Mahindra puts trucks on holding pattern till late '09
Anand Mahindra is adamant that the first diesel trucks in America bearing his name be as good as possible. While this is good news for buyers hoping to get a good deal on a 30 mpg work-vehicle, the delay it has caused isn't. Mr. Mahindra says that his trucks will travel some 3.2 million miles in the U.S. before going on sale. For our part, we are glad that the company will work out all the possible kinks before sending the trucks Stateside. There are reportedly over three-hundred dealerships which have already signed on to sell the trucks, though the vast majority have not yet completed their projects. Global Vehicles, the Georgia-based company in charge of the importation, hopes to have four-hundred-fifty total signed on before the end of next year.
JD Power and Associates was also hired by the Indian firm to check out its new truck. Apparently, nearly two-hundred changes were recommended by the company - all of which were carried out. That's mighty impressive and it also bodes well for a quality product. While the powertrain is still awaiting EPA certification, Mahindra got plenty of help from established companies and is confident that there won't be any problems on that front. Keep your fingers crossed for these and the hybrids.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MemphisNET 4:34PM (8/25/2008)
Wow... good for them! I'm impressed that they went as far as to ask for input, and then actually make the changes! This could end up being a very good buy.
Been thinking of a Ford Ranger, anyone know if the new 2.5 4cyl is going into the 09?
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longdx 6:13PM (8/25/2008)
This is good news. I read an earlier review from an Australian Magazine that gave the Mahindra positive reviews for the powertrain/efficiency, but indicated that the truck suffered from fit/finish issues. Mahindra is a large company and they seem to be serious in addressing these issues before selling in the States.
@MemphisNET:
The Ford Ranger is a good buy and the base 2.3L engine has almost as much HP as the Vulcan V6 (3.0L) and is quite efficient. That is mated to either a 5 speed manual or 5speed auto. Ford was going to stop Ranger production in early 2009 but has extended production through 2011. It also scored fairly well in crash protection.
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