Autoblog

Judge gives dealers' fraud suit against Mahindra the go-ahead

Zach Bowman — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal, Work, Earnings/Financials, India, Diesel

Automotive News is reporting that a US District Court has ruled that a lawsuit by five dealers against Mahindra & Mahindra can move ahead. The Indian automaker had moved to have the case dismissed, but District Judge Thomas Thrash in Atlanta said the plaintiffs presented enough evidence for "a reasonable person to infer that Mahindra USA was involved in a plan to deceive the dealers." The group alleges that they were defrauded by the manufacturer when Mahindra said it planned to create a new brand of light trucks in the US. It's the latest in a long line of misfortunes for the automaker in the US market.

Mahindra spent some four years working with Global Vehicles USA, a private US distributor just outside of Atlanta. At one point, Global Vehicles boasted a dealer network of some 350 retailers ready to sell small, Indian-made diesel pickups in the States. Mahindra promised more products would follow after the utilitarian four-wheel drives, but a spate of delays quickly derailed that plan. The distribution deal wound up dead by 2010, leaving many dealers with empty showrooms and pockets. While a US District Court in Missouri dismissed one case against Mahindra on the grounds that the distribution deal was with Global Vehicles and not the Indian automaker, the current suit seems ready to move forward.

Judge gives dealers' fraud suit against Mahindra the go-ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, India, Diesel, MISC

With apologies to the Beatles, it's been a long and winding road for those waiting to get their hands on the steering wheel of a small, diesel-powered pickup from Mahindra. Here's the good news: Something definitive has finally been heard from the Indian automaker. Here's the bad news: It's bad news.

According to Reuters, Mahindra "recently decided not to proceed further with the project due to changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation." In other words, the truck we've long been expecting isn't going to happen. That said, "M&M will continue to monitor the U.S. situation and remain flexible with its approach to this market."

We won't outline all the sordid details on what happened between Global Vehicles, Mahindra and its would-be dealer base - read all about it on these pages - but suffice it to say delays were felt, feelings were hurt and lawsuits were filed.

Some analysts quoted by Reuters suggest Mahindra may regroup and focus on bringing its Korean Ssangyong subsidiary to the States in lieu of its rugged pickup and SUV wares, but we're not holding our breath for either.

Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would-be U.S. Mahindra dealers file suit

Chris Tutor — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, India

In 2004, Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra began courting U.S. auto dealers to build a network of outlets for its trucks and SUVs. Eventually, the company had accumulated $9.5 million in fees from prospective dealers itching to sell Mahindra-branded vehicles.

Mahindra promised to have trucks for sale in the U.S. by 2008 and SUVs by 2009. Fast-forward to 2012, and there are still no Mahindras for sale in the U.S.

Now, Miami-based law firm of Diaz Reus & Targ has stepped in to represent dealers in New Hampshire, Florida, California, New Jersey and Washington in a lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Atlanta.

"Mahindra told the dealers that its light trucks and SUVs were ready for delivery to the U.S. market," maintains Diaz Reus in a press release. "However, Mahindra intentionally delayed certification of its vehicles after obtaining the dealership fees and trade secrets, and began pursuing other partners in the U.S. and elsewhere in clear violation of their commitments."

"Through their false representations, the defendants lured the U.S. dealers into making investments and promoting Mahindra's brand name," said Diaz. "Mahindra is going to learn that trying to outsmart the dealers was a serious mistake, as we will aggressively seek justice for our clients."

This is not the first lawsuit tied to Mahindra's fortunes in the States. Last year, Global Vehicles USA, the firm looking to be the brand's distributor in the U.S., lost a British arbitration ruling that effectively squelched any hopes of bringing the TR20 and TR40 pickups to this market any time soon.

Continue reading Would-be U.S. Mahindra dealers file suit

Would-be U.S. Mahindra dealers file suit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Vehicles' plans for Mahindra in the U.S. officially toast

Zach Bowman — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Truck, Government/Legal, Work, UK, India, Diesel

It appears that a British arbitration panel has shattered any hopes of seeing a small diesel Mahindra pickup truck in the States. According to PickupTrucks.com, the panel ruled in favor of the Indian automaker in Global Vehicles' lawsuit against the company, saying the contract between the two companies had expired. Furthermore, Mahindra was not found to have violated any U.S. laws. The ruling is the final chapter in a saga that began six years ago when the companies announced that Global Vehicles would distribute Mahindra T20 and T40 compact diesel pickups in America.

