Auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has said it will launch the CNG variant of its latest mini truck Maxximo within the next six months.

M&M had showcased the mini truck powered by diesel engine at the Delhi Auto Expo in January and started its market launch in select places starting with Maharashtra.

"We will soon launch other variant in this model. Our CNG variant will be up in next six months," M&M Vice-President, Sales, Bhatendu Kapoor told reporters while will rolling out the regular Maxximo, which is priced at Rs. 284,000 (US$ 6,119, ex-showroom, Jaipur). He said the company would manufacture 24,000 mini trucks every year from the company's Chakan facility in Maharashtra.

About Rs. 3.8 billion invested by M&M in the development of the mini truck, with an 850 kg payload, that is positioned to take on Tata Motor's runaway success 'Ace'.

Kapoor said the firm was confident that Maxximo will do well in the market. "We dominate segments in which we are present. We expect to give out similar performance in this segment as well." M&M is targetting mainly the tier II and III cities with its Maxximo.