks of life enjoy the Mahindra
spirit of adventure and off-roading. Ambuj Sharma, Additional Secretary,
Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India was among the several eminent
personalities at the event. Actress Gul Panag too participated in the rally
with her husband.
Participating vehicles included the Mahindra Thar, Scorpio,
Scorpio Getaway and Bolero, each representing the tough and rugged DNA of
Mahindra vehicles. The terrain was a challenge for the experienced and amateurs
alike. Through steep inclines, shifting slopes and treacherous sands, these
powerful SUVs stood their ground and emerged unscathed in the sandy terrain in
and around the popular Sam Sand Dunes. From going easy on the throttle to
crawling in first gear and knowing when to let go on the slopes, every vehicle
and the participants had their share of challenges.
Participants also got a chance to see the White Special
Edition Thar, which was unveiled at the Annual Mahindra Great Escape. On
display, was also the 5 millionth vehicle, a Thar, that was rolled out from
Mahindra’s manufacturing plant in Kandivali on January 5, 2015.
Speaking on the event, Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director,
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. noted, “We were delighted to have hosted the 120th
edition of the Annual Mahindra Great Escape in the golden city of Jaisalmer.
Rajasthan is a very popular destination among off-roading enthusiasts for its
terrain and allows us to showcase to our customers the tough and enduring
nature of Mahindra vehicles. Over the years, the Great Escape has developed a
reputation as one of India’s most thrilling off-road events and this year’s
edition was no different as it put both man and machine to test”.
This edition of the Annual Mahindra Great Escape received a
befitting royal welcome in Jaisalmer, amidst its majestic splendours. Known for
its golden landscape, the city of Jaisalmer is cradled in the heart of the
Great Indian Desert. Flanked by the
ruthless desert and magnificent sand dunes on one side and sprawling forts and
palaces on the other side, Jaisalmer is a city steeped in cultural
heritage.
The Mahindra Great Escape route was chalked out by the
Mahindra Adventure team with the ‘With You Hamesha’ service team who ensured
that participants enjoyed the rally unhindered. Post the rally, it was time for
the celebrations to begin. Guests were treated to musical entertainment, while
experiencing the best of Rajasthani hospitality.