Mahindra hopes to offer diesel small trucks, SUVs and sedans in U.S. in '08
I have heard rumblings that Mahindra & Mahindra, a large Indian automaker which already sells tractors in the States, hopes to enter the American market in 2008. When I read this article from TTAC, it really got me thinking about the possibilities. With Americans getting used to start-up automakers like Tesla entering the alternative vehicle market, they might be willing to accept a company like Mahindra which already has a respected, established product line for sale in the U.S. as a reliable option. If as many dealers pop up as alluded to in that same article, and in the right markets, I could really see a small diesel powered utility truck selling very well. If our readers are any indication, the market is certainly ready for diesels to spring forth. If it were cheap, like around 20K reasonably equipped, using that vehicle as the family stuff-hauler would allow more people to accept a smaller, fuel efficient commuter as their second car, or even a scooter as a second vehicle. Don't laugh, check out the sales of scooters since Hurricane Katrina for proof that many are willing to do just that.
If you have any comments to add about Mahindra, please share them. I have heard a few people mention their tractors, and have only heard positive stories from them. I have never heard anything first-hand about their cars or trucks, though. Do you agree that the market is ready for a small, diesel powered truck?
Related:
[Source: The Truth About Cars]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Joe 3:37PM (1/25/2008)
I think the only reason that the BIG 3 are not in this yet. (1) They think that their is not enough support from the public to create a small diesel truck. (2)They think that people will not have a good response to them because of all things the smell that it leaves behind. (3) To bring in a newer diesel it has to go through tests with the EPA before it can be even sold in that state. Me I would buy their truck in a heart beat but there isn't a dealer in Ohio i know of.
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Glenn Thompson 9:39AM (2/08/2008)
I just came back from Thailand and Brazil. They have Toyota and Mitsubishi Pickups, 4 door, 5 and 6 speed standards, TurboDiesel, 4 cylinder, GREAT looking trucks, get 30 to 35 mpg highway, good power.
Why can't we have those here??? If we got TWICE the fuel economy, (therefore using HALF the fuel) wouldn't a slightly higher emission, if any, be more than offset???
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Jackson 1:51PM (2/07/2008)
I refuse to buy a Mahindra. Why would I want a reliable, high torque, good mileage vehicle. I can go down to any Big 3 today and by a lumbering 50K diesel. I do not have to wait for some company from India to produce a mid-size, multi-use vehicle that offers the latest diesel technology. I can just wait 50 years for the Big 3 to do it. Honda and Toyota and Nissan tried to sell cars in the US market in the 70's. Look at them. It never works for these import companies. What is next, Korean cars? Americans need V8's. I am not going to work, stand next to the water cooler, then begin to tell some one I bought a new vehicle and it does not have a V8, or two dvd players and no spinners. I would be laughed out of the office. I need to prove I am a man.
When I go to Starbucks I need to know I can tow 5000lbs and carry 1/3 of all my personal belongings with me. That is the kind of vehicle that Mahindra should import if they want me to buy their vehicle.
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global vehicles VA 8:53PM (2/09/2008)
I have seen them in person in Atlanta, before they are making all the changes for the USA!! Great looking vehicles with great potential, 40 MPG, payload of one ton, 6 speed tiptronic tranny, and independent frnt susp with all the latest technology!! These vehicles are not an "old version" of other trucks, so call me at 540 564-0990 to place orders before they get here!! Jeff
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global vehicles VA 11:00PM (2/09/2008)
These Suv's and Crew cab & Single cab 4x4 trucks will be such a hit in the US market. I currently have the rights to the Virginia market in Harrisonburg, VA and welcome anyone who wants to call me and discuss these vehicles?? The niche' is there just like everyone in previous comments seem to think. Very positive comments from what i see? Call jeff at 540 564-0990 www.southmainmotors.com is our current website, but you will see a new website soon!
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jon hughes 10:11AM (8/11/2008)
Jeff,
When will these trucks be in a show room or be availble for sale to the general public?
Can't wait to drive one!
