Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Mahindra out shopping for new U.S. pickup factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/report-mahindra-out-shopping-for-new-u-s-pickup-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/report-mahindra-out-shopping-for-new-u-s-pickup-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/report-mahindra-out-shopping-for-new-u-s-pickup-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Indian vehicle maker Mahindra is looking for a way to avoid import taxes when it puts its pickup truck and Scorpio sport utility on the U.S. market sometime in 2010, so it's no surprise that Automotive News is reporting that the manufacturer is on the hunt for a stateside assembly location. It's the same reason why there are Honda and Toyota plants here, and Mahindra is no stranger to selling vehicles in our market - or assembling them here, for that matter.

Already well established selling tractors to American farmers, Mahindra has three U.S. plants for its agricultural products already. Looking at how Mahindra has stretched out to many different regions and markets, there's little doubt that assembling pickup trucks here in the U.S. from knock-down kits is going to be easy, as they're already doing the same thing in Egypt and Brazil, for example.

The U.S. market has precious few true small pickup offerings left, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado/ GMC Canyon twins are about all there is, and there may be untapped potential for a well-priced truck, particularly one with a diesel engine. That's what Mahindra is banking on, as it is apparently planning to make the United States one of its largest export markets.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req]

REPORT: Mahindra out shopping for new U.S. pickup factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falsemahindramahindra americamahindra american plantmahindra and mahindramahindra united statesmahindra united states plantmahindra us plantmahindra usamahindra usa plantmahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAmericaMahindraAmericanPlantmahindraandmahindramahindrapickupmahindratruckMahindraUnitedStatesMahindraUnitedStatesPlantMahindraUsaMahindraUsaPlantMahindraUsPlantFri, 28 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/mahindras-30-mpg-diesel-powered-pik-up-gets-driven/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com got a chance to drive the Mahindra Pik-Up regular cab with a 7-foot bed and lived to say rather good things about it. He drove the 2.5-liter diesel spec that is a generation behind what we'll get here, so actual driving impressions are moot.

The real story was the impressive discoveries tempered by the mild question marks: the diesel sounds good, shifting into third is a bit tricky; visibility is fantastic but the interior is a bit tight; the bed is good for swallowing loads, but the external tie-downs and styling are a little dated.

And with commendable NVH in its favor, Levine rated the Pik-Up "a truck that could function as a daily driver as well as a workhorse." We're not sure we'd want to test the 5,000-pound towing capacity, but as The Little Truck That Could, it sounds like it's all right. Follow the link to read all about it.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselindiamahindramahindra pik-upMahindraPik-uppik-upreviewtruckThu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Mahindra pickup reportedly stalled until February]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/07/u-s-mahindra-pickup-reportedly-stalled-until-february/#commentsFiled under: ,

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

It's apparently tougher than Mahindra first thought to break into the American pickup truck market. According to a report by PickupTrucks.com, Pawan Goenka, Mahindra's president of automotive operations, told reporters in India, "We will start production of Mahindra 'Pik-up' utility vehicle by December this year for the U.S., and by end-February next year, the vehicle will be sold there."

For those keeping track, this is the second major delay announced by Mahindra, bringing the truck to the United States just about a year later than originally planned. Even Global Vehicles, the chosen distributor of the trucks in the States, was caught off guard by the decision. Granted, a delay is certainly more palatable than a botched launch attempt.

When it finally does hit in February of 2010, expect the truck to come in both TR20 (two-door) and TR40 (four-door) styles and come equipped with a standard 2.2-liter four cylinder diesel engine that should return 30 miles per gallon and tow up to 1.3 tons. Pricing reportedly won't be announced until September.


Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

mahindra-pickup-large_21mahindra-pickup-large_11mahindra-pickup-large_22mahindra-pickup-large_12mahindra-pickup-large_13

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

U.S. Mahindra pickup reportedly stalled until February originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra pickupmahindra pik-upmahindra truckmahindra usamahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAppalachianmahindrapickupMahindraPik-upmahindratruckMahindraUsaFri, 07 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mahindra capitalizes on Detroit 3 dealer closings, picks up new outlets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/19/report-mahindra-capitalizes-on-detroit-3-dealer-closings-picks/#commentsFiled under:

Many communities have felt the sting of closing dealerships, but it appears for some that capitalism Mahindra is coming to the rescue. The Indian truck manufacturer is sweeping in to sign up recently booted Chrysler dealers to sell their fuel efficient diesel pickups. Mahindra is hoping to soon have 300 dealers online and ready to sell the inexpensive trucks. Mahindra had earlier announced that it had over 300 dealers signed up to sell the truck, but the difficult economy and a lack of available credit likely prevented many from having a dealership online in time for the truck's fall introduction. The experienced, ready-for-business Chrysler dealerships are like a gift placed in the lap of the Indian truck maker.

In the Detroit area, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that two former Chrysler dealers will begin selling the truck this fall. The Mahindra truck will exclusively contain 2.2-liter diesel powertrains mated to six speed transmissions. The trucks should easily be able to hit 30 mpg on the highway, while also giving owners the ability to carry a 1.3-ton payload. The Mahindra truck will also cost 10-15% less than comparable Japanese offerings.

The Free Press also reported that Mahindra is planning a diesel-powered SUV for mid-2010. The SUV will reportedly have a price tag in the $13-15k range.

[Source: Free Press]

REPORT: Mahindra capitalizes on Detroit 3 dealer closings, picks up new outlets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdealersdieselmahindratrucksFri, 19 Jun 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Your chance to be among the first to test drive a new Mahindra pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/18/your-chance-to-be-among-the-first-to-test-drive-a-new-mahindra-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Are you holding out for a Mahindra trucks and wondering how they stack up against more established brands? Then you need to head on over to Mahindra's Web site and sign up for some seat time.

Mahindra importer Global Vehicles is all set for a fourth-quarter 2009 launch of their first offerings from India and is taking names for early test drives. From what we can gather from the company's U.S. Web site, they'll be parading around the country soon, giving interested pickup shoppers a spin around the block in its two- or four-door diesel-powered pickup trucks. On the site, there's a lot of bragging about the two-door's seven-foot bed (Toyota's Tacoma has a six-footer), four-year, 60k-mile warranty, six-speed automatic trans, and clean-burning, four-cylinder diesel engine.

No word yet on, well, a lot of things. Like what cities this national tour will be trucking through or even when it will begin. More importantly, the company has said it has 325 dealers lined up, but still hasn't brought up pricing, EPA fuel economy numbers, crash test ratings or an exact date that sales will begin. For now we'll have to make do with the vague "fourth quarter of 2009" and the promise of an early test drive.

[Source: All Cars All the Time]

Your chance to be among the first to test drive a new Mahindra pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global vehiclesglobal vehicles mahindraglobal vehicles mahindra estados unidosGlobalVehiclesGlobalVehiclesMahindraGlobalVehiclesMahindraEstadosUnidosmahindramahindrapickupmahindratruckThu, 18 Jun 2009 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Appalachian Breakdown: Mahindra to dump regional pickup name for alphanumerics?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/appalachian-breakdown-mahindra-reportedly-dumps-regional-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/appalachian-breakdown-mahindra-reportedly-dumps-regional-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/appalachian-breakdown-mahindra-reportedly-dumps-regional-pickup/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Rather than get all hung up on what's in a model name, Mahindra may want U.S. consumers to become more familiar with the new-to-America brand itself. Initially, the Indian automaker's mid-sized pickups were expected to carry the "Appalachian" moniker when they came to America, but now, PickupTruck.com is reporting that the trucks will probably go alphanumeric, if recent patent filings for TR20 and TR40 designations are anything to go by.

