Mahindra launches affordable ambulance

September 28, 2021

Mahindra has combined the expertise of its engineers, technical partners, assembly facility in Durban and Gauteng-based Special Fitment Centre to launch an all-new Pik Up Ambulance.

Based on the Mahindra Pik Up S6 single cab, the new Pik Up Ambulance delivers go-anywhere medical mobility for first responders and medical staff, especially in rural areas and hard-to-reach sites.

The new Pik Up Ambulance has a double-walled and insulated ambulance cabin. It carries a full factory warranty and is available as either an S6 Single Cab 4×2 or S6 Single Cab 4×4.

“The Mahindra Pik Up has proven itself as capable, supremely reliable yet affordable to purchase and maintain. It has become a trusted partner to the public and private sectors, which often have fleets of Pik Up models on site,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.

“This widespread acceptance by businesses and government has inspired us to investigate other applications, such as the Ambulance.”

The Pik Up Ambulance was created with feedback from medical professionals. It boasts an access ramp to enable the smooth transfer of the patient from kerb to cabin, with the roll and cot stretcher included in the package specifications. There is an additional spine board that is flush-fitting and secured to the side of the vehicle. The floor is shock-proof and has been treated with a hard-wearing anti-skid coating.

Inside the ambulance cabin, Mahindra has fitted a range of medically approved equipment that is not only easy to reach and use but allows most customers to buy and use the ambulance without requiring additional customisation and certification.

The range of equipment includes an air conditioner linked to that of the driver cabin, a freshwater system with basin, oxygen tanks, an intercom, interior LED lighting, a swivel rear spotlight and storage space that doubles as a bench. This equipment, and the additional power points in the rear cabin, are powered by an additional battery system fitted in the engine bay.

Each Pik Up Ambulance also has a public address system with siren, a regulation set of red and orange emergency vehicle lights and a range of decals for each province and application.

“By funding the testing, development and certification costs at the start of this project, we have made it much easier and more affordable for companies and the public sector to buy a hard-wearing, off-road-ready ambulance,” says Rajesh. The S6 also includes luxuries such as cruise control and air conditioning fitted as standard. The standard Pik Up S6 has a ground clearance of 210 mm, with an approach angle of 34 degrees, a departure angle of 15 degrees and a breakover-angle of 18 degrees. The bakkie is certified to tow a braked trailer of up to 2 500 kg and it has a combined fuel consumption of only 7,7 litres per 100 km.

Each Pik Up model is fitted with Mahindra’s mHawk turbodiesel engine with common-rail direct injection. This engine delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm. Dual front airbags, ABS brakes with EBD, side-impact protection, and seatbelt reminders are standard on all Pik Up models, including the Ambulance.