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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Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Aston Martin, Earnings/Financials, UK, India, Middle East, Luxury

Three weeks, ago Businessweek reported that Investment Dar, Inc. was looking to shed its majority stake in Aston Martin. The Kuwait-based financial firm is apparently seeking to restructure its debt load and has sought $800 million for its 64-percent share in the English automaker. That amount compares to the $925 million that it took for a consortium, Investment Dar among them, to purchase 100-percent of Aston Martin from Ford in 2007.

According to reports, bidding for the 64 percent hasn't gone anywhere near that price, however. Bloomberg (parent company of Businessweek) reports that London-based private equity house Investindustrial has made a bid of nearly 250 million pounds ($401 million U.S.), with their overture trumped shortly thereafter by Indian automaking conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra. According to the report, a winner will be chosen from among those two companies, but instead of Investment Dar's entire 64-percent stake, the winner will get 40 percent equity and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investment Dar will hold onto 24 percent of Aston.

There's some confusion around some of the numbers, however. According to Financial News, though, the stake being offered is 50 percent and Investindustrial, even with a lower bid, might still be the favorite. Investindustrial bought Ducati in 2006, then sold it to Audi for a 300-percent gain in July of this year. Working with another German automaker this time around, it's said that Investindustrial has stressed its commitment to invest in new product, and both reports indicate that it has a tentative deal with Mercedes-Benz to provide Aston access to technology, engines, gearboxes and other parts from AMG. An announcement of the winning bidder could come as soon as this weekend.

Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:00:00 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's U.S. plans on indefinite hold, Alabama plant denied

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Truck, India, Diesel, MISC

Fans of small, fuel-efficient pickup trucks: We hate to tell you this, but it's becoming increasingly clear that Mahindra's long-awaited entry into the United States market just isn't going to happen anytime soon. We're just as disappointed as the rest of you - with the recent demise of the Ford Ranger, there simply aren't any truly compact trucks left in American dealership showrooms.

We got a wee bit of unfounded hope when rumors began swirling that Mahindra was in the midst of closing a deal with Navistar, a longtime partner in its home market of India, to manufacture the T20 and T40 trucks in a new plant in Alabama. According to the Indian automaker, that's not going to happen. Here's a snippet from Mahindra's statement on the matter:

There have been reports in certain quarters of media and online space stating that Navistar USA will produce Mahindra's T20 and T40 pickups in Alabama, USA in 2012, which are completely baseless & incorrect. If and when there are any material developments, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited will communicate them directly and transparently.

So there you have it. To put it mildly, we've lost nearly all hope of seeing these small diesel-powered pickup trucks in American driveways, which is a shame.

Mahindra's U.S. plans on indefinite hold, Alabama plant denied originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:59:00 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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Trailer for Bollywood's Singham flips our lids

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:43:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

In a world where physics holds no sway, one cop is ready to take on corrupt politicians and the mobsters that pay them off... or something. Honestly, we don't care about the plot to Singham - a Bollywood remake of the 2010 Tamil film of the same name. What we do enjoy is watching two Mahindra SUVs playing bit parts in an action-adventure that's one part Lethal Weapon and two parts Naked Gun. If nothing else, the lead character is inspiring a last minute revision to our Super Troopers Halloween costume. Check out the absolute best part of the film after the jump.

Continue reading Trailer for Bollywood's Singham flips our lids

Trailer for Bollywood's Singham flips our lids originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 19:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500

Zach Bowman — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, India

Indian automaker Mahindra has announced that its first global SUV will be called the XUV500, pronounced "five double-o." The company says the vehicle's design was influenced by input from buyers all over the globe, including unnamed western markets, South Africa and, of course, India. The XUV500 will be the first unibody SUV from Mahindra to feature a transverse engine, which means that there's a good chance it'll have a front-wheel drive bias. Beyond that, details on the new SUV are scarce.

