Report: Mahindra Still Working Toward Future Sales Date

John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles USA, says that Indian automaker Mahindra has finally completed all of the testing required to ensure its long-awaited compact diesel pickups meet U.S. federal emissions standards, but it's unclear when the trucks will go on sale, according to a report in Automotive News.

GV USA is Mahindra's exclusive distributor in the U.S. Over the past three years, the company has signed up more than 330 dealers to sell Mahindra's Scorpio platform pickups and, eventually, SUVs. During that time, several announced launch dates have been announced and postponed.

Mahindra's trucks require certification from the Environmental Protection Agency that they comply with U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5 regulations for diesel vehicles — the strictest diesel emissions standards in the world. Once the certification paperwork has been submitted, approval is expected to take about 30 days. The first trucks could be exported from India and arrive in the U.S. about 30 to 60 days later.

Perez also expressed his frustration with the information flow from Mahindra to GV USA.

"It's a battle with Mahindra to get information from them," Perez said. "It's not because they don't have the information. It's the culture. They don't like to make announcements."

With the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota poised to exit the small-truck segment next year and the fate of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon uncertain, we're rooting for Mahindra to gain some sales traction with truck buyers who don't need a full-size pickup.

But Mahindra's missed dates and lack of communications are troubling and could encourage potential buyers to wait on the sidelines to see what happens after the trucks arrive at dealers.

Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups will be offered in two cab configurations: a two-door regular cab and a four-door crew cab. Both will use a slightly modified version of Mahindra's mHawk 2.2-liter inline-four-cylinder diesel engine. It's expected to have fuel economy ratings as high as 30 mpg and 1.3-ton hauling capability. Pricing is expected to start around $22,000.

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2010/04/report-mahindra-still-marching-towards-unknown-sales-date.html

ya know i was expectin some micro truck bs. but that doesnt look too bad. got the old skool rolled bed rail n everythin. i need to see someone next to it.