Indian pickup coming next year

Sept. 1, 2009
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will begin selling two small pickups in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2010, according to WardsAuto.com

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will begin selling two small pickups in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2010, according to WardsAuto.com. Similar to a new model launched in Australia in July as the Pik Up, the Indian-built trucks have not yet received American names, but the company has lined up over 300 U.S. dealers and told them to expect delivery in February.

Despite the small-pickup classification, the new truck has a substantial 2,633-lb. payload rating. It will be offered in 2- and 4-door versions, both powered by a 140-hp., 2.2L 4-cyl. diesel mated to a 6-spd. automatic transmission. Wards reports a projected combined city-highway fuel economy of 30 mpg, and says the truck will be offered in 2- and 4-wheel drive. U.S. prices have not yet been announced.

Tentative plans to build the trucks in Ohio have been shelved, according to Wards. Instead, they will be manufactured at Mahindra's Nasik, India, plant.

Mahindra is India's largest truck manufacturer. A joint venture with Navistar currently builds light commercial vehicles for the domestic Indian market, while a second Navistar/Mahindra joint venture is slated to open a plant building medium- and heavy-duty diesel engines for that market.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Downtime is expensive. This guide shows you how to keep your eet running, reduce repair surprises, and protect your margins—because when your trucks aren’t moving, you’re not...
Learn how fast oil changes can optimize vehicle downtime for fleet owners. Improve revenue and employee productivity while ensuring customer satisfaction with efficient maintenance...
Unlock proven strategies to streamline operations, lead your team, and keep your eet moving forward – all in one guide.
Commercial fleets bear a heavy burden from economic uncertainty, operational costs, and litigation risks. In-cabin video technology offers opportunities to reduce fleet expenses...