Rajesh Jejurikar, chief executive of Mahindra's automotive division (right) said that he expects the XUV500 to make his company the lead brand in SUVs.

Mahindra says that it enjoys a market share of 60.5 percent in India due to the success of products like the Bolero, Scorpio and even the Xylo sedan. Pawan Goenka, president of automotive and farm equipment sectors (left) says that the XUV500 will launch in South America simultaneously under the same name, hopefully broadening the brand's appeal around the world. Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500

First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:03:00 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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Mahindra trying to back away from another U.S. deal?

Zach Bowman — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: India, Electric

After Mahindra notoriously backed out of a deal with a U.S. supplier, Compact pickup fans are still licking their wounds over the news that the company's trucks won't be coming to our shores anytime soon. As it turns out, Global Vehicles USA may not be the only American company to have been wronged by Mahindra. According to The Post-Standard, electric car start-up Bannon Automotive LLC has filed a law-suit against both Reva Electric Car Company of Bangalore, India and Reva's parent company, Mahindra & Mahindra. Bannon Automotive claims that the two broke a deal that gave Bannon exclusive rights to both build and sell the vehicle here in the states.

As part of the suit, Bannon Automotive is seeking to force the Reva Electric Car Company to give the American manufacturer a license to build the NXR electric car and to prevent any other company from doing the same. Bannon had previously said that the NXR would be able to travel up to 120 miles on a single charge and would cost somewhere between $17,000 and $25,000.

Bannon had signed a memorandum of understanding with Reva in October, but after Mahindra bought the company, it was made clear that the NXR wasn't ready for manufacture here in America. Meanwhile, Bannon is convinced that Mahindra is planning to make or sell its own electric car in the U.S. without its former partner. Thanks for the tip, Christian!

[Sources: Mahindra Planet, The Post-Standard]

Mahindra trying to back away from another U.S. deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra reportedly inks deal to buy Ssangyong for $463M

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Earnings/Financials, India, South Korea

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has officially sunk its teeth into South Korean automaker Ssangyong to the tune of $463.6 million. For that low, low price Mahindra has effectively walked away with a 70 percent controlling stake in Ssangyong through the purchase of newly released shares in the company and existing corporate bonds. The move follows up on a pact to acquire Ssangyong that Mahindra signed earlier this year, and according to The Wall Street Journal, the two companies look to close the deal by March of next year.

According to Mahindra, the match is a partnership made in heaven, with the Indian carmaker able to supply both cash and marketing grunt that should mesh well with Ssangyong's technological prowess.

We're guessing that the South Korean carmaker is just glad to have someone to help pull it out of the throws of bankruptcy.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req.]

Mahindra reportedly inks deal to buy Ssangyong for $463M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:01:00 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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Report: Mahindra introduction to U.S. 'indefinitely delayed'

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST

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

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

We apparently won't be seeing any Mahindra trucks on U.S. roads any time soon. The company has announced that it has no date in mind for its American introduction, and that as of right now, its progress into this market is indefinitely delayed. The hangup resides in an ever-growing legal battle between the Indian company and its almost-was importer here in the States, Global Vehicles USA. As you'll likely recall, GV USA claims that Mahindra improperly terminated its contract with them earlier this year, noting that the automaker now wants to sell vehicles directly to U.S. customers instead of going through a middle man.

Mahindra, meanwhile, says that it doesn't want to get into a "war of words" with its former importer. Also, the company has made it clear that it still wants to break into the American market. How exactly it plans to do so is still somewhat murky, however.

In the meantime, Global Vehicles USA has filed an injunction in federal court claiming breach of contract and urging the court to bar Mahindra vehicles from entering the states in the future.

