Mahindra Pickup Update

[Renze]

Messmaker, field trials in Holland showed that farmers who applicate their main tractor for multiple duties, save money when buying an 80hp powershift tractor (average tech, just what you need) over a 120hp synchro (economy version, stripped bare to the bone): The occasions that 80hp comes short, downshifting is easy with the powershift, which takes a few seconds more to pull through a tough spot or get the manure spreader to transport speed. In all other duties, like haymaking or feeding, the smaller tractor saves a lot of fuel, and in some occasions even time due to its better manueverability.
Horsepower doesnt say all that much about productivity, or effectiveness for the job.

For the Mahindra probably the same: the Diesel will have beter resale value than the V6 gasser of any competing brand because of the durability and long term service cost savings of the Diesel. Off course the Mahindra yet has to prove what its worth, but thats the average here in Europe. Also the much better torque band makes the Mahindra perform equal to a much bigger gasser.

Lets wait and see how they do in 2 or 3 years... i'm curious

 

[newbury]

For the Mahindra probably the same: the Diesel will have beter resale value than the V6 gasser of any competing brand because of the durability and long term service cost savings of the Diesel. Off course the Mahindra yet has to prove what its worth, but thats the average here in Europe. Also the much better torque band makes the Mahindra perform equal to a much bigger gasser.

Lets wait and see how they do in 2 or 3 years... i'm curious

In your region of the world diesel is recognized for what it's worth.
Unfortunately in the US it's only been about the last decade that pumps have become common at other than "truck stops".
To the relatively uneducated american consumer durability of diesel CARS is laughable - Give them to a good old US auto maker, slap them in a car (I think they just tried to pour diesel in first) and you've failures that go down in history.

These Diesel engines were designed to fit into the engine bays of gasoline powered automobiles, but despite popular belief, they were not "converted" gasoline engines. Oldsmobile's diesel engines, the 5.7 L LF9 and 4.3 L LF7 V8s and 4.3 L LT6/LT7/LS2 V6, were notoriously unreliable

List of GM engines - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In '79 I had a diesel VW Rabbit which routinely got 50mpg around town, and up to 65 mpg on long light trips. A few years later my BIL had an Olds diesel that was an utter failure.
Thus in the US diesel does not yet connote reliability or durability in cars. And I think that transferred to small trucks (VW Bus, Isuzu)

My present 2009 VW Jetta TDI station wagon only gets about 40mpg.

 

[mojoinco]

It will be interesting to see how the Mahindra holds up. A significant portion of the first years sales will be curiosity and 'I'm different' sales. And maybe a few fleet type purchases (not too many unless diesel is a plus fleet wise). Fleets will buy much cheaper gas trucks.

Individuals will buy them in quantity if they looked good, and had some unique other features (comfort value packages). Our tax system doesn't encourage the diesel mindset (mileage, longevity, displacement taxes) for the non-business user. Folks don't keep there vehicles particularly long, nor do people pull loads with smaller trucks as a rule.

In the heavy duty pick up centric portions of the country diesel is fairly well distributed, though not at every fueling station.

I figure the business plan is a lot like 60's era Japanese brands (Nissan even had a new brand name that they created to use as a throwaway name: Datsun). That is to learn the market, develop the dealer system and distribution channels. Then build to the point of profit. Not unlike Honda did (motorcycle dealers were expected to try and sell cars; remember the AN600?). The best ended up being car dealers.

Still see one (off) white around the area (haven't seen it sitting yet to give it the once over).

 

[Scooby074]

A little update.

Looks like Mahindra is planning on partnering with Navistar to build vehicles in North America.

Report: Mahindra Could Partner with Navistar To Assemble Pickups - PickupTrucks.com News

 

[newbury]

A little update.

Looks like Mahindra is planning on partnering with Navistar to build vehicles in North America.

Report: Mahindra Could Partner with Navistar To Assemble Pickups - PickupTrucks.com News

Well if they were planning on selling it for around $22,000, was that with the "chicken tax" that adds a 25 percent tariff to pickup trucks?
If so do you think we might see an initial offering with prices in the $17K range?

NOW that would be a BARGAIN!

 

[wincher]

My old half ton dodge is holding in their at 218500 miles but I am starting to wonder if this truck will ever get here or if it will be worth it when it does.

 

[Scooby074]

Well if they were planning on selling it for around $22,000, was that with the "chicken tax" that adds a 25 percent tariff to pickup trucks?
If so do you think we might see an initial offering with prices in the $17K range?

NOW that would be a BARGAIN!

I wonder? Hard to say where the price will come in at. 17k for a diesel 4 door compact would be awesome and certainally help mahindra gain market share by undercutting the majors.

I just wish they'd import the Indian manufactured models up here so we can get them first no chicken tax here

Looks like theyre delayed yet again :
é„*s of today, we are projecting that the vehicles will be on sale in the middle of spring, [2010], Perez said in a webcast video to Mahindraç—´ U.S. dealer network.
Mahindra's U.S. Distributor Says First Trucks On Sale By Spring - PickupTrucks.com News

I wonder what the hold up is? They did have a major management change recently.

 

[dgl24087]

And.............another delay Mahindra Hasn't Applied for EPA Certification Yet - PickupTrucks.com News

 

[MDM]

Pricing starting at $22,000? Doesn't sound like a very good deal to me. Wonder what a 4x4 decked out crew cab will run?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Pricing starting at $22,000? Doesn't sound like a very good deal to me. Wonder what a 4x4 decked out crew cab will run?

I agree. My local Ford Dealer just got 25 4.6L V8 2010 long bed regular cab trucks in stock last week. $16,400 no haggle price. They have auto, air, bed liner. They are nothing fancy but are a lot of truck for the money with great heritage.

Chris