Indian automakers aim to eat Detroit's lunch

[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

[Duffster]

That is kind of a strange title

[Scooby074]

I understand Mahindra signed up many of the closing chrysler dealers to carry their product. I think there is some irony there.

However, i think mahindra is missing out by only offering there product fully loaded (at least at launch). A stripped out truck with a manual might sell better and be more reliable.

I also think the Nano is going to be a surprise hit, if the price stays as low as it is overseas.

[MDM]

From the article - "Mahindra is already one of the biggest-selling tractor manufacturers in the American market".

When did this happpen? I thought Mahindra was fighting with all the others brands over the 5-10% of the market left over from Deere, Kubota and New Holland. Who knows how this will work out, but man, that is one ugly vehicle.

[LBrown59]

Originally Posted by MDM

From the article - "Mahindra is already one of the biggest-selling tractor manufacturers in the American market".

When did this happpen? I thought Mahindra was fighting with all the others brands over the 5-10% of the market left over from Deere, Kubota and New Holland. Who knows how this will work out, but man, that is one ugly vehicle.

What's ugly about it ?

[Scooby074]

Originally Posted by LBrown59

What's ugly about it ?

Nothing in my eyes. The design reminds me of the first gen toyora pickups.

[Redneck in training]

Originally Posted by Scooby074

I understand Mahindra signed up many of the closing chrysler dealers to carry their product. I think there is some irony there.

However, i think mahindra is missing out by only offering there product fully loaded (at least at launch). A stripped out truck with a manual might sell better and be more reliable.

I also think the Nano is going to be a surprise hit, if the price stays as low as it is overseas.

I am currently working in India. Nano was officially launched but have not seen single Nano on the road yet. It cost 100 000 rupees ($2000) before tax and other charges.
Mahindra trucks have very good reputation in India. They supposedly take all the abuse with very low maintenance demand. Indian models are underpowered by US standards 60 to 70 HP. On the other hand they make about 30 mpg. They cost about 500 000 rupees ($10000).

[Scooby074]

Originally Posted by Redneck in training

I am currently working in India. Nano was officially launched but have not seen single Nano on the road yet. It cost 100 000 rupees ($2000) before tax and other charges.
Mahindra trucks have very good reputation in India. They supposedly take all the abuse with very low maintenance demand. Indian models are underpowered by US standards 60 to 70 HP. On the other hand they make about 30 mpg. They cost about 500 000 rupees ($10000).

30MPG diesel for 10K. Thats what im talking about. THeres a market for that. Not everybody has the means to plunk down 50K for a big3 diesel.I think it will be a success if theyre tough and people give them a chance.

[MDM]

The article says they will try to sell them in the mid to low $20,000's here with the 25% tariff and all. Maybe it just looks funny because the wheelbase seem short. The rear wheel is clear up under where the bed starts. It might work. I would like to see the smaller diesel in a full size truck. After having a full size, it would be hard to go back to a smaller mid sized pick up.

[jas67]

Having the rear axle that close to the front of the bed seems pretty dumb. Yes, it might make the thing easier to park due to a shorter wheel base, but pretty much any heavy load you put in it is going to take weight off the front axle, making for poor, if not dangerous handling (think sliding off a wet road at a speed that would otherwise be fine with that load in a normal truck, because you have a much lower percentage of your weight over the steering wheels).

Anyone that has ever driven a pickup pulling a trailer with too much tounge-weight will understand what I mean.