Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Judge gives dealers' fraud suit against Mahindra the go-ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mahindra Pik-Up with bicycle in bed - rear three-quarter view

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global vehiclesmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra dealersmahindra lawsuitpik-uptr20tr40us district courtTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498772/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/20498772/article-detail.xml 20498772 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Italian firm agrees to buy 37.5% of Aston Martin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/italian-firm-agrees-to-buy-37-5-of-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/italian-firm-agrees-to-buy-37-5-of-aston-martin/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/07/italian-firm-agrees-to-buy-37-5-of-aston-martin/#comments2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage - top down on the road

Italian private equity firm Investindustrial has purchased a minority stake in supercar-maker Aston Martin. The 37.5-percent share carries a price of $241 million, while a majority stake is still held by Kuwait's Investment Dar. Aston Martin says this deal will allow the UK brand to pour $1 billion into new product, funding vehicle development through 2018.

The Italian firm beat out Indian truck and tractor producer Mahindra and Mahindra, but some analysts are skeptical of the deal, claiming that it does not account for "scale, access to technology, emissions or entry to new segments." That's especially true since Aston indicates that pen has not been put to paper on a proposed technology partnership between itself and Mercedes-Benz, a provision some analysts expected.

Sit tight, Mr. Bond.

Continue reading Italian firm agrees to buy 37.5% of Aston Martin

Italian firm agrees to buy 37.5% of Aston Martin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martindarinvestdustrialmahindrasupercarFri, 07 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20397011/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/07/italian-firm-agrees-to-buy-37-5-of-aston-martin/20397011/article-detail.xml 20397011 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster-review_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2012-aston-martin-v8-vantage-roadster-review.jpeg <![CDATA[Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2013 Aston Martin DB9 - front three-quarter studio view

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinaston martin saleinvestindustrialinvestment darmahindramahindra and mahindraSat, 24 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/20387306/article-detail.xml 20387306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra opens new tech center near Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mahindra pickup

You didn't think you'd heard the last from Mahindra, did you? Back in July of 2012, Mahindra confirmed that it had basically given up its quest to sell small diesel-powered pickup trucks in the United States. According to a report from TheDetroitBureau.com, however, the Indian automaker is now opening a technical center in Troy, Michigan, near Detroit.

"Because of its ties to the automobile industry and motor sports, Detroit is known as the Motor City around the world. We wanted to be part of that culture," said Rajan Wadhera, Mahindra's chief executive officer for technology and product development. This is reportedly the first tech center Mahindra has ever opened outside its home country of India.

According to the report, Mahindra has already hired 70 workers in Michigan and plans to have 100 employees in Troy within the next six to eight months. It remains to be seen whether this new American base near Detroit will help Mahindra break into the U.S. market, but if it has any hopes of becoming "one of the world's top 10 automotive brands by the end of the decade", it had better get in gear.

Mahindra opens new tech center near Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitmahindramahindra detroitmahindra tech centermahindra usatech centertroytroy michiganSun, 23 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/20329363/article-detail.xml 20329363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra Pickup - rear three-quarter view, silver

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel pickupglobal vehiclesindiamahindramahindra and mahindramahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40tr20tr40Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276246/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/20276246/article-detail.xml 20276246 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Saab to hire 200 engineers, might build gas cars with Mahindra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/saab-to-hire-200-engineers-might-build-gas-cars-with-mahindra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/saab-to-hire-200-engineers-might-build-gas-cars-with-mahindra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/saab-to-hire-200-engineers-might-build-gas-cars-with-mahindra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The brand formerly known as Saab is still intent on teaching The Little Engine That Could a few ticks about persistence. We say "formerly known" because it turns out that National Electric Vehicle Swedent (NEVS), the Sino-Japanese investment consortium that just bought the majority of Saab's assets, minus Saab Automobile Parts AB, may not actually own the rights to the Saab brand name. According to a report in Di.se via Saabs United, NEVS will need to negotiate with Scania and the Swedish aerospace and defense group, Saab AB, for the right to name its forthcoming electric car the Saab 9-3.

NEVS is hiring 200 engineers now to work on its electric car program, and reports are that it will hire more as it gets closer to the 2014 launch. It will be based on the current (read: ancient) 9-3, and we hope NEVS is succeeds in getting the naming rights, because the NEVS 9-3 just doesn't have the same ring. NEVS will likely target China as the model's main market.

However, it's rumors of their second negotiating ploy that we're really rooting for: to work with Mahinda & Mahindra, the Indian company once in the running for Saab's assets, develop a petrol-powered 9-3 on the next-generation Phoenix platform, based on Jason Castriota's design.

