Revealed: The New Mahindra TR

Recent headlines have not given US Mahindra fans much encouragement lately: Mahindra’s Dismal EPA Fuel Economy, Global Vehicles Drops Lawsuit Against Mahindra, etc. Good ol’ MP is here to tell you it’s not all doom and gloom. Well, we don’t think so anyway…

We’ve alluded to this before on MahindraTruckForum.com, but MP believes that the much rumored the next generation Scorpio/Getaway/TR20/TR40 is very close to launch. The key to this? The Mahindra Genio:

"We are very keen on exporting this.. when we conceptualized this product, we were also looking at in exporting also...we are confident that it will drive the growth in the pickup segment...," - Senior Vice-President Sales and Customer Care, Mahindra & Mahindra, Arun Malhotra (at the Genio launch on 28-Jan-2011)

Why do we believe that the Genio is the basis for an all new TR? The numbers don’t lie:

                         Mahindra Genio Single 4x2   Mahindra TR20 4x2
GVWR              6,460 lb                                   6,945 lb
Curb Weight     3,704 lb                                    4,180 lb
Payload             2,756 lb/1.38 ton                     2,785 lb/1.39 ton
Width                72.4 in                                      69.7 in
Length              207.6 in                                     206.0 in
Height               73.6 in                                       71.8 in

“From this year to the end of March 2012, there will be a slew of products launched across passenger and commercial vehicles segments. There will be about 8-10 substantial new products, including variants and refreshes, launched during the period.” – President Automotive and Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, Pawan Goenka

The Genio (internally called U202) is built on the Mahindra Ingenio chassis launched in 2009 for the domestic market Xylo multi-purpose vehicle (basically what we would call a 7-passenger van, think Ford E-Series). The Ingenio chassis was designed to replace the current Scorpio chassis which sits underneath most of Mahindra’s light trucks built since 2002 (Scorpio, Bolero, and Thar). The obvious intent was to create a modern chassis with greater configuration flexibility which could carry a variety of powertrain options, wheelbases, and overall lengths.

A Genio-based next generation TR means that the US would get Mahindra’s latest and greatest chassis design. A chassis that was designed to carry diesel or diesel-hybrid powertrains (maybe even all-electric via Reva) and it was designed for 4WD or AWD drivetrains.

Replace the Genio’s utility bed with an integrated conventional pickup truck box and you have a new pickup with a distinctly more modern feel than the current TR (goodbye drip rails and 90’s Toyota rip-off styling). Is it pretty? Meh. Is it better styled than the TR? Maybe. But then the TR styling has grown on us over the last 3 years. It certainly is more modern and appears to be much higher quality inside and out.

Going back to our comparison of Genio versus TR20 specifications, the Genio weighs nearly 500 pounds less than the TR20 but still hauls a 1.3 ton payload. Combine that 500 pound diet with a more aerodynamic cab and suddenly 30 mpg becomes a more attainable reality once again. Could this be what John Perez is talking about?

Of course this is all Mahindra Planet’s famous speculation. But when things begin to add up, shards of reality begin to emerge. It could also just be wishful thinking…

Source: Economic Times, IndianAutosBlog.com, as hyperlinked

Mahindra to Launch All-New Pickup in 2011

“We are working on a lot of models. There will be a pick up on a completely new platform,” said Arun Malhotra, senior vice-president (sales and customer care, Mahindra & Mahindra). “We plan to bring it in the second of 2011. It will be positioned near the top-end of our commercial vehicle pickup range, with a payload capability of above 1 tonne.”

Livemint.com confirms that Mahindra plans to launch an new 1.2 ton capacity pickup truck in the second quarter of 2011 for the Indian domestic market.  The description of the new pickup leads Mahindra Planet to believe that this is the pickup version of the much rumored second generation Scorpio SUV.

The latest information confirms that this is indeed a separate model and launch from the anticipated W201 'World SUV'.  The load capacity of the new truck is nearly identical to that of the current generation Scorpio-based Getaway/TR20/TR40 pickups whose launch has been delayed in the United States several times over the last 2 years.

While it is still unclear how or when Mahindra will resolve it's ongoing dispute with it's US import and distribution partner, Global Vehicles USA, it is clear that they have an all new pickup nearly ready for production.  One can assume that Mahindra's global sales aspirations have led them to develop the new pickup for multiple markets including the US.

As details of the new pickup emerge, Mahindra Planet will get it posted up as we get it.

