Indian automakers aim to eat Detroit's lunch

[Baucom]

I'm pretty sure it's CARB that makes clean diesels expensive.

[AchingBack]

Originally Posted by Baucom

I'm pretty sure it's CARB that makes clean diesels expensive.

CARB, by mandating the use of the no longer used MTBE, has done more to harm the environment, than to help.

[Iron Horse]

Just remember when comparing mileage figures , the US gallon is only 3.785 litres/quarts compared to a metric gallon of 4.546 litres/quarts . Adding that extra 3/4 litre/quart to your American vehicle will make a huge difference to making it's fuel consumption figures better . It's not a fair test of your US vehicles without taking this into consideration .

[Scooby074]

Originally Posted by BungeeII

Euro and American nothing...

We don't even have the same standards within the states.

California's CARB standards slow distribution of diesel products throughout the US because auto-makers do not want to manufacture vehicles that are not able to be sold in all 50 states.

I wasnt just referring to emissions (CARB is dumb IMHO and forces added costs on a already suffering auto sector) but also crash tests. Why have to certify vehicles in europe and here? Why not have one standard? Plus it would allow faster product cycle times and enable manufacturers to shuffle cars around the world as demand for a certain type grows and falls in a specific market.It might make sense and save billions of dollars.

Carb would be made redundant, if we taxed vehicles based on emissions / displacement like they do in Europe. Nobody says you cant have a 5.7L polluter, but your going to pay for the privilege. And conversely if you drive a efficient, clean vehicle you save. The decision is put on the consumer's shoulders and not in some government board.

[coobie]

Originally Posted by Nightrain1

Thought maybe some of you might be interested about the Mahindra truck coming to the states with some updated info.

Indian cars and trucks ready to sell in the U.S. - Jun. 24, 2009

UGLY!!That truck looks like the old Monteros,boxy and ugly.

[Redneck in training]

Originally Posted by coobie

UGLY!!That truck looks like the old Monteros,boxy and ugly.

Well, it is a matter of opinion. Trucks don't need to be pretty but they should take the abuse without complaining and repairs.

[Scooby074]

Originally Posted by Redneck in training

Well, it is a matter of opinion. Trucks don't need to be pretty but they should take the abuse without complaining and repairs.

Yep And i happen to think its a looker!!

[coobie]

Originally Posted by Redneck in training

Well, it is a matter of opinion. Trucks don't need to be pretty but they should take the abuse without complaining and repairs.

And you know what they say about opinions?LOL.

[Renze]

Originally Posted by srjones

I think the article has a valid point, though. Mahindra is filling a market need that isn't being met. Can anyone point me to a compact diesel truck sold in the US today? Win or lose, my hat's off to Mahindra for giving it a try.

Even though real steel curved pickup beds are scarce, Vehicles of a similar weight, power, duty, (chassis-cab Vans with flatbed, plywood floor, aluminium sideboards) are the most popular in Europe and are allowed to tow up to 2800kg (6170 pounds)... why wouldnt it work in the USA ?

When only towing the max rated 2800kg only occasionally (as most folks do) that Mahindra 2.2 will do just fine, and carry a lot less empty weight.

[Renze]

Originally Posted by coobie

UGLY!!That truck looks like the old Monteros,boxy and ugly.

...Then why does everybody think the Governators Hummer is cool ???

In the early 90's VW took over the Czech automaker Skoda, which suffered from poor brand image and poor dealer coverage in Europe.
When VW took over, they gave the Czechs a free hand on their existing platforms, to produce a car that would appeal to the Eastern market, where Skoda was a known name.
The Skoda Superb shares its floor pan and suspension layout with the VW Passat, but has a lot more leg room than the original Passat.
Their Octavia is based on a VW Golf.
In test reports, journalists all say that you had to be very attached to status ( with a Volkswagen !! ) to pay a few thousand more for a similar model with a VW badge on it.

Right now, Skoda sells a lot cheaper on new cars, but used Skodas are sold for the same price as used Volkswagens: Depreciation is way lower, the design is more focussed on clever ergonomics rather than trendy looks, and the Skoda brand is a main runner in the VW stable.

Oh, and for whom it may concern: My 11 year old Volvo might be seen as a status car (at least in Holland) but i just go for the best bang for the buck, and enough head room because i'm 6' 4". In this case its an older, but well preserved Volvo. Because the newer Volvo S40 and V50 are based on the P.O.S. Ford Focus chassis and the S60 doesnt have any head room because of the new, smooth roof line, my next car will be probably a Skoda too.


Just wait some years and you'll see lots of them pulling horse trailers and equipment trailers, just the minds have to ripen a bit.
If it was badged Hummer, everybody would love the boxy Mahindra looks...