REPORT: U.S. Mahindra pickup stalled until February
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 on 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 and it puts the truck in 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. Still, we agree that 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 will be announced in September. Reportedly.
Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nrb 11:05AM (8/07/2009)
This truck will get here later than expected, less reliable than expected, less powerful than expected, more expensive than expected, lower mpg than expected, and less capable than expected. Many of these are because of restrictions in the US and many are because people are just expecting too much.
This truck can't be what people want it to be. Save your money and pick up a Ranger already.
I await the flames.
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Matt 11:14AM (8/07/2009)
Let's just hope you're wrong on all counts. The Ranger is good, but I'm looking for something closer to 30 mpg.
rar 11:25AM (8/07/2009)
nrb, no flames here, you are spot on!
alex 11:56AM (8/07/2009)
but will it be uglier than expected? that would be hard to do!
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 12:16PM (8/07/2009)
@Matt: The Ranger is rated at 26 mpg, but I have a freaking 5" lift and 32" tires and I've returned 28 mpg numerous times (08, 2.3l). I average 25 w/ mixed, normal, if not heavy footed driving. Look around on the Ranger forums and you'll see people have squeezed 38-40 mpg out of their single cab, 5-speed, 2.3l. That little Duratech is mighty thrifty and the Ranger is extremely light weight.
I wanted this Mahindra actually, but I think nrb is spot on.
Mike!!ekiM 12:45PM (8/07/2009)
Just for the record: From the Ford Ranger website, the 2009 EPA estimates are 21/26. I believe this is what most people will be able to accomplish.
We'll have to see what the EPA rates this diesel.
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 12:56PM (8/07/2009)
@Mike, yes it is rated 21/26. While good, those are with the harsh new EPA estimates. The first tank I burned through (when it was brand spankin' new) was already 28 mpg (before I got the lift). I have no doubt it would have returned even better mileage after the break-in period of 2-4k miles. I lifted it before that though, so being able to reach 28 mpg with a 5" lift was quite surprising to me and tells me had I not lifted it, it'd be even higher.
Matt 2:05PM (8/07/2009)
@Chibi, Is yours the 4x4 version? Some people lift 2wd trucks, but not many; I'm very impressed if you're getting 28 out of a lifted 4x4. If so, get me some specs on your tires and lift kit, I may be interested in replicating your build. I have an email address that I can post here if they'll let me, for sending pics. Thanks for the info, good to know.
Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 3:08PM (8/07/2009)
@Matt: It is a 2wd, not 4x4!
I emailed you lots more info anyhow though!
The truck:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii240/gadget_man7/FILE0245.jpg
Lorena Palin 1:44PM (8/07/2009)
How would the ranger's milage look if you got a bed cover, and smaller wheels?
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Chibi Chaingun - blackhivemedia.com 3:20PM (8/07/2009)
Obviously it would vary, but I wouldn't rule 30+ out. A number of Ranger owners are squeezing out near 40 mpg on Ranger forums.. Of course that's not under normal driving conditions. They are hypermiling-milling.. Whatever its called.
chad 8:09PM (8/07/2009)
If you can pull and tow what the Mahindra is stating it can with those 2.3l ranger everyone would have one.
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keveng 12:48PM (8/10/2009)
1.3 ton, or 2,600lbs, is a rather pathetic towing capacity. I would guess most, if not all, midsized sedans have a higher rated towing capacity and get the same if not better mileage. This thing sounds like the equivalent to a 1976 Luv, rustastic side panels included.
spil 3:59PM (8/10/2009)
The Jetta Sportwagen TDI is rated at towing 2000 lbs, and it gets 40 mpg EPA, so probably around 50 if driven correctly, of course, that's without a 2,000 lb. load.
chad 4:00PM (8/10/2009)
keveng I see you were paying attention again. 1.3 ton is the payload. It can tow up 5000.
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