Source: Livemint.com

Second Generation Scorpio to Launch in March 2011

The Indian auto press and Mahindra Planet have been predicting a 2011 launch for a new Mahindra Scorpio SUV since early this year. A well written article by MoneyControl.com seems to confirm that “an all-new Scorpio (is) set for a March 2011 release”.


Rumors have consistently predicted that the second generation Scorpio will retain a rugged body-on-frame construction like that of the current (first generation) Scorpio. Although it is unclear how Mahindra defines “all-new”, one can assume that at least the quality and safety of the SUV will be improved upon while retaining the current generation of efficient 4-cylinder diesel engines.

While sightings of camouflaged Mahindra W201 “world SUV” test mules have been quite common in recent months, it has been rare to hear of first hand encounters with disguised Scorpio test rigs roaming Indian roads. Back in August, Team-BHP forum member ‘Princey’ did happen upon what was possibly a new Scorpio in testing. Unfortunately no photos have been taken of suspected Scorpio test vehicles.

The current Scorpio shares it’s chassis with the perpetually delayed, US-bound Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups. With many US Mahindra followers well aware of a new Scorpio in the works, some have speculated (MP included) that Mahindra was possibly using the current Scorpio-based pickups as test platforms to obtain the required EPA approvals to homologate their mHawk 2.2L diesel engine.

If an all-new platform is just around the corner, it may be possible that Mahindra will not bring the design we currently know as the TR into the United States. Instead, they may feel that their best move is to start fresh with a more evolved pickup built around a proven powertrain.

Disclaimer: Although the MoneyControl.com article refers to the all-new vehicle as a Scorpio, there is no mention of the W201 crossover which is set to launch in 2011 as well. Mahindra is notoriously tightlipped about mentioning details of any future models. There is the possibility that the vehicle mentioned is actually the W201, but Mahindra Planet suspects that is not the case. Time will tell.

Source: MoneyControl.com, IndianAutosBlog.com, Team-BHP.com, and as hyperlinked

Mahindra SUV and Pickup Sales Increase 14%

Mumbai, India based, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, has released its August sales report indicating that full range domestic auto sales have increased 29% and sales of it’s SUVs and pickups have increased 14% over August 2009 figures.

The Indian utility vehicle maker, who is expected to sell low-priced, 30 mpg, diesel compact pickup trucks in the United States beginning in December of 2010, has been experiencing significant growth in 2010 despite parts shortages which have hampered full growth potential.

The anticipated US market Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickup trucks are set to launch this December, and an SUV variant (Mahindra Scorpio) is rumored to launch sometime in 2011. US emissions certifications for the pickups were obtained in August and the Scorpio SUV has recently been seen testing in the southern United States. However, Mahindra is currently battling a lawsuit brought on by their US import partner, Global Vehicles USA, and Mahindra has not publicly indicated whether or not Indian production of the US bound vehicles has even begun.

Source: Mahindra

Loose Grasp Of Reality?: Mahindra Marketing VP Says Trucks in US By End of Year

The Hindu Business Line published an (undated) interview with Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President of Marketing (Automotive) Mahindra & Mahindra, this morning.

When questioned on what products will be sold in the US and what the strategy was, Nayer comes off as having lots of confidence, but with little clue about the US market and Mahindra’s launch here.

“The US launch will be by the end of the year. Initially, it will be the Scorpio pick-up which is called the Mahindra pick-up there. Later, the SUV (sports utility vehicle). Compared to the fuel guzzlers available there, ours is not one. Besides, ours is a medium SUV compared with their big SUVs. Secondly, we have the advantage of a diesel product. Diesel is catching on because diesel technology has progressed a lot. The torque is better in a diesel vehicle. So, depending on the application, we are pretty sure that we will create our own niche out there.” – Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President of Marketing (Automotive) Mahindra & Mahindra

Curiously, Nayer tells the interviewer that the pickup will be called Mahindra Pick-Up in the US, not TR20 and TR40 as many Americans have become familiar with. This also corresponds with Mahindra’s failure to formally register the trademark names Mahindra TR20 and Mahindra TR40 with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Apparently Nayer is also unaware that several other well-established manufacturers do compete in the mid-size pickup and SUV categories in the United States. He seems to believe that the only vehicles in the market are fuel guzzling, big SUVs. Mahindra’s VP of Marketing may be in for a wake up call when the vehicles eventually launch here.