In 2010, the deal began unraveling, with Mahindra saying Global Vehicles allowed the contract to expire. Global Vehicles, meanwhile, pointed the finger right back at its former Indian partner. It wasn't long before the American company then sought arbitration.

Global Vehicles has been ordered to pay court costs.

In a separate case, a group of would-be Mahindra dealers sued the Indian company in U.S. District Court, but that suit was thrown out after the judge ruled Global Vehicles was not the recognized agent for Mahindra in the United States.

Global Vehicles' plans for Mahindra in the U.S. officially toast originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra pickups to be assembled in Alabama beginning next year

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Rumormill, Diesel

Never before has such a little truck had to haul so much baggage. It's been years that we've waited for Mahindra's T20 and T40 pickups to finally make it to America, and with a dispute between Mahindra & Mahindra's erstwhile U.S. Importer, GV USA, taking a long time to be settled by arbitrators in London, and dealers filing suits against both Mahindra and GV USA. With GV USA having gone out of business in September, it might be years before we ever see the T20 and T40.

Unless you believe the chaps at Mahindra Planet, "The Unofficial Mahindra U.S. News Source," who seem certain that Mahindra will be manufacturing trucks in the U.S. as of 2012. That's right, not just selling them here, but building them here. Their sources are unnamed, but the prediction relies on Mahindra's connection to Navistar, the international truck and bus maker that recently leased a massive factory complex in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Mahindra and Navistar have a joint operation in India, and according to Mahindra Planet, they've worked together since 1963. Navistar has said it will have more than 2,000 people working at the Alabama complex by 2015, but hasn't given any clue as to what it will be building there. Mahindra Planet thinks it will be the T20 and T40, and earlier this year Mahindra's CEO did say that Navistar was a potential U.S. partner.

It would appear to be entirely speculation, but there is one aspect of a tie-up that seems to make "A-ha!" kind of sense: if Mahindra builds pickups at Navistar's factory, it might also take advantage of Navistar's already-established distribution channels. Nevertheless, even if all of this were true, you'll probably have a lengthy wait: beyond the fact that Navistar's complex was only recently set up to build a small number of rail cars, Mahindra hasn't filed paperwork with the EPA for 2012-model-year trucks, so 2013 versions would be the first ones out. You might want to hold off on any wagers concerning that possibility...

Mahindra pickups to be assembled in Alabama beginning next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra still embroiled in legal dispute, U.S. pickup hopes not looking good

Zach Bowman — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Work, UK, India

PickupTrucks.com reports that - surprise, surprise - it may be a very, very long time before we seen the Mahindra T20 and T40 pickup truck on our shores. The Indian automaker has found itself at the center of a legal tempest after its U.S. distributor, Global Vehicles USA, filed suit alleging breach of contract. An arbitration panel in the UK then claimed sole jurisdiction over any dispute against the two, and Global Vehicles agreed to drop the lawsuit to take its case to the arbiters. Mahindra and Global Vehicles presented their arguments back in August, and while a ruling was expected to surfaces by November, the arbiters have remained quiet on the case.

Global Vehicles has since found itself on the raw end of a class action lawsuit with the company's network of more than 350 dealers alleging that they've spent over $60 million in dealership rights and capital improvements. Those dealers are now seeking compensation for breach of contract among other offenses. The plaintiffs want a jury trial on the matter.

It may be years before that case wraps up, which means we may never actually see the Mahindra T Series on our shores. Still, given that the truck returns such disappointing fuel economy, that may not be such a bad thing.

Mahindra still embroiled in legal dispute, U.S. pickup hopes not looking good originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angry dealers sue Mahindra

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Work, India

Mahindra Pik Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

The dust-up between Indian automaker Mahindra and its jilted would-be American dealers is set to get a little nastier. According to Automotive News, several dealers have joined a lawsuit against their former partner that seeks both a refund for any fees paid to the truckmaker as well as punitive damages. One Jerry Ackerman is at the center of the suit. He paid $450,000 for three Mahindra franchises and now alleges that both Mahindra & Mahindra and Global Vehicles U.S.A. are in breach of contract. Ackerman's lawsuit is now seeking class action status.

