Wild Ass Rumor Of The Day: Mahindra US Launch Back On For Spring 2011?
The road to the US market has been a rough one for Mahindra, with lawsuits, delays of EPA certification and more holding up a launch that should have taken place over a year ago. And after the Indian automaker rejected an order this summer from its US distributor, Global Vehicles, we basically gave up hope on seeing the diesel-powered, 4X4 pickups and SUVs in the land of the free. Luckily, Mahindras are used to rough roads, and if an email that just landed in my inbox is anything to go on (please note the Wild Ass Rumor heading on this post), the venture may just be pulling through. Or perhaps it’s just pulling our leg. Hit the jump for a letter from Global Vehicles president John Perez…
Good Morning Mahindra Truck Fans,
Congratulations. You are part of over 30,000 signed up to be the first to experience the hardworking Mahindra trucks.
I know you are wondering when you will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of one of these amazing, authentic, robust, fuel-efficient trucks at a Mahindra dealer near you. While I cannot give you a firm answer on timing, I can tell you in my estimation, trucks will arrive in the spring of 2011.
Mahindra has applied for and received their EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certificate, which means the vehicles have passed emission requirements. They also filed with (NHTSA) National Highway Safety Administration, which handles US standards for safety.
With these hurdles completed, it would seem production is imminent, but other factors may hinder the US launch. India’s car sales are on a dramatic trajectory upward. The sales pace combined with an industry wide parts shortage is impacting home market sales, which will have an affect on the United States introduction.
In closing, I know each of you anxiously await the arrival of the Mahindra trucks, and I am confident that you will see a launch announcement in the next few months.
Is this a sign of the calm after the storm, or just another false dawn? At this point, it’s anyone’s guess. Only one thing is for sure: Mahindra has been putting fans of rugged, diesel-powered trucks through a freaking ringer.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
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No way. Whatever mild interest that I had in this rig was extinguished by the amateur hour divorce that the parent company and their U.S. distributor played out in the press last spring.This thing has "Yugo with a tailgate" written all over it and I am skittish about shelling out the better part of 20 K for a four banger with a harsh ride.So what if they have a diesel ? Doesn't do any good if its parked in a dealer service bay waiting for parts. I know several farmers that have Mahindra tractors and they say that they're ok,but nothing special. It seems that with the comedy routine that we have seen with this introduction,most buyers would be wise to wait and see. My two cents.
I really hope they do sell them here, not that I plan on buying one, but in the hopes, infinitesimal that it may be that Toyota or Nissan or somebody introduces a small to mid sized truck with a diesel engine.