NEVS is also said to be planning new models "based on Japanese technology," yet with just under $1 billion U.S. committed to the electric program, the Di.se report says NEVS wants to have other products to generate revenue. A conventionally powered gasoline-engined car could be the answer. There only connection between Saab AB and Mahindra appears to be that India is one of Saab's largest markets and Mahindra is Indian. Separately, Mahindra could develop the car and provide small, "low carbon output" engines. It's tenuous, which characterizes just about everything that happens with Saab these days, but perhaps NEVS sees it as enough of a lure for everyone involved to make it worth the attempt.

The amount of speculation here makes the chances of a Phoenix-based 9-3 too thin to even call slim, but we won't bet against it, if only because one was quite far along in development under the company's previous owners. And besides, we'd really like to see it happen.

Saab to hire 200 engineers, might build gas cars with Mahindra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-3mahindranational electric vehiclenational electric vehicle swedennevssaabsaab 9-3Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258695/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/saab-to-hire-200-engineers-might-build-gas-cars-with-mahindra/20258695/article-detail.xml 20258695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/next-saab-9-3-ii_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/next-saab-9-3-ii.jpg <![CDATA[Would-be U.S. Mahindra dealers file suit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/would-be-u-s-mahindra-dealers-file-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/would-be-u-s-mahindra-dealers-file-suit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/06/would-be-u-s-mahindra-dealers-file-suit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mahindra and Mahindra Pik Up - Black, front three-quarter view

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diaz rues and targglobal vehiclesmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra dealershipsmahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40pik-upWed, 06 Jun 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20252357/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/06/would-be-u-s-mahindra-dealers-file-suit/20252357/article-detail.xml 20252357 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mahindra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mahindra-628.jpg <![CDATA[China's Youngman bails on Saab, Mahindra still in the mix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chinas-youngman-bails-on-saab-mahindra-still-in-the-mix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chinas-youngman-bails-on-saab-mahindra-still-in-the-mix/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/chinas-youngman-bails-on-saab-mahindra-still-in-the-mix/#commentsFiled under: ,



Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile has been jettisoned from the dwindling pool of bidders for Saab after tendering an offer of $492 million for the whole kaboodle. Exact reasons weren't given for Youngman leaving the table, but according to a report in Autoweek.nl, "Chinese bureaucracy" was partially to blame and there apparently wasn't complete confidence in the Chinese company's finances.

Reports say the bidding is meant to close in the next week, but we still don't know who all the bidders are - India's Mahindra & Mahindra, China's Geely/Volvo and at least one as-yet-unknown entity are after the whole company or select assets. Swedish media was hinting at another bidder with electric car knowledge, not from China, to take control of Saab. And if that same Autoweek.nl story is correct, Spyker's Victor Muller didn't leave the premises empty-handed, as "Spyker would be the licensing agent of the Saab 9-5 and continue to be paid for its use."

China's Youngman bails on Saab, Mahindra still in the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-5chinamahindrasaabsaab 9-5saab automobilessaab bankruptsaab bankruptcysaab bidspykeryoungmanyoungman saab bidWed, 23 May 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243411/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/chinas-youngman-bails-on-saab-mahindra-still-in-the-mix/20243411/article-detail.xml 20243411 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/youngmannosaab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/youngmannosaab.jpg <![CDATA[Saab gets new $492M bid from Youngman]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/saab-gets-new-492m-bid-from-youngman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/saab-gets-new-492m-bid-from-youngman/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/saab-gets-new-492m-bid-from-youngman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Saab 9-4X - front three-quarter view

Youngman has made another bid for bankrupt Saab, according to new reports. The Chinese automaker has offered to buy what's left of Saab for $470 million at current conversion rates. The news comes courtesy of Dagens Industri. The newspaper also indicates that's the absolute lowest the Swedish automaker's pledgees and real estate owners will accept to settle the company's impressive debt. The deal would also set aside an additional $1.47 billion to restart production at the mothballed Trollhattan facility. Other foreign automakers are also vying over Saab's remains, including India's Mahindra & Mahindra.

Pang Da, meanwhile, seems to have no interest in continuing to pursue Saab. The company paid out around $59 million for vehicles Saab was supposed to produce. That never happened, and now the Chinese company has had to undergo the unpleasant task of reporting that loss to its investors.

Saab reportedly owes around $1.9 billion at the moment, and its assets are valued at just $532 million.

Saab gets new $492M bid from Youngman originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindrapang dasaabsaab automobilessaab bankruptsaab bankruptcysaab bidyoungmanyoungman saab bidWed, 18 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20218510/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/saab-gets-new-492m-bid-from-youngman/20218510/article-detail.xml 20218510 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/saab-9-4x-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/saab-9-4x-628.jpg <![CDATA[Want to bid for Saab? Get your paperwork in by April 10]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/want-to-bid-for-saab-get-your-paperwork-in-by-april-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/want-to-bid-for-saab-get-your-paperwork-in-by-april-10/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/want-to-bid-for-saab-get-your-paperwork-in-by-april-10/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Saab under covers

Interested in purchasing a Saab? Heck, why not just buy the whole company? If you're in the market, you've got until April 10 to put in a bid, and at present, the only rival you have is China's Youngman.

