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[Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Mahindra 'potential' dealer network - Click above to enlarge

No, you're not looking at yet another voting map, or even a topographical depiction of the WalMarting of America (trust us, you don't want to see that). The image seen above is that of Mahindra's "dealership network." We're putting quotes on that because the Indian automaker says on its website that the dots represent only "potential" outlets for their forthcoming small diesel pickup trucks.

Even if the map hasn't been finalized (and doesn't have an associated time frame for each franchise coming on-line), the map is interesting because it illustrates widespread interest in the brand. Credit for that in part should go to the promise of a robust, cheap, and fuel-efficient small truck from a major global player - but it should be equally predictable because there are lots of showrooms sitting empty (or on their way to doing so) thanks to the downsizing of dealer networks associated with General Motors, Chrysler and other automakers.

We could have predicted widespread traction for the brand in regions like the Midwest and even the Northeast, but the concentration of likely franchises in Florida surprises us. Either way, we'll have to wait a bit longer to see just who finally ends up selling the automaker's TR20 and TR40 models - they are expected to go on sale in the first quarter of next year. Hat tip to Sunny B!


Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

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

[Source: Mahindra]

Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diesel pickupdiesel truckDieselPickupDieselTruckdietindian automakerIndianAutomakermahindra and mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMMpickuppickup truckPickupTruckTR 20TR 40TR-20TR-40TR20TR40Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST<![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[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[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 "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