The website speculates that the "20" and "40" indicate two- and four-door versions of the trucks, which will be tweaked to better cater to buyers in the US market. The imported, Toyota Tacoma-sized, diesel-powered newcomers are expected to be available by December, no matter what they're called.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Appalachian Breakdown: Mahindra to dump regional pickup name for alphanumerics? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4x4mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra tr20mahindra tr40mahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAppalachianmahindrapickupMahindraTr20MahindraTr40mahindratruckpick-uppickupTR20TR40Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[First Mahindra pickups in U.S. will be assembled in India, not Ohio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/first-mahindra-pickups-in-u-s-will-be-assembled-in-india-not-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/first-mahindra-pickups-in-u-s-will-be-assembled-in-india-not-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/14/first-mahindra-pickups-in-u-s-will-be-assembled-in-india-not-o/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Mahindra's plan to launch its midsize pickups in the United States has taken another interesting turn, as the Indian automaker now plans to assemble the first U.S.-bound units at home and not in Ohio as originally planned. The change means that Mahindra will now be forced to pay the 25% federal "chicken tax" that was first created in the early '60s in retaliation against European tariffs on U.S.-bred chicken.

In any case, Mahindra doesn't expect additional delays in getting its diesel-powered pickup trucks to U.S. dealerships. In fact, selling Indian-made units may actually expedite the truck's fourth-quarter introduction by a few weeks.

Look for a big marketing push in advance of the Indian truck's launch here in the States, especially at motocross events around the country. Mahindra believes that its truck will appeal to dirt bike riders who want a fuel-efficient hauler. The manufacturer says its truck will combine 30 mpg economy from its 2.2L four-cylinder diesel engine with a 7.5-foot bed that can accept a payload of 1.3 tons; all in a package that's priced 10-15% below comparable Japanese offerings.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

First Mahindra pickups in U.S. will be assembled in India, not Ohio originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra pickupmahindra truckmahindra u.s.mahindra united statesmahindra usaMahindraAndMahindraMahindraPickupMahindraTruckMahindraU.s.MahindraUnitedStatesMahindraUsaSat, 14 Feb 2009 15:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra profits tank 99% amidst currency woes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mahindra-profits-tank-99-amidst-currency-woes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mahindra-profits-tank-99-amidst-currency-woes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/mahindra-profits-tank-99-amidst-currency-woes/#commentsFiled under: ,



You think that General Motors and Chrysler are in trouble? Take a look at India's largest SUV-maker, Mahindra. It posted a whopping 99% drop in profits last quarter due to the double blow of a 26% sales dip and a "currency loss."

The lack of interested car buyers is an all-too-familiar theme, but the currency loss is more complicated. In a statement, Mahindra said the loss was due mostly to "cancellation of forward covers entered into by the company to hedge certain anticipated exports." Translation: the company invested in the currency markets to cover any possible losses in its exports. When the rupee fell 19% last year, there was nothing to cover Mahindra's 54% drop in exports. But despite all that, the company actually did manage to make a profit, even if it was only $245,000.

What does this mean to you? Other than being another name on a growing list of carmaker carnage, it could mean an even longer delay for everyone hoping to buy one of Mahindra's trucks in the U.S., not to mention that Mahindra is almost definitely not interested in Hummer now.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Mahindra profits tank 99% amidst currency woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car salesCarSaleseconomyglobal economyGlobalEconomyindiaindia carmakersIndiaCarmakersmahindratractorsWed, 04 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra delays launch in U.S. to late 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,




Truck shoppers hoping to grab a Mahindra pickup early next year are gonna have to wait a little longer. It seems the challenges of bringing an India-made vehicle to the U.S. are difficult, and the vehicles now won't go on sale in the U.S. before the fourth quarter of 2009.

Even though 324 dealers have signed up to sell the truck, few of them have actually built the needed facilities. That's not enough to keep Georgia-based Global Vehicles from going ahead with their plans to begin U.S. sales. But GV's CEO John Perez recenly spoke to Mahindra's global managing director Anand Mahindra who, according to Automotive News, said that no truck with his family's name on it was going to fail in the U.S. Mr. Mahindra plans to run a fleet of his company's vehicles over 3.2 million miles of U.S. roads before he'll be approve the trucks for sale here.

The plan is for the trucks to utilize a 4-cylinder diesel engine not yet approved by the EPA. But Perez says he has no fear their January application will have any trouble getting blessed.