Chances are, according to the administrators in charge of Saab's liquidation, the sale of Saab assets - which includes Saab Automobile, Saab Automobile Powertrain and Saab Automobile Tools, among others - won't cover the automaker's debt of somewhere between $1.8 and $2 billion (12-13 billion kronor).

Rumor has it that there are a few more potential suitors waiting in the wings, such as India's Mahindra, but none have come out expressing public interest in the bankrupt Swedish brand. Seems everyone is waiting until the last minute, eBay style.

Want to bid for Saab? Get your paperwork in by April 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindrasaabsaab bankruptcysaab bidsaab biddersyoungmanWed, 04 Apr 2012 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/want-to-bid-for-saab-get-your-paperwork-in-by-april-10/20207637/article-detail.xml 20207637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/saab-under-covers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/saab-under-covers.jpg <![CDATA[Daimler refutes interest in Ducati]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/daimler-refutes-interest-in-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/daimler-refutes-interest-in-ducati/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/daimler-refutes-interest-in-ducati/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ducati Monster Diesel special edition - profile image

A Daimler spokesman has put an end to rumors that his employer is trying to outbid Audi for an interest in motorcycle-builder Ducati.

Despite Daimler's previous collaboration with the two-wheel wizards, it looks like Audi's reported bid of $1.16 billion could be the only one. An Italian newspaper indicates the proposal from Audi is not a bid for the entire company, a strategy that Bloomberg suggests is more agreeable to Ducati.

We've also heard rumors of India's Mahindra also being interested in the high-performance motorcycle marque, but there's no mention of it in this report.

Daimler refutes interest in Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audidaimlerdaimler-benzducatiducati salemahindramotorcyclesMon, 02 Apr 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/daimler-refutes-interest-in-ducati/20206483/article-detail.xml 20206483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/diesel-ducati-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/diesel-ducati-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Global Vehicles' plans for Mahindra in the U.S. officially toast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/global-vehicles-plans-for-mahindra-in-the-u-s-officially-toast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/global-vehicles-plans-for-mahindra-in-the-u-s-officially-toast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/global-vehicles-plans-for-mahindra-in-the-u-s-officially-toast/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mahindra Pickup

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global vehiclesgvmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra t20mahindra t40Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20192310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/global-vehicles-plans-for-mahindra-in-the-u-s-officially-toast/20192310/article-detail.xml 20192310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mahindra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mahindra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Saab in discussions with Turkey and Mahindra about reviving brand?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/saab-in-discussions-with-turkey-and-mahindra-about-reviving-bran/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/saab-in-discussions-with-turkey-and-mahindra-about-reviving-bran/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/saab-in-discussions-with-turkey-and-mahindra-about-reviving-bran/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Saab building

The Great Saab Story of 2011 looks hellbent on running straight on through the new year and well into the future, despite the fact that the automaker has officially gone bankrupt and hasn't produced a vehicle in what seems like ages.

Rumor has it that Saab administrators are receiving interest from some unknown entities from Turkey (with supposed backing from the Turkish government) as well as India's Mahindra in some sort of brand-revival strategy.

As you may recall, General Motors, ex-parent of the Swedish brand, nixed any potential deal with Saab's various Chinese partners, fearing its hard-earned technology could fall into the wrong hands - which is to say, any hands other than SAIC's, GM's official Chinese partner. But that doesn't necessarily preclude Turkish or Indian ownership.

That said, reports from Sweden seem to indicate that Hans Bergqvist and Anne-Marie Pouteaux, the two administrators in charge of Saab, have turned down a request to meet with Lars Carlstrom on behalf of Mahindra. The gist of the gossip grinder is that the administrators don't want to have anything to do with Carlstrom due to his past association with Russian billionaire Vladimir Antonov.

In any case, we'd wager that neither the Turkish concern nor Mahindra would make a full-out purchase of the brand. It seems more likely that Saab's most desirable assets would be its manufacturing capabilities, tooling and in-house technology. Stay tuned for more as this story develops.