Note again that this is an undated interview from this Indian source. For the entire interview, click here: We are sure we will create our own niche in the US: Mahindra

Mahindra Launch: Getting It Right

“It’s more important to get the launch right the first time rather than get hung up on a date. The launch in the U.S.A is a very significant step. It will give us only one chance.” – Pawan Goenka, President Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra


Nick Kurczewski interviewed Goenka last week for The New York Times. Although Goenka is still very non committal in his statements, he is “fairly confident” that the December launch date will happen. However, he does stress that the approach to the US market is far more important than the actual timing.

Kurczewski did confirm once again with Mahindra and US importer, Global Vehicles, that all EPA and crash tests are complete. All government approvals should be in place by the end of June, and production of the US-bound TR20 and TR40 pickups should begin in September of this year. This is a lot of “should”.

According to Goenka, Mahindra expects that the US market to grow again in 2011. This positive outlook is paired with Mahindra’s expectations of gaining 5-7% of the US market share with their compact diesel pickups. Mahindra still plans to introduce the Scorpio SUV (which shares it’s chassis with the TR20 and TR40) later in the year, and will eventually launch an all-new global luxury SUV currently code named W201 in the US.

Pricing for the TR20 and TR40 has still not been set. Goenka tells Kurczewski that a final retail price will not be established until the day before the trucks are launched. Curiously, this sounds as though dealers may not even know how much the trucks are going to sell for until after they actually have them on their lots.

Although this information does little to placate torch-carrying US Mahindra fans, an additional positive piece of news from the article is that Mahindra is actively working to establish a US assembly facility. Goenka indicates that Mahindra hopes to begin assembling vehicles in the United States six to eight months after sales begin.

The entire NYT article is HERE

Source: The New York Times

Mahindra: Exporting Pickups to US by Mid-2010

Update: I have been made aware that the Wheels Unplugged article referenced in this post may contain altered quotes on US arrival times from PN Shah. I have removed this quote. The rest of the article recycles previous quotes and information.  Nothing new here.  I apologize to my readers.

Wheels Unplugged reports this morning:

“We are fully ready with the product (customized for the US market) and even the US manufacturing facility (in India). We are waiting for some regulatory approvals to launch the Scorpio in the US in this quarter” – Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra

Iowa-based dealer, D&D Mahindra, confirmed Tuesday on Mahindra Truck Forum that they were told that Mahindra’s US test fleet (25 pickups) have not completed enough test miles to meet the EPA data requirements. The vehicles currently in testing have on average, 70,000 miles, and require 100,000 miles on the clocks before final data may be submitted and approval given.

Wheels Unplugged also reaffirms this morning that Mahindra has no immediate plans to assemble TR20 and TR40 pickups in the United States. Previous reports have also been clear that Mahindra will test the US-market waters before committing to US assembly, but they have been looking for suitable facilities.

US Mahindra Test Drive Interview, Part II: Power, Style, and a Great Offer

This is Part II of our interview with Jay Keffer of Motorcars Mahindra. Click here to read: Part I

Power
MP: Explain the power characteristics of the trucks you drove.

JK: “The 1st truck I drove was a very foreign market TR40. I was not impressed with the power of this truck but none the less I was cordial as I was a guest. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was being set up by GV. The next truck I drove was the TR20. Before I got out of the parking lot I was smiling ear to ear. I looked over at Fernando and said WOW. He too was smiling ear to ear. At this time he told me that this was a step closer to the US truck but that our truck was even better. This truck felt like a scaled version of an F-250. Powerful with a firm suspension but didn’t ride rough at all. The brakes are touchy firm and will put you through the glass until you get used to them. This version could have been released last year with much success. To be told that the American spec truck that we receive will be an improved version of the “enhanced” TR20 I drove is very, very exciting.”

MP: How would you say the power compares to other similar sized pickups you have driven?

JK: “That’s a great question and a difficult one to answer. I really didn’t find myself comparing it to anything while driving. If I had to compare it to something I guess it would be a Kubota truck. That’s if Kubota made them.”

Styling
MP: Styling is a polarizing element of the Mahindra TR20 and TR40 (not that it’s necessarily a bad thing). I will admit, some vehicles I have seen first in photos or video have not looked right to me, but after seeing them in person, I liked them (the BMW Z4 was one for me). What were your impressions when you saw the trucks in person for the first time?

