Mahindra Delay Explained? New Pickup Model Coming
With the second collapse of a Mahindra US-market initiative this year, some might believe that the Indian automaker has abandoned all efforts to make a good name for itself in the USA. And certainly, the implosion of its Pickup truck distribution deal with Global Vehicles looks difficult to salvage, given that both sides are locked in a legal dispute. Needless to say, when GV dropped us an email hyping a Spring 2011 launch for US-Market Mahindra products, we were more than a little skeptical. Now, however, the delay might have a legitimate explanation. According to Mahindra’s Arun Malhotra, senior vice-president for sales and customer care, speaking at the launch of the Mahindra Thar (see video above)
We are working on a lot of models. There will be a pick up on a completely new platform. We plan to bring it in the second [quarter] of 2011. It will be positioned near the top-end of our commercial vehicle pickup range, with a payload capability of above 1 tonne.
This seems to indicate that Mahindra is replacing its 1.2-ton Scorpio-based trucks (known in Australia as the “Pik Up”) with an all-new model before launching in the US. In other words, this is the first actual, legitimate reason for the endless delays to Mahindra’s US launch. Still, as the video of the Thar launch proves, Mahindra could probably make use of this (hopefully) final delay to work on their launch skills.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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Is that an Oldsmobile insignia just before the name "Mahindra" on the sign above the garage?
Should have called it the Mahindra lawsuit...
It is difficult to fathom why would anyone buy this... Mahindrance... On the other hand I do not know why wouldn't Mitsu, Toyota and others bring their L200s, Hiluxes et al over here. With their 2.4 - 2.5L diesels, utter simplicity and PROVEN reliability and longevity, these would be a nice option for the gas-savvy folks.
The USDM Mahindra pickup has become the automotive version of Duke Nukem Forever While I would not purchase one until they have been around for 3-5 years I love the idea of a no frills, 30mpg authentic pickup. Right now the only diesel you can get is a bloated 8000lbs Macho Minivan Ego Chariot. Best case scenario is their entry into the market gives us a diesel Tacoma or Ranger.