Saab in discussions with Turkey and Mahindra about reviving brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lars carlstrommahindrasaabsaab administratorsaab aero xsaab bankruptcyturkeyFri, 30 Dec 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20138001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/saab-in-discussions-with-turkey-and-mahindra-about-reviving-bran/20138001/article-detail.xml 20138001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/saab-through-trees_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/saab-through-trees.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra's U.S. plans on indefinite hold, Alabama plant denied]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/mahindras-u-s-plans-on-indefinite-hold-alabama-plant-denied/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/mahindras-u-s-plans-on-indefinite-hold-alabama-plant-denied/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/23/mahindras-u-s-plans-on-indefinite-hold-alabama-plant-denied/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mahindra pickup

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamadiesel pickupmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40navistartr20tr40Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20134639/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/23/mahindras-u-s-plans-on-indefinite-hold-alabama-plant-denied/20134639/article-detail.xml 20134639 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra pickups to be assembled in Alabama beginning next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/mahindra-pickups-to-be-assembled-in-alabama-beginning-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/mahindra-pickups-to-be-assembled-in-alabama-beginning-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/16/mahindra-pickups-to-be-assembled-in-alabama-beginning-next-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra pickup front three-quarter view

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global vehiclesglobal vehicles mahindramahindramahindra and mahindramahindra t20mahindra t40navistarpik uppik-upt20t40Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20129292/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/16/mahindra-pickups-to-be-assembled-in-alabama-beginning-next-year/20129292/article-detail.xml 20129292 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindausnavistar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindausnavistar.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra still embroiled in legal dispute, U.S. pickup hopes not looking good]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mahindra-still-embroiled-in-legal-dispute-u-s-pickup-hopes-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mahindra-still-embroiled-in-legal-dispute-u-s-pickup-hopes-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mahindra-still-embroiled-in-legal-dispute-u-s-pickup-hopes-not/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class action lawsuitglobal vehiclesglobal vehicles usalawsuitmahindramahindra dealersmahindra dealershipsmahindra delaymahindra t20mahindra t40t20Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125398/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/mahindra-still-embroiled-in-legal-dispute-u-s-pickup-hopes-not/20125398/article-detail.xml 20125398 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindra-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mahindra-628.jpg <![CDATA[Trailer for Bollywood's <i>Singham</i> flips our lids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/trailer-for-bollywoods-singham-flips-our-lids/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/trailer-for-bollywoods-singham-flips-our-lids/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/31/trailer-for-bollywoods-singham-flips-our-lids/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bollywoodindian moviemahindramahindra and mahindramoviesinghamvideoMon, 31 Oct 2011 19:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20095144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/31/trailer-for-bollywoods-singham-flips-our-lids/20095144/article-detail.xml 20095144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bollywood-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bollywood-628.jpg <![CDATA[First global SUV for Mahindra dubbed XUV500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mahindra XUV500

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra suvmahindra xuv500suvxuv500Sat, 03 Sep 2011 15:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20033551/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/03/first-global-suv-for-mahindra-dubbed-xuv500/20033551/article-detail.xml 20033551 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/xuv500-name-reveal-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/xuv500-name-reveal-630.jpg <![CDATA[Angry dealers sue Mahindra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/angry-dealers-sue-mahindra/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/angry-dealers-sue-mahindra/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/angry-dealers-sue-mahindra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra Pik Up
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global vehiclesjerry ackermanlawsuitmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra lawsuitpik-uptr20tr40Mon, 23 May 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947444/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/angry-dealers-sue-mahindra/19947444/article-detail.xml 19947444 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mahindra-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/mahindra-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ssangyong unveils Mercedes-influenced Chairman H in Shanghai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ssangyong-unveils-mercedes-influenced-chairman-h-in-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ssangyong-unveils-mercedes-influenced-chairman-h-in-shanghai/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ssangyong-unveils-mercedes-influenced-chairman-h-in-shanghai/#commentsFiled under: ,

chairman h

Korean automaker Ssangyong Motors has featured the Chairman H in its lineup since 1997. The automaker's luxury flagship looked kind of like a poor man's Mercedes-Benz, and based on the above photo of the next generation model, it still does, only more so.

The 2012 Chairman E Class H was unveiled at Shanghai with heated and ventilated leather seats up front, a heated steering wheel, a fancy 3.5-inch LCD information system and smart key system. The sedan also features hill start assist and Emergence Stop Signal, which we're guessing is automated hazard light flashing in a panic stop. There was no powertrain info available, but the range-topping 3.6-liter V6 from the current model produces 275 horsepower.

Ssangyong CEO Yoo-il Lee calls the Chairman Korea's representative brand, adding "the newly released New Chairman H premium sedan enhances the luxury and class of the Chairman series."

Ssangyong, which partners with India's Mahindra, will offer the sedan in Korea beginning in May. Hit the jump to read over the Ssangyong Motor press release, which includes information about some of the automaker's concept vehicles at the show.

[Source: Ssangyong Motor]

Continue reading Ssangyong unveils Mercedes-influenced Chairman H in Shanghai

Ssangyong unveils Mercedes-influenced Chairman H in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chairman hchairman seriesmahindrashanghai 2011Ssangyong motorsMon, 11 Apr 2011 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19907132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/11/ssangyong-unveils-mercedes-influenced-chairman-h-in-shanghai/19907132/article-detail.xml 19907132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/chairman-h_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/chairman-h.jpg -1 2