Updated 07-FEB-2011 - Andy from MahindraTruckForum.com has posted an official response from Global Vehicles on the EPA results: "Global Vehicles has seen the EPA results for the Mahindra TR40, 4WD, automatic pickup truck posted on their website, the results are different than expected but our expectations from promises made by Mahindra has always been 29 to 30 miles per gallon for a 2WD truck, and somewhat lower for a 4WD, we have sent a message to Mahindra for further explanation and will forward as soon as we receive the answer."
The EPA has released its Estimated New EPA MPG fuel economy rating for the US model Mahindra TR40 pickup. The EPA rates the 2011 TR40 (4-door) pickup, 4-cylinder diesel, with 4-wheel-drive and automatic transmission at 19 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway.
The EPA has released its Estimated New EPA MPG fuel economy rating for the US model Mahindra TR40 pickup. The EPA rates the 2011 TR40 (4-door) pickup, 4-cylinder diesel, with 4-wheel-drive and automatic transmission at 19 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway.
For comparison, a 2011 Toyota Tacoma, V-6 gasoline, with 4-wheel-drive and automatic transmission is rated at 16 mpg/city and 20 mpg/highway.
The data is of little consequence with the continued absence of the Indian made trucks on US soil. Whether or not this data had an affect on Mahindra’s dismissal of US distributor, Global Vehicles USA remains to be seen. However, it is possible that competitive analysis of fuel economy figures for other US market pickups was also a consideration. At this time, the Mahindra North America website maintained by Global Vehicles still claims a highway rating of 30 mpg.
Thanks to ArmyStrong on MahindraTruckForum.com for the tip!
Source: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/
8 comments:
I think that the city number is pretty solid, but I agree with your overall assessment: this is a disappointment. Perhaps in Mahindra's defense they don't know how to "tweak" the truck to get the best EPA fuel economy numbers. From what I understand, the EPA testing procedure is a bit archane. Perhaps if Mahindra knew how to work the system, they could have scored a little higher.
I guess what I'm saying is that this might be a situation where a truck would get better numbers in the real world than what you see on the sticker...especially with a load.
My 1983 Dodge Ram 50 (Mitsubishi Mighty Max) diesel consistently got 26mpg city driving. It was already 20 years old when I bought it and it still had awesome fuel economy. Of course, that truck has a manual transmission. But still, I'm a little disappointed in the reported numbers for a vehicle made in this century.
The best thing Mahindra had going for it was the concept of great fuel mileage with the torque/towing power of a diesel. With the new lower MPG estimates, it would be hands down more cost effective both from a purchase and opperating standpoint to go with a V8 gasser.
I have always wondered how they came up with the 30mpg figure. It is unrealistic. The figures available online for Indian versions of these (manual transmission SUV variants) were below 30 mpg (more like mid 20's) highway (and no air).
It simply didn't make sense that an automatic transmission version, tuned for US driving would get anywhere near 30.
But of course, I was considered bigoted and misguided for suggesting this on Mahindra Planet earlier. I have been vindicated. I have been saying this for a long, long time.
It's probably more like a misprint, and I'm sure it wasn't tested. With the city and highway so close 19/21, I really doubt the accuracy of the numbers. It could very well be 19/31 with a typo. That would be more realistic. You hardly ever see city/hwy ratios so close within 2mpg. I'll bet the highway mileage is significantly inaccurate. I don't see how a 2.2 diesel of any sort would only get 21 mpg unless it's geared like a tractor.
Global Vehicles is claiming that they were misled by Mahindra. They have consistently touted 30mpg on their website for the last 2 years. Have they been repeatedly duped by M&M?
I agree with Jason that the EPA numbers are probably not realistic. I can look at EPA data for vehicles I own and wonder what they are smoking. But those numbers are not only 2/3 of what I actually get.
Private owners of South African Scorpio 4x4 SUVs with the same 2.2L 4-cyl. diesel and 6-speed automatic are averaging near 24mpg. The Indian and Aussie 2.5L Getaway/PikUp is about the same with a manual trans. You have to wonder if the 30mpg number was just wishful thinking.
Mahindra needs to do something to improve their image in America, and do it soon.
Good for a combined 20 mpg, the four-door TR40 is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is part of the package and the automaker claims the truck has a 5000-pound towing capacity and 2765-pound payload capacity.
The EPA is just another bureaucratic good old boys club. Don't get confused by their name, they're political just like every other D.C. entity. Didn't we bail out some fairly large auto manufacturers... seems to me we wouldn't want the value of those investments to be in danger from a foreign invader. The U.S. regulatory system will suppress these things as hard as they can with every sneaky underhanded weapon they have. EPA figures are complete B.S.
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