Filed under: Diesel
Mahindra hopes to offer diesel small trucks, SUVs and sedans in U.S. in '08
I have heard rumblings that Mahindra & Mahindra, a large Indian automaker which already sells tractors in the States, hopes to enter the American market in 2008. When I read this article from TTAC, it really got me thinking about the possibilities. With Americans getting used to start-up automakers like Tesla entering the alternative vehicle market, they might be willing to accept a company like Mahindra which already has a respected, established product line for sale in the U.S. as a reliable option. If as many dealers pop up as alluded to in that same article, and in the right markets, I could really see a small diesel powered utility truck selling very well. If our readers are any indication, the market is certainly ready for diesels to spring forth. If it were cheap, like around 20K reasonably equipped, using that vehicle as the family stuff-hauler would allow more people to accept a smaller, fuel efficient commuter as their second car, or even a scooter as a second vehicle. Don't laugh, check out the sales of scooters since Hurricane Katrina for proof that many are willing to do just that.
If you have any comments to add about Mahindra, please share them. I have heard a few people mention their tractors, and have only heard positive stories from them. I have never heard anything first-hand about their cars or trucks, though. Do you agree that the market is ready for a small, diesel powered truck?
Related:
[Source: The Truth About Cars]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Brian Hague 7:25PM (5/31/2007)
If they bring it, it had better get good mileage (is 35 on the highway too much to ask?), and have a decent tow rating (about 4,000 lbs).
I'd buy one...
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Jeff Gilleran 7:59PM (5/31/2007)
My aunts 1983 Isuzu Pup Diesel got 35-38 Mpg On the Hwy all day long.
I dont see a reason a modern common rail turbo diesel cant be used in an intelligently designed platform.
Im sure they can easily reach 4000 Lb towing ratings with a diesel engines inherent torque even with a smaller displacement.
I think the 3.0L size is perfect for these applications and offer enough power to keep most people happy.
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Phil L. 9:04AM (6/01/2007)
I'd hardly use Tesla as an example of consumer acceptance in the marketplace. Pricey toys for the rich are a far different market than daily-driver vehicles for those concerned about future warranty service and parts availability. And don't forget things like crash test performance, etc.
That said, some success for this entry could convince the big OEMs that they can make money selling such vehicles. Most of the big names have the drivetrains and platforms to do this sort of thing - but they don't sell them in the US.
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Jenny 9:06AM (6/01/2007)
Mahindra is a prestigious brand in india and it is well known for fuel
efficiency. 35mpg is somewhat achievable.
Jenny
http://www.spaml.com
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Canyon 9:43AM (6/01/2007)
A tow rating of 4000lbs should be cake. The diesel Jeep liberty that is sadly no longer sold could tow 5000lbs and that was with a very small engine.
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Adrian 9:04AM (6/02/2007)
With so many trucks increasing in size (and price!) these days I think there's definitely room for a small truck - if it's tough, reliable and gets decent gas mileage. Never mind the funky looks. I would certainly consider one, and I'm a Toyota Tacoma owner.
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Cam Paterson 3:27PM (6/04/2007)
If one of the established brands doesn't offer a small diesel pickup before the Mahindra is available, I will buy one. IF the price is right, read LOW. There is no reason a vehicle from India should not be priced way below the competition, unless one or more people in the middle get too greedy. That would be a shame, especially as the brand is trying to get started here.
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Don 6:32PM (6/05/2007)
Way to go, Uncle Sam, for protecting our markets from crap like this.
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Sam 10:54AM (6/24/2009)
The pay a 25% Tarriff to sell these trucks here. I'm no fan of these imports taking market share from US manufacturers, but 25% seems fair. To get around the Tariff they can manufacture the trucks here, which means Jobs for US workers.
Lare 2:50PM (6/23/2007)
I have a pool maintenance and repair company in San Diego, I would love a durable small diesel truck w/good mileage.
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John 9:53PM (7/01/2007)
I'd definitly go for a small pickup that can get 35+ mpg and haul around 1,000 lbs.
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Jeff Bequette 11:57PM (7/05/2007)
It is to bac/sad that when it was Damlier/Chrysler they could not find a way to take the Sprinter 3.0 CRD and use it in a small pickup or even the Dakota. Good luck to Mahindra. As above, 35 mpg/1000lbs neighborhood of 17-20K and I'll buy one. Hurry up, my current ride is showing its age...
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tinker 12:29AM (7/28/2007)
The current offering from Mahindra is supposed to be a 2.2 liter turbodiesel with 300 foot-lb of torque and 180 horsepower (HONESTLY!) put through a 6 speed auto. It is supposed to be offered in ONLY three vehicles; a 4 door truck, 4 door suv, and 2 door truck. All 4 wheel drive. They are reported to be offered in late 2009. I read about it in "Farm Show". PS my Dodge 1 ton was made in mexico, as well as my dad's chevy. My tacoma was built in Freemont, California.
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Jon Kirkegaard 8:10PM (8/03/2007)
Mahindra is coming
Global Vehicles Inc is setting up dealership agreements.
www.gv-usa.com
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Dan 8:59PM (8/05/2007)
As usual Detroit is lost in space again. Baby boomers and small businesses want these small, reliable diesels. I'd love to buy American so the money stays in the country but every diesel made by the big 3 all are so high off the ground and it's quite rediculous to see so many on the roads driving around with nothing being hauled most of the time. Mihandra....I'll buy one. If Detroit UAW feel they must pay their janitors $40.00 an hour and furnish him /her with retirement and healthcare forever there is nothing that says I have to pay for it for them in the form of rediculous high prices for the cars and trucks.
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rondo 8:53PM (8/19/2007)
I drive a vw jetta diesel which gets 45 mpg in town and 55 mpg on hiway. 90 hp and a kick to drive.sort of like a sporty tractor. a small pickup could get 40 mpg and be so versatile. kudos to anyone that brings one to the market.
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Pat Mente 1:34PM (9/22/2007)
As previous comments said, it is a shame that the big 3 can't get it together on a small diesel pickup. Ford sells a diesel ranger in Brazil and Zambia - I'm sure with some exhaust work they could do it here. They just don't listen to the majority consumer who needs to save money and doesn's need a huge tank of a truck. As long as I could get parts, I would by the Mahindra, if there's no American offering...
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Bill 9:25PM (9/23/2007)
Wow, soon we will have Walmart Indian trucks at everyday low prices. With a good thick coat of lead paint to prevent rusting and and some melamine tainted snacks in the glove box how can the American consumer go wrong?
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JAMES 3:58PM (9/30/2007)
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A SMALL OR MID-SIZE DIESEL PICKUP. I UNDERSTAND THEY WILL ONLY OFFER A STANDARD CAB AND A CREW CAB. THE EXTENDED CAB OFFERS A PLACE TO KEEP ITEMS OUT OF THE WEATHER WITHOUT LOOSING MUCH BED SPACE. I WOULD BUY A STANDARD CAP BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER FEATURES, IS
WILL NO EVERYTHING THAT I NEED. WHY CANN'T THE BIG 3 GET IT TOGETHER ???
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Ed Foster 9:30PM (9/30/2007)
I've owned a Isuzu small diesel truck and now own a 2500 heavy duty GMC, also a diesel. Something in between in size and price would be great. Even 28 mpg would be fine if the unit had 4 wheel drive. I would prefer a standard tranny though. I hope they offer a plain jane unit with rubber mats, crank windows, and the ability to wade into 3 feet of water without blowing the computer. I would definitey buy. In my opinion, it's too bad the Ford early Bronco, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Hummer all ended up being cushy, yuppie, status statements and strayed from their utilitarian roots. Ed
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