While the trucks are getting some U.S. experience, Global Vehicles will continue to sign up new dealers, and hopes to have 450 by the end of 2009. The importer has a sales goal of 50,000 vehicles a year, though Mahindra says it could produce as many as 400,000 U.S.-bound trucks if demand is there. And if Mahindra's promise of 30 mpg holds true, there could be huge demand. If things go well, look for a diesel-powered Mahindra SUV to follow.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Pickuptrucks.com]

Mahindra delays launch in U.S. to late 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselglobal vehiclesmahindrapickuptruckMon, 25 Aug 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra not interested in HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite assurances from top GM brass, every bidder for the troubled HUMMER brand appears to be removing itself from the rumormill. Considered one of the strongest suitors interested in the off-road marque, India's Mahindra is the latest brand to pull out of consideration. According to Vice Chairman Anand Mahindra, "There has been a lot of speculation. I want to say categorically we are not pursuing HUMMER." That sounds pretty definitive to us, leaving Tata Motors as the only company from India still reportedly interested. Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has pulled his name out of the mix, as has China's Hunan Changfeng Motor Co. Until an official announcement is made, all of this is just speculation, but we have to wonder just how valuable the HUMMER brand could possibly be now that its sales have plummeted so far and so fast.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Mahindra not interested in HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hummerhummer biddershummer saleHummerBiddersHummerSalehunan changfen motorsHunanChangfenMotorsmahindraoleg deripaskaOlegDeripaskatataMon, 18 Aug 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra "keen" to buy HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



General Motors is already having meetings with its dealers regarding all the possibilities for its HUMMER brand. According to reports, there are several companies interested in making a purchase of the military-inspired vehicles, though Tata Motors now appears uninterested despite earlier reports. One suitor is said to be Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian company that plans on making a big splash entering the American market itself over the next few years. Just-Auto quotes an unnamed official at the company who says "Mahindra is very keen on acquiring the Hummer." Hmm... Isn't it interesting how one little word can change the meaning of an entire sentence. Anyway, Mahindra already produces a vehicle that shares an eerie resemblance to the original GI-spec HUMMER that it sells to the Indian military.

Currently, the vast majority of Hummer sales are made in the States, but Mahindra doesn't sound worried about that. "The U.S. market might not be able to afford their own HUMMER any longer, but India is a growing and strong economy. When Indians like something we go out and get it, no matter what the cost, because we know how to make it work for us," according to an unnamed source. Uh huh... good luck with that.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

Mahindra "keen" to buy HUMMER originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hummerindia hummerIndiaHummermahindramahindra and mahindramahindra axemahindra hummermahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAxeMahindraHummerTue, 17 Jun 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra's diesel pickup drops 'Appalachian' name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While it might not be the prettiest girl at the prom, we're still extremely intrigued by Mahindra's upcoming diesel pickup for the American market. Up until today, we've been referring to the new truck as the Appalachian, though reports now indicate that it will drop that moniker. Apparently, the Indian company wants to highlight its own name in an effort to build some much-needed brand recognition in a market it has never played in before. For that reason, some sort of nondescript name made from numbers and/or letters is to be expected.

Mahindra's newly un-named truck will feature a new four-cylinder diesel engine produced just for the States with help from Bosch and AVL. Power output should hover around 150 horses, though torque is expected to be a massive 300 lb-ft. Coupled with what should be reasonable fuel economy from just 2.2 liters of displacement, we think that Mahindra's new pickup could re-ignite the compact pickup market in no time at all. At least one domestic brand might be thinking the same thing, as this spy shot indicates that one of Detroit's finest brought one over for testing.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra's diesel pickup drops 'Appalachian' name originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compact truckCompactTruckdiesel truckDieselTruckmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra dieselmahindra truckmahindra-and-mahindramahindraandmahindraMahindraAppalachianMahindraDieselMahindraTrucksmall truckSmallTruckSat, 14 Jun 2008 17:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra joins Tata as interested party to purchase MV Agusta?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for pictures of the Brutale 910 R

Tata Motors, rumored to have been interested in purchasing a large chunk of Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta, could have some competition. Another large Indian conglomerate, Mahindra & Mahindra may now be interested in a controlling stake in the storied company. According to India Automotive, the potential exists to gain instant traction in the global motorcycle market by picking up MV Agusta, and the Italian company could use the extra funds from a large and profitable company to release a new line of more competitive machines.

