Mahindra Appalachian diesel pickup arrives in US next year, diesel hybrid version by 2010
Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will shake up the U.S. truck market next year when it introduces a new midsize pickup called the Appalachian sporting a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine producing around 150 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque. Speaking with Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com, John Perez, the CEO of Atlanta-based importer Global Vehicles U.S.A. that's aiding Mahindra's entry into the U.S. market, revealed that the truck will deliver 30 to 35 miles per gallon and cost in the mid-$20,000 range. It will be paired with a six-speed automatic that's controlled via a floor-mounted shifter or paddle shifters(!), have a class-leading payload of 2,600 lbs. and feature a 60,000-mile, four year bumper-to-bumper warranty.
If that's not enough to strike fear in domestic and import truck makers alike, Mahindra has also revealed plans to sell a diesel hybrid version of its pickup by 2010. If it happens, the diesel hybrid Appalachian will be, as far as we know, the only diesel hybrid on sale in the U.S. market and achieve fuel economy figures even higher than its diesel-only counterpart. Imagine a midsize pickup in the low-$30,000 price range capable of 40+ mpg.
The Appalachian has yet to go through U.S. certification for emissions and safety, but the company is spending $80 million to ensure its truck passes with no issues. After that, production will begin in India on March 15, 2009, but the trucks will finish assembly at a plant in Ohio to avoid high import taxes. After that, customers can visit a 300-strong dealer network with 24 standalone dealerships, one of which is already under construction.
[Source: Pickuptruck.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Yankee 7:12AM (2/11/2008)
Looks like an updated version of a late 1960s Datsun pickup.
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Avinash machado 7:14AM (2/11/2008)
So finally a modern alternative to the Ranger. Looks quite tough too.
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geo.stewart 8:29AM (2/11/2008)
not really, its reported as a mid-size. It doesnt LOOK like that in the picture but I think that is because there is no frame of reference and the look is similar to a ranger or old datsun or toyota.
so, mid-twenties for an anemic pickup. when I can get an anemic colorado or a tacoma in the mid teens. I'll grant the payload capacity but I dont think that will play into it.
let's do the math. spend an extra 10K to save 500-600/yr. so in 15yrs, it will have paid for the difference?
I must be missing something.
Dave 7:23AM (2/11/2008)
I don't know why the author is putting a midsize label on it when it's a compact p/u. I saw this truck last year with the dimensions and it is a mini-truck, something the U.S. had a variety of years ago. For me a mini/compact truck would be more than enough and hopefully other makers will start to go small again instead of the build it bigger mentality which has brought some midsize to near fullsize.
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matthew 7:19AM (2/11/2008)
Remember CrossLander??? Perez was behind that...we have a CrossLander dealer down here in miami that was built before they were going to be imported and everything fell through...hopefully this can make it into our market
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bob hawkinson 4:49PM (4/30/2008)
I'm a mahindra dealer in Chicago. The truck may not be pretty, but it isn't a sport car, either. Truck buyers want utility AND fuel efficiency. This vehicle should get 30MPG as a single rail bio- diesel. Soon coupled with Hybrid-Electric technology, this will be the highest MPG of any pick up truck in the world! Who cares about looks?
stratojet 7:20AM (2/11/2008)
This is what the future holds; small low tech nononsense vehicles. And cheap.
Forget abs stabilitrak, 4 wheels disc brakes, navigation system, airbags, lateral airbags. Nice on the wish list but customers do not want to pay for them. so, here we go. The next auto boom will come from India.. With all the manufactures closing in USA, this is what the citizens will be able to buy. This is what we refer to as tail spin of the economy.
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Dave 7:23AM (2/11/2008)
Yes it does look like an old Datsun or even that 1960's Toyota. Most people use pickups as commuters anyway so a mini-truck with better mileage could start a new trend. I would be a little skeptical if not for the descent warranty.
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Chris 7:22AM (2/11/2008)
I REALLY like it! I hope they offer a 4 door version so I can buy one and 'clatter' around with my Newfoundland dog. Why on earth can't I buy a Ford or GM like this as I don't need a full since pick-up?
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Longhorn 7:26AM (2/11/2008)
I think it's about time the Aztec stepped down from its 'ugliest car ever' throne. Nice work India!
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Gregg 8:55AM (2/11/2008)
Sorry. I don't think anything will ever be drawn quite as badly for no fathomable reason as the Aztec was.
Dave 7:28AM (2/11/2008)
I am sure it probably still has the ABS and airbags which I believe are required by law now, it least the front ones. Stabilitrak is an unnecessary option. How many times have you or your family rolled a vehicle? I have never known anyone to.
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Gregg 9:03AM (2/11/2008)
I have never been in a headon or side crash either through 28 vehicles, 40 years and more than a million miles of driving. However, I did roll a vehicle, due to careless snow removal by our mostly wonderful winter highway maintenance staff. If these safety measures can be installed relatively cheaply (and ECS can), then I want it. Worked wonderfully for me when I encountered a shaded slick spot on an uphill S curve. All pickups should have it.
Polly Prissy Pants 12:34PM (2/11/2008)
"Stabilitrak is an unnecessary option. How many times have you or your family rolled a vehicle?"
Wow, that's the wackiest comment I've seen on Autoblog in weeks, and that's saying something.
Stability control does more that keep you from rolling over, it helps you stay in directional control. Various studies have found that stability control reduces fatal crashes by a 3rd and have a more significant impact than ABS. Having owned a BMW and a Dodge with stability control (and many without) I'd never own a car without it again. To add, fine cars that might have been purchased by family members (Civic) were subsequently removed from contention due to the unavailability of stability control.
FThorn 7:28AM (2/11/2008)
If one likes that, then perhaps Jeep should release their new truck on the public.
http://image.motortrend.com/f/auto-review/jeep-jt-an-exercise-in-what-a-jeep-pickup-could-be/6390909+w600+cr1+re0+ar1/jeep-jt-concept-side-view.jpg
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Longhorn 7:49AM (2/11/2008)
The JT concept looks about a trillion times better IMO.
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FThorn 7:52AM (2/11/2008)
As a person posting on a Car-oriented site, I am understanding that you think ABS and airbags are mandatory?
Just google "optional ABS" + 2008. Now what do you think?
And "airbag waiver".
In effect, there are certainly cases, instances where these are NOT MANDATORY, by the strictest definition of the word.
Do you think roll-up windows went the way of the do-do bird, too?
What about front bench seats? They still exist, too.
My car has roll-up windows, 3 speed auto (sure, it's a few years old, though), no inside mirror adjustments (have to reach outside and push the mirror), no ABS, no traction control, no rear defrost, no tilt-wheel, no cruise control, but it does over 100 mph at least (where it counts) ! ;)
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Mallory 1:04PM (2/11/2008)
Airbags _are_ required but certain manufacturers have received exemptions for _advanced_ airbag systems that vary their deployment force. Stability control will be required by 2012 which essentially means ABS will too since the components are the same.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_Stability_Control.
Considering ~118 die every day on U.S. roadways I'll take what I can get, especially considering how cheap these systems have become.
other 7:59AM (2/11/2008)
Finally! I'll take a 4x4 please! All you manufacturers out there better wake up, this is what I, and many others have been waiting for! Good luck Mahindra, bring it on our shores, I'll buy it!
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cameron42985 8:03AM (2/11/2008)
Wait, 'mid-20 range'? 'Mid-size' segment? Are you kidding me? This will not sell. Ranger starts at 13k!
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