Automotive News reports that the lawsuit could eventually represent as many as 350 dealers who signed up for franchises in the States. So far, around 45 dealers have shown interest in joining Ackerman's effort. Meanwhile, another 70 dealers recently met in Atlanta to discuss potential legal action against Mahindra. That lot has decided to file grievances against Mahindra with individual state motor vehicle agencies.

As you may recall, Mahindra originally contracted with Atlanta-based Global Vehicles U.S.A. to distribute its pickups in America, but later backed out of the deal. That left Global Vehicles U.S.A. and its dealers in a lurch. Global Vehicles U.S.A. initially filed suit against Mahindra but later dropped the effort.

The future prospects of Mahindra's diesel TR20 and TR40 pickups in North America remains uncertain.

Angry dealers sue Mahindra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Global Vehicles drops lawsuit against Mahindra

Chris Shunk — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, India

Global Vehicles U.S.A. was under contract to import the diesel-powered Mahindra pickup, but the Indian automaker claimed that the pact had expired. The drama between the two companies began over the summer when GV filed suit against Mahindra in Atlanta, GA claiming that the automaker was attempting to cut the importer out of the action. Mahindra later flat-out refused GV's $35 million order back in September, leading to more bad blood.

But now, Automotive News is reporting that Global Vehicles has withdrawn its lawsuit, but the importer isn't throwing up the white flag just yet. Court papers show the suit was withdrawn because GV chose instead to throw all its efforts into a British arbitration panel that will rule on the case in August. The London panel reportedly refused to rule on the case while there was also a lawsuit in the States.

Mahindra also found itself at the wrong end of the publicity machine in the last week as the Environmental Protection Agency gave its small diesel pickup a lackluster fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are nowhere near the 30 mpg Mahindra has promised all along, but GV CEO John Perez has apparently told AN that the vehicle tested was the four-wheel-drive equipped four-door model. Perez claims that the rear-drive, two-door model will have 40 percent better fuel economy than the loaded-up four-door, and the 30 mpg number will still happen.

We know four-wheel-drive and the extra weight of a crew cab configuration will hurt fuel economy, but in our mind, that still doesn't add up to a 40-percent drop in fuel efficiency. Either way, we'll have to hold out hope that Perez is right, because unless the model offers exceptional economy, we think it's going to have a seriously hard time building a business case for itself among America's consumers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Global Vehicles drops lawsuit against Mahindra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra TR40 pickup only good for 19/21 mpg?

David Kiley — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Diesel

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to understand how Indian truck/SUV maker Mahindra could miss its fuel economy goal by one-third. Mahindra's supposed U.S. distributor, Global Vehicles of Marietta, Ga. (which has been embroiled in an opera of lawsuits, name-calling and musical chairs management concerning its deal with the Indian manufacturer), has had an oft-stated goal of 30 mpg highway fuel economy for the clean diesel truck.

According to FuelEconomy.gov, however, the four-wheel-drive Mahindra TR40 crew-cab pickup with a four-cylinder diesel engine and automatic transmission has been rated by the EPA at only 19 mpg city/21 mpg highway. By comparison, the 4x4 2011 Dodge Dakota with a 3.7 liter V6 engine is rated at 14/18. The TR40's miserable highway mileage doesn't even match the Ford F-150 3.7 liter 4x2, which is rated at 16 city/23 highway. The 4x4 Ford Ranger, like the aforementioned Dodge, is rated at 14 city/18 highway. Mahindra's compact pickup truck offers a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload of 2,765 pounds.

Mahindra and GV had been counting on the fuel economy angle to get on truck buyers' radar. But the current differential between the Mahindra TR40 diesel truck's mileage and that of the gas-powered competition is unlikely to turn heads or create headlines. Global Vehicles told PickupTrucks.com: "Good fuel economy will be an important part of the truck's appeal, and we're eager to see the fuel economy for all of the models, especially the two-door, two-wheel-drive model, which Mahindra told us to expect would achieve close to 30 mpg."

It's hard to imagine Mahindra squeezing out nine additional highway miles per gallon just by stripping out the 4-wheel-drive system.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

Continue reading Mahindra TR40 pickup only good for 19/21 mpg?

Mahindra TR40 pickup only good for 19/21 mpg? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Vehicles emails potential customers, attempts to explain delays. Again.