One thing's for sure, this mess has yet to completely unravel, and none of it bodes well for the availability of inexpensive diesel-powered pickups in America.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

[Source: Associated Press via Journal Gazette via PickupTrucks]

Report: Mahindra introduction to U.S. 'indefinitely delayed' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra adds Mojo to the motorcycle market with new two-wheelers

Devon Brozek — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Motorcycle, India

Complete with colorful dancers and Bollywood superstar Amir Khan, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd announced its entry into the two-wheeled market with the launch of two new models. The Mojo and Stallio are the culmination of a plan put into action back in 2008, when the giant Indian manufacturer purchased Italian design firm Engines Engineering, which claims responsibility for the styling of the M&M motos.

The smaller Stallio, which starts under $999 at current exchange rates, will be powered by an air-cooled 110cc mill sourced from China, with the rest of the bike also doing well to reflect its ~~cheap~~ entry level price point. Not so with the above pictured Mojo, which benefits from a liquid-cooled and fuel-injected 300cc single, inverted forks and large-diameter petal-type brake rotors. With a price-point just under $3,900 and a four-year warranty, the big Mahindra might just work some mojo of its own on potential buyers. For a complete list of spec's you can head over to burnyourfuel.com.

Vice chairman Arnad Mahindra proudly made the bold claim that this will be not only "the most interesting, the most attractive bike" going on to claim that it would be "the fastest and best that India has to offer the globe." It should come as no surprise that Mahindra wants a piece of the globe's second largest motorcycle market, where five times the motorists prefer two wheels to four.

Just don't expect to get your hands on one if you live within the world's largest motorcycle market as the U.S. is not slated to be included in the distribution. Maybe by the time we can get our hands on a Mahindra pickup we will be able to source a Mojo to put in the back, but that is probably wishful thinking on both fronts. A complete press release is available to those who make the jump.

[Source: Burnyourfuel.com]

Continue reading Mahindra adds Mojo to the motorcycle market with new two-wheelers

Mahindra adds Mojo to the motorcycle market with new two-wheelers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mahindra joining forces with Ssangyong

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Earnings/Financials, India, South Korea

India's Mahindra & Mahindra may be joining forces with South Korea's Ssangyong to share technology, costs and to create one of the biggest producers of SUVs in the world.

Ssangyong hasn't exactly had the best track record when it comes to foreign ownership. While China's SAIC Motor Group was at the helm, the South Korean automaker took a nose-dive that eventually led to bankruptcy, which is where the company is now. Earlier this month, Mahindra was picked as the preferred bidder for Ssangyong, though the principles involved in the transaction aren't willing to say how much Mahindra & Mahindra has offered for the sinking Korean company.

Back in 2004, SAIC purchased 49-percent of Ssangyong for $500 million, but was largely criticized for failing to invest enough in the partnership. Analysts typically point to the lack of investment as the main reason behind the venture's failure. Bloomberg reports that the Mahindra bid is somewhere in the $452 million range. Ssangyong has market value of $340 million.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Mahindra joining forces with Ssangyong originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:32:00 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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Mahindra, Reva announce partnership leading future electric vehicles

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, India, Electric

Turns out, that so-called "person with direct knowledge" was right. Mahindra and Reva have announced a collaboration to form a new company called Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicle Company that will see Reva's electric powertrain technology put into Mahindra & Mahindra vehicles. Mahindra will also take a 55.2-percent equity stake in Reva Electric Car Company and has so far invested about $10 million in the new company. New corporate details are available after the jump, but what we're really wondering is what this might mean for vehicles like the NXR electric car.

Apparently, a lot of Mahindra vehicles - electric three-wheelers like the Bijlee and the Maxximo mini-truck, and "other M&M vehicles" - could get the electric powertrain package. As for the NXR (and the even more far away NXG), today's announcement says, "Mahindra REVA will now have access to Mahindra's vehicle development technology and distribution network, significantly enhancing its ability to launch a state-of-the-art electric vehicle for global markets." So, there's that.

At this point, we're not sure what this announcement means for the previous deal between Reva and General Motors.

[Source: Mahindra]

Continue reading Mahindra, Reva announce partnership leading future electric vehicles

Mahindra, Reva announce partnership leading future electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 17:33:00 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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