Thank you ,.............. Jon.
richmond 1:25AM (3/12/2008)
hello the chev / GM MIDI trucks (colorado) are the same as the isuzu D max also known as HOLDEN Rodeo
comes with these engines
TDi ITEQ 4JK1-TC 2.5L common rail diesel 116 PS (114 hp/85 kW),
DDi ITEQ 4JJ1-TC 3.0L common rail diesel Turbo Intercooler 146 PS (144 hp/107 kW),
TDi ITEQ 4JJ1-TCX 3.0L common rail diesel VGS Turbo Intercooler 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_D-Max
ford sells MAZDA built trucks in the rest of the world that uses a 3L 115 kw engine (150 HP) chrysler are using MB bluetech 3.0 litre V6 engines for there 300 series cars in australia (the sprinter II engine) it is fully EPA approved and in the US marker (sprinter II , MB E class / R class ETC)it would fit in the dekota
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treewrestler 6:57PM (3/21/2008)
I think it will work out just fine,(look at what people are paying for old VW rabbit diesel trucks on ebay right now)I had a 1985 diesel ranger,dont remember the fuel mileage it was good enough not to be of any concern though. If Mahindra can bring a good basic, dependable small or mid size truck to the American market it would be great, and once again the domestic's can play catch up. I've personaly been waiting for someone to offer a diesel truck smaller than a 3/4 TON, I think Mahindra hit the nail on the head.
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Mark 1:40PM (4/07/2008)
A small truck with great mileage is a great idea for the USA. It is too bad GM or Ford can't do it.
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Kysa 5:34PM (4/23/2008)
I spent 3 months trying to find a small SUV with on demand 4WD and a manual transmission that got any decent mileage. I ended up with a '98 Chevy Tracker as the best I could do and better than a newer vehicle. I will contact a dealer and get in line for one of these SUVs. I need the 4WD to get to my horse barn in the winter, but I would prefer decent mileage as I have been used to 30 plus in the small cars I have driven for 30 years.
I think this company has a future, and I will be a new buyer as soon as they arrive. If only American makers could listen to me...............
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Mark Harley 10:16AM (7/18/2008)
I drive a 2002 GMC 2500hd crewcab as my family vehicle. it's paid off and was bought before the gas prices went up. I love the truck and it's hauling capacity, butt when this little crew cab hits the shores I will have one in my driveway. I hope they make a work truck model, standard shift, diesel, crank windows, rubber mats, radio, a/c only.
Then I would trade my GMC in for one.
Mark Harley Oakmont, Pennsylvania
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Carl 12:40PM (7/25/2008)
I drove an early 80's Isuzu for almost 300000 miles with almost no problems, it always got over 30 mpg. Why can't someone put a modern one out there that will better.
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tellEv1 5:43PM (7/10/2009)
chk out the mahindra 4x4 crossing a rapid in Himalayas at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUiKHnSUvLo
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Brian Hague 7:25PM (5/31/2007)
If they bring it, it had better get good mileage (is 35 on the highway too much to ask?), and have a decent tow rating (about 4,000 lbs).
I'd buy one...
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Jeff Gilleran 7:59PM (5/31/2007)
My aunts 1983 Isuzu Pup Diesel got 35-38 Mpg On the Hwy all day long.
I dont see a reason a modern common rail turbo diesel cant be used in an intelligently designed platform.
Im sure they can easily reach 4000 Lb towing ratings with a diesel engines inherent torque even with a smaller displacement.
I think the 3.0L size is perfect for these applications and offer enough power to keep most people happy.
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Phil L. 9:04AM (6/01/2007)
I'd hardly use Tesla as an example of consumer acceptance in the marketplace. Pricey toys for the rich are a far different market than daily-driver vehicles for those concerned about future warranty service and parts availability. And don't forget things like crash test performance, etc.
That said, some success for this entry could convince the big OEMs that they can make money selling such vehicles. Most of the big names have the drivetrains and platforms to do this sort of thing - but they don't sell them in the US.
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Jenny 9:06AM (6/01/2007)
Mahindra is a prestigious brand in india and it is well known for fuel
efficiency. 35mpg is somewhat achievable.
Jenny
http://www.spaml.com
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Canyon 9:43AM (6/01/2007)
A tow rating of 4000lbs should be cake. The diesel Jeep liberty that is sadly no longer sold could tow 5000lbs and that was with a very small engine.
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Adrian 9:04AM (6/02/2007)
With so many trucks increasing in size (and price!) these days I think there's definitely room for a small truck - if it's tough, reliable and gets decent gas mileage. Never mind the funky looks. I would certainly consider one, and I'm a Toyota Tacoma owner.
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Cam Paterson 3:27PM (6/04/2007)
If one of the established brands doesn't offer a small diesel pickup before the Mahindra is available, I will buy one. IF the price is right, read LOW. There is no reason a vehicle from India should not be priced way below the competition, unless one or more people in the middle get too greedy. That would be a shame, especially as the brand is trying to get started here.
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