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, India, Diesel

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

The plot thickens. Global Vehicles USA, the one-time and possible-still (pending litigation, of course) importer of Mahindra pickups has sent an email to those who have reserved a spot for one of the first 30,000 or so little diesel trucks in the United States. You'll find the text of the email here, but basically the importer still sounds hopeful that it will be putting the Indian machines into the hands of dealerships at some unknown point in the future.

Will it actually happen? Our Magic 8 Balls are a little fuzzy on this one, but suffice it to say that we're not holding our breath. Is it possible that the importer and the automaker have reconciled? Best we can tell, that seems unlikely, but who knows? In any case, Global Vehicles is now saying that parts shortages and high demand in India are the main culprits for future delays.

If you need a recap of what's gone down in the past several months that's keeping Mahindra's wares from driveways across the States, click here. And to would-be owners... good luck. Thanks to all who sent this in!

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Global Vehicles USA]

Global Vehicles emails potential customers, attempts to explain delays. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, "rejects any attempt to order" pickups

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Etc., India

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

The automotive soap opera that is Mahindra keeps on turning. Today, the Indian automaker issued a statement regarding the claims put forth by Global Vehicles. Mahindra accuses GV of "engaging in PR theatrics while pursuing an unnecessary lawsuit." It states that the contract with Global Vehicles expired and Mahindra is free to pursue other means of bringing its Pik-Up to its network of waiting U.S. dealers. It has effectively rejected Global Vehicles' $35 million order. Mahindra further claims that Global Vehicles is working hard to damage its reputation while disrupting its attempts to bring the vehicle stateside.

Honestly, we would love to see this little truck land in dealer lots here, but we don't know how this drama will play out. Both sides are pointing fingers and we expect name calling to soon follow. Either way, this doesn't appear to a very productive way of expediting vehicles to showrooms, now does it?

Read the full statement after the jump.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Mahindra]

Continue reading Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, "rejects any attempt to order" pickups

Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, "rejects any attempt to order" pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf

Dan Roth — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Bugatti, Cadillac, Ford, GM, Jaguar, Kia, Volkswagen, Electric

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Steven Ewing joins podcast regulars Dan and Chris for Episode #197 of the Autoblog Podcast. Items we cover are the newly expanded powertrain selections for the Ford F-150, a potential diesel-powered car from General Motors, the apparently heating-up American love affair with hatchbacks, the just-out-of-reach Mahindra Pik-Up, the definitely unattainable Bugatti Galibier and the rush to pre-order the Nissan Leaf. At one hour, twenty-two minutes, it's not quite as epic as last week's extravaganza, and we wrap up by responding to some of your feedback. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf

In the Autoblog Garage:

Cadillac CTS
Volkswagen Tiguan
Jaguar XKR Convertible

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Steven Ewing

Runtime: 1:22:14

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Autoblog Podcast #197 - F-150 powertrains, GM diesel car, hatchbacks, Mahindra, Bugatti Galibier and Nissan's sold-out Leaf originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S.

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:56:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Earnings/Financials

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mahindras road to the United States has been interesting so far, to say the least. It's changed the trucks model name, seen delays in a target launch date, caused delays and broken contracts.

Many here in the states are eagerly awaiting the arrival of an official on-sale date for the Pik-up. The biggest group waiting for that announcement might just be Global Vehicles, the U.S. distributor for the little truck with potential big appeal. Global Vehicles has already invested nearly $100 million to bring the vehicle to the US and now they've placed an initial order for the Mahindra pickups to the tune of $35 million.

John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles, says:

"We are proud of the sales and service network we created to support the launch of Mahindra vehicles, and we look forward to bringing American buyers something truly unique in the marketplace - rugged, high-quality, clean diesel pickup trucks that can achieve nearly 30 miles per gallon. Our dealers are all seasoned auto industry professionals who will treat customers with honesty, integrity and respect. We built our business on these bedrock principles, which should be the foundation of every business relationship."

Perez goes on to state that he believes Global Vehicles will prevail in the pending arbitration case against Mahindra. This would force Mahindra to honor its agreement with GV. The offending clause states that Mahindra could walk away from the deal if its truck did not pass EPA testing by a certain date. Mahindra claimed this last-minute contract change was to protect against potential losses if its truck didn't receive the EPA certification. The deadline dates came up three times, with Perez's company extending the deadline each time. The most recent time passed on June 11. Ten days after that deadline, Mahindra announced its vehicles were certified for sale and declared its relationship with GV now void.

