EPA Approves Diesel-Powered Mahindra Compact Pickups
August 20th, 2010 1:35 PM
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After numerous delays and a lawsuit by Mahindra’s US distributor, the Indian firm’s diesel-powered compact pickups have been approved by the EPA, reports the WSJ [sub].
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I think what we'd love to see in the US is a Toyota Hilux diesel, priced appropriately. The 'chicken tax'/EPA/DOT precludes this as a direct choice, so we look to Mahindra as a substitute. The US driver really could function just fine with most PUs being 4-banger Toyos/Nissans, but the D3 would die in a matter of minutes in that competitive market. Choices and all that.
Not so sure... GM has Isuzu. Or at least a stake in Isuzu... Isuzu's major offering in the light truck segment in Asia is basically an iteration of the Chevy Colorado / Isuzu i-series. Not cutting edge in the market, but Isuzu has a good reputation for its simpler diesels (though it's lost ground to Hyundai in terms of common-rail technology). Ford's global Ranger is more competitive with the Hilux crowd, but I don't know if they have the lines to produce it inside the US.
There's always a next hurdle... lawsuit, crash testing, pricing... yada yada. The fact that Mahindra passed EPA is a huge event and signals to me that there are no hurdles it will not be able to get over. And I thank them for that, for at least trying to do something that none of the so called "established" automakers have been able to do... namely bring out a workhorse that gets 30MPG. I hope Mahindra wins, or at least is able to knock some sense into the incumbents.
Doesn't look that bad. Would fit right in next to the cartoonish Colorado/Canyon. Maybe this will open the door to importation of the Hindustan Ambassador.......