Mahindra unveils diesel SUV for U.S. market

[AndyM]

Here's a tractor-related article. I saw this in the newspaper this morning. I figured it would be of broader interest here than posting it just in the Mahindra forum.

Summary is below. Here's the link to the full story--
Indian automaker unveils SUV

Indian tractor maker Mahindra and Mahindra unveiled a line of sport utility vehicles and trucks that it plans to start selling in the United States in 2009, expecting to sell 50,000 at 200 dealers the first year.

All U.S. vehicles will feature common rail diesel engines, six-speed automatic transmissions with two or four wheel drive depending on the model and 4-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties.

 

[sr160009]

A truck that could get 28 to 35 MPG, that would be GREAT!!!!

 

[KentT]

A truck that could get 28 to 35 MPG, that would be GREAT!!!!

I think Jeep is missing the boat by not bringing their mid-size Gladiator concept truck to market -- though I've heard they may reconsider it. 1500lb payload, the same 4-cylinder CRD diesel that they're putting in the Liberty, and about 25-30 mpg.

Jeep Gladiator concept car

If Mahindra does introduce this at a competitive price, I'll have to seriously consider them when it's time to replace my Dakota.

I don't need a full-size (I've owned three), but I do need something more than a Ranger/S-10 (I've owned two of those, also)... A mid-size with enough torque to pull 5,000 lbs yet get good mileage (which the Dakota doesn't) would be just fine with me.

 

[czechsonofagun]

I think Jeep is missing the boat by not bringing their mid-size Gladiator concept truck to market -- though I've heard they may reconsider it. 1500lb payload, the same 4-cylinder CRD diesel that they're putting in the Liberty, and about 25-30 mpg.

Jeep Gladiator concept car

If Mahindra does introduce this at a competitive price, I'll have to seriously consider them when it's time to replace my Dakota.

I think Jeep traditionally does not get it - and dont get me wrong, all we drive are jeeps.

 

[AndyM]

I went searching around and found a small photo of the truck they will be importing...

At last there seems to be a company interested in offering a compact to mid-sized truck with a diesel engine... too bad it's not from one of the Big Three.

A Dodge Dakota with the new 6 cylinder CRD or a Ford F-150 diesel sure would be nice, but it looks like the American manufacturers are going to let someone else come in and fill the demand for them.

 

[KAB]

At last there seems to be a company interested in offering a compact to mid-sized truck with a diesel engine... too bad it's not from one of the Big Three.

A Dodge Dakota with the new 6 cylinder CRD or a Ford F-150 diesel sure would be nice, but it looks like the American manufacturers are going to let someone else come in and fill the demand for them.

Actually, from what I have been reading don't be surprised to start seeing more diesels in the US around that time. There is another round of diesel emission changes due in 2010 (exhaust will be cleaner than the intake air) and most manfufactures are waiting to find what the acceptable means of controlling the emissions will be. (The last I had heard Urea was what was being pushed but the EPA had not approved it yet. Urea will require replacement. Need to develop an acceptable method of not letting the vehicle run without it.)

Kurt

 

[TractorLegend]

I would hesitate not knowing how "new" makers will last...like Daewoo-
They have pretty much come and gone, and that makes parts and service a problem.

 

[mjarrels]

Small diesel pickup, SUV's and automobles have been available in Asia for decades and still are. Probably US emmissions holding them back or waiting for carbin tax? As for Jeep... probably boardroom decissions by members who don't even know what their products are?

mark

 

[RollTideRam]

They quit making the diesel Liberty because of emissions. I think it was just an experiment. They will start selling a Grand Cherokee with a diesel and I read where Cummins is gearing up to make a 4 cylinder for Dodge very soon. JC

 

[hockeypuck]

I would have got a liberty CRD last go round, but I could not fit the kids car seats in the back. I hope jeep puts cummins in their product. A commander with a 6 cylinder cummins, I AM THERE FIRST ONE INLINE! Unfortunately the new diesels are too quite and smoke free. Nothing like pulling up next to some tree huggin moron at a stop light and filling their car will noise and smoke, diesel smoke that is.

Puck