It will be very interesting to watch this play out. The Pik-Up is supposed to be an affordable and capable, fuel-efficient truck which could be a perfect fit for many U.S. buyers. It's clear that Global Vehicles remains extremely committed to its investment and hopefully we see the distinctly-styled trucklet roaming our streets in the near future.

Full press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Global Vehicles]

Continue reading Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S.

Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra intentionally voided contract with U.S. distributor

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal

Formerly just a suspicion that had been whispered about, Global Vehicles USA CEO John Perez has uttered it out loud: Mahindra is thought to have delayed the EPA certification of its Pik-Up so that it could break its contract with GV USA. For four years now, GV has had a contract be the exclusive distributor of the Pik-Up in the United States. However, now that the trucklet has finally received EPA approval, Mahindra voided its contract with GV and hasn't announced any alternative.

Perez says the issue goes back to a sunset clause that Mahindra requested be inserted into the original contract. The belief at the time was that this was for Mahindra to protect itself: if the trucks weren't ready for the U.S. within three years then everyone could walk away and Mahindra wouldn't be open to lawsuits.

According to Perez, the Pik-Up was ready for certification late last year - before the end of the sunset clause - and that the delay from then to now was engineered by Mahindra to break its contract. Reportedly, Mahindra wanted to alter some of the dealer arrangements with GV, and when GV declined, Mahindra put up a wall and refused to communicate. GV felt compelled to sue, but Mahindra went ahead with voiding the contract based on exceeding the time frame. What a mess.

We're no attorneys, but we'd be surprised if this didn't hold up Pik-Up sales for quite some time while the U.S. court system - and arbitration in London - gums things up further. Who knew such a little truck could haul so much subterfuge and skullduggery?

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Mahindra intentionally voided contract with U.S. distributor originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra says it has terminated U.S. dealer agreement

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mahindra's four-year saga with Global Vehicles is taking so many turns, it should get a telenovela on Univision. When we recently posted that the Pik-Up finally received EPA certification, GV and its dealer network were excited and ready to go. However, commenters on that post noted a message on Mahindra's site indicating that the company's relationship with GV was kaput.

Mahindra hasn't said a word since, but Global Vehicles and the dealers have let folks know that they aren't impressed and that they have no idea what Mahindra thinks it's doing. Global Vehicles' official response was, "such attempted termination is invalid under applicable laws of the United States and the State of Georgia, something which Mahindra continues to disregard." And a dealer who's got a showroom ready to sell Pik-Ups in December said, "If they're still coming in December of this year like they've said they are, they're coming through my dealership, and that's all there is to it."

GV has taken the unusual step of initiating arbitration in the United Kingdom, in the belief that legal action here could further delay the anticipated retail sale date. We'll wait to hear what Mahindra has to say on the matter, and we're sure that the folks waiting to buy a TR20 or TR40 Pik-Up hope Mahinda talks soon -- and with some good news this time.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd, via Motor Trend]

Report: Mahindra says it has terminated U.S. dealer agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra diesel pickups finally get EPA certification

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal, Diesel

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

At long last, Mahindra can get in the business of actually selling its Pik-Ups instead of waiting for the EPA and fighting with its dealers. PickupTrucks.com reports that the little Indian truck has finally received EPA certification, meaning that retail sales of the TR20 and TR40 diesel pickups can begin next year.

Global Vehicles (Mahindra's U.S. distributor) put on a happy face, saying, "Our dealers are excited as well. This is great news," but it's unclear how this development will affect the ongoing litigation between the two entities. Global Vehicles recently sued Mahindra for missing three deadlines to have its trucks ready for sale, claiming that GV and its dealer body spent $95 million getting everything prepared. Our guess is that they'll find some timely way to kiss and make up so that you can get your $22,000 Pik-Up as soon as possible.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra diesel pickups finally get EPA certification originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra sued by U.S. distributor over pickup delays

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Government/Legal, India

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the Hindustan Times, Global Vehicles, the Atlanta-based company that is slated to be the exclusive U.S. distributor for Mahindra & Mahindra vehicles, alleges that more than $95 million has been spent on getting the country ready to buy the Indian Pik-Ups. The problem is, and has been, that Mahindra still hasn't provided any vehicles to sell. The Indian company is waiting on paperwork and testing for EPA approval to sell the trucks here.