Volkswagen, are you paying attention to all of this? As we've previously reported, the German automaker has expressed interest in purchasing an established motorcycle brand, even going so far as to mention Ducati by name. MV Agusta would offer instant credibility and would be a rather easy entrance into the marketplace.

[Source: India Automotive]

Mahindra joins Tata as interested party to purchase MV Agusta? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra-and-mahindramahindraandmahindramv agustamv-agustaMvAgustatatatata motorstata-motorsTataMotorsThu, 22 May 2008 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra to show diesel-hybrid pickup at SAE Congress]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/mahindra-to-show-diesel-hybrid-pickup-at-sae-congress/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/mahindra-to-show-diesel-hybrid-pickup-at-sae-congress/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/mahindra-to-show-diesel-hybrid-pickup-at-sae-congress/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




Potential buyers interested in the upcoming Mahindra & Mahindra Appalachian pickup truck will get a sneak-peek of the new machine at the upcoming SAE World Congress, April 14-17 in Detroit, Michigan. The most interesting part of this news, though, is that the vehicle on display will sport a diesel/electric hybrid drivetrain, which could be the first and only such system sold in the U.S. The standard diesel Appalachian truck is expected to come with a 2.2-liter four cylinder diesel engine putting out between 140 and 150 horsepower along with 300 lb. ft of torque. Expected to sell in the low $20,000 range and be available in both two and four-door versions, Mahindra could potentially re-ignite the small truck market abandoned long ago by American automakers. With the hybrid option coming in at around $5 grand more, before any available tax credits are applied, we think that this upcoming Indian truck will make some waves here in the states when it goes on sale in 2010.

[Source: Diesel Forecast]

Mahindra to show diesel-hybrid pickup at SAE Congress originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel pickupdiesel-pickupDieselPickuphybridhybrid pickuphybrid truckhybrid-pickuphybrid-truckHybridPickupHybridTruckmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra pickupmahindra-and-mahindramahindra-appalachianMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAppalachianMahindraPickupTue, 25 Mar 2008 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mahindra & Jaguar? Not this time, one Indian bidder drops out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/mahindra-and-jaguar-not-this-time-one-indian-bidder-drops-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/mahindra-and-jaguar-not-this-time-one-indian-bidder-drops-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/14/mahindra-and-jaguar-not-this-time-one-indian-bidder-drops-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,

At least one of the bidders in the race to buy Jaguar and Land Rover has dropped out of the competition. Indian manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra apparently couldn't get the guarantees they wanted regarding powertrain supplies. With new limits on CO2 emissions expected to be enacted in the EU beginning in 2012, the ability of both brands to meet the standards with their larger vehicles poses a problem, as well.

The emissions issue may also be playing a part in Ford's decision to unload the companies and not keep any stake at all in them. Mahindra was really only interested in Land Rover, but Ford wants to sell the two companies as a package deal. Mahindra's Indian competitor Tata is still in the running and has lined up a technical support deal with Fiat if the sale goes through.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Mahindra & Jaguar? Not this time, one Indian bidder drops out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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India-based Mahindra & Mahindra is considering exporting its light utility vehicles to the U.S., perhaps as early as 2007. According to AutoWeek, the company is trying to establish a network of 200 dealers to sell its flagship Scorpio SUV.

Mahindra already exports the Scorpio to a number of countries, including Malaysia, South Africa, Russia, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. In Europe, the car is known as the Mahindra Goa. This won't be the company's first exposure to the U.S. market - Mahindra USA opened its doors in 1994 to assemble and market the company's line of tractors.

The latest version of the Scorpio was launched earlier this year, and comes in seven- and eight-seat configurations, with either 2WD or 4WD powertrains. The standard powerplant for the Scorpio is a 2.6-liter common-rail turbodiesel, but the company is said to be adding a gasoline engine sourced from Renault, and a hybrid prototype is under development.

Reviews of the 2005 Scorpio suggest that its levels of performance and refinement were significantly below U.S.-market standards, but perhaps the 2006 version has addressed those concerns. In any event, you can expect the chunky SUV to carry a bargain-basement price.

[Sources: AutoWeek, Mahindra & Mahindra]

Indian automaker targets U.S. market with Scorpio SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Aug 2006 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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