GV is tired of waiting idly, and has brought a lawsuit against Mahindra for having missed two soft deadlines and two hard ones. GV claims the delay has been "inordinate," Mahindra says the lawsuit is "without merit." We say that no matter who's right, this is not the way to bring a truck to market.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Hindustan Times]

Report: Mahindra sued by U.S. distributor over pickup delays originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra pickups could hit U.S. in under 90 days

Nik Bristow — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:10:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, India, Diesel

Mahindra pickup - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Plagued by a series of setbacks, delays, and that little thing called "the chicken tax," Mahindra has yet to receive EPA Tier 2 Bin 5 federal emissions certification for its TR20 and TR40 pickups. But man, they must be getting really close. Right?

John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles USA, Mahindra's exclusive U.S. distributor, says that all the emissions testing on the trucks has been completed and the paperwork is being submitted to the EPA for final approval. Approval itself is expected to take about 30 days. At that point, Global Vehicles could begin importing the trucks to the United States. They'd arrive on our shores 30 to 60 days later.

By our math, that sounds like we could have Mahindra pickup trucks on U.S. roads before the end of August, but neither Perez nor Mahindra's corporate offices are talking sale dates yet. Experience has probably taught them not to make predictions, but with 330 dealers signed up and raring to go, we're sure that official sales date can't come soon enough for any of the parties involved.

When they eventually go on sale, Mahindra pickups will be offered in two configurations: a two-door regular cab, the TR20, and a four-door crew cab, the TR40. Both will offer Mahindra's slightly modified version of the mHawk 2.2-liter inline-four-cylinder diesel engine. Official EPA numbers obviously haven't been determined yet, but the trucks are expected to have fuel economy ratings around 30 miles per gallon on the highway. Not too shabby considering their 1.3-ton hauling capability. Pricing is expected to start around $22,000.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Automotive News via PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Mahindra pickups could hit U.S. in under 90 days originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 May 2010 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra dealers still waiting, pickups still not EPA approved

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, India, Diesel

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Pawan Goenka, Mahindra's president for global automotive, vehicle testing that would provide EPA approval for the Indian automaker's upcoming diesel-powered, 30-mile-per-gallon pickup truck "is taking a bit longer than what we anticipated." That, it would seem, is an understatement.

Mahindra first announced an expected mid-2009 sale date for the truck, which was later revised to end-of-2009, then February of 2010 and then finally March of 2010. You'll notice that this Thursday the calendar turns the page to April, meaning Mahindra has missed yet another target date.

At this point, Mahindra does not yet have official approval from the EPA to sell its wares in the United States. The Indian automaker says it should take about a month for the paperwork to be completed (a timeframe not acknowledged by the EPA, naturally) and then dealers can finally place orders for the trucks. Considering that Mahindra's vehicles will ship from India, it's clear that there will still be some time before you'll be able to stroll down to you nearest dealer and drive off in a new oil-burning bundle of joy.

That fact is not lost on Mahindra's 300-plus dealers, some of whom have paid up to $200,000 in franchise fees and in some cases have been waiting for years to see their investment pay off. That said, nobody ever said that launching a completely new brand of vehicles in the U.S. was going to be easy, inexpensive or timely.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Mahindra dealers still waiting, pickups still not EPA approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra distributor reportedly says first U.S. models to hit market in spring

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, India, Diesel

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

Starting to wonder if the Mahindra TR20 (two-door) and TR40 (four-door) small pickups will ever come to market here in the States? You're not alone. Though our Magic 8 Ball still tells us it's likely that the compact trucks will indeed make an appearance at some unknown point in the future, news comes by way of PickupTrucks.com that the Indian haulers have been delayed yet again until sometime in the spring of 2010.

Sound familiar? It should - this isn't Mahindra's first delay. As a matter of fact, it's not its second delay, either, not that the extra time is completely unexpected. After all, it's not easy to launch an entirely new brand in the United States with as-yet untested products.

In any case, Global Vehicles USA, the chosen distributor for Mahindra's wares here in the States, is saying that the TR20 and TR40 have now passed U.S. federal safety and emissions standards and the final paperwork will be completed by February. We shall see.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra distributor reportedly says first U.S. models to hit market in spring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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