JK: “These are great questions. Before seeing them in person, people asked me “What is a Mahindra?” I told them that it was like a Dakota sized truck with a diesel. I guess that was O.K. but I haven’t told anyone that since I saw and drove them for myself. They are taller than any midsize truck I have seen. The bed was deep with smaller than normal wheel wells (in the bed). Something reminds me of the Toyota T-100 but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe it’s the leveled out hood in combination with the grille and stout front end (not as wide as the T-100 though). So maybe a cross of a T-100 with some Land Rover characteristics (tall with big glass) with a little Kubota mixed in (work horse diesel).”

Motorcars Mahindra
MP: I understand that you are considering creating a special reservation list and making a special offer to Mahindra Truck Forum members on the delivery of the first Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups that your dealership receives. Would you care to reveal this offer or make a statement at this time?

JK: “Absolutely but first I have to explain something. I was destined for a career in automobiles. I’ve had this car crazed passion since as long as I can remember. I drive a different car from our used car inventory everyday and not just the flashy fast ones (although those are the most fun). I drove straight thru from Cleveland Ohio to Alpharetta Georgia with very little notice after working all day at the dealership and spent about 4 hours meeting, seeing & driving Mahindras. On my drive home that night I couldn’t wait to get back to the store to put my name on a Fiery Black TR40 4x4 with Leather/Alloy & Tow package. The next day I read all the posts on MTF from people who are just as excited to own one of these trucks as I am. The members on the forum were all very thankful for whatever info I could pass on and they all thanked me for driving down and getting a look for myself. There a lot of “Good People” on the Forum all of which I feel a little closer to since my involvement. One guy even picked up the phone and called me just to talk – that’s cool! (Here’s to you topgut). So, here is a “Thank You” to all the good guys and girls on the Forum. I have ordered 40 trucks which is the most any dealer was able to order (and not all did). The order platform for all dealers was 20% TR20’s and 80% TR40’s. Out of the 40 I have coming 38 are available. I will post my entire incoming inventory on the Forum tomorrow for all to see. Any Mahindra Truck Forum “Member” can quote back the truck they want and I will put their Member Name on that truck until it shows. I don’t want any deposits and will not ask for anything from any member until the trucks arrive. Let’s call it “Reserved Upon Arrival”. Once that truck hits my lot I will contact the member that reserved it. If that member purchases the truck they reserved I will ship it to their front door at my expense (US only please). I hope anyone who takes advantage of this will get as much enjoyment on seeing their name on one as I do.”

MP: Thank you again, Jay. I appreciate your time and wish you luck with Motorcars Mahindra.

JK: “Thanks for the opportunity it was great to hear from you.”

Mahindra Planet hopes to be able to give a more detailed test drive report once the US-spec TR20 and TR40 pickups hit US soil. So stay tuned.

US Mahindra Test Drive Interview, Part I: First Impressions

A few weeks ago, Mahindra Planet was offered the opportunity to travel to Global Vehicles (the US importer of Mahindra vehicles) headquarters in Alpharetta, Georgia. Although Mahindra Planet decided to wait until US-spec vehicles were available to test drive, Jay Keffer of Cleveland, Ohio-based Mahindra dealership, Motorcars Mahindra, did take GV up on their offer and traveled to Georgia for a test drive.

Mahindra Planet interviewed Keffer and got some of his first hand impressions of the Mahindra TR20, TR40, and Scorpio SUV:

Global VehiclesMP: Jay, thanks, so much for taking the time to answer a few questions about your trip to Global Vehicles headquarters and your test drive in the Mahindra pickups they had on hand. First off, what was your first impression of Global Vehicles and the people you met with in Alpharetta?

JK: “The people at GV were great. Being a first time visitor I was really geared up to see the trucks when I arrived. The first thing we did after the introductions was visit the conference room. Across the front of the room they had the Mahindra Heritage wall. This is the wall that all of us dealers have on order that will be placed in the showroom of all the Mahindra stores. Next we watched a video. The video started by showing non-Mahindra trucks jumping through burning buildings, loud music and guys parachuting, much like most of the truck commercials we see today as consumers. Then the music changed and it was a much softer message about a very usable truck that’s very green too. GV was as excited to show me the truck as I was to see it but didn’t lose focus of the company message in all the excitement. They were genuinely kind and interested in what I thought of the vehicles I looked at and drove. Simply put they are, ‘good people’!”

MP: You’ve stated on Mahindra Truck Forum that the GV people have a confident attitude about the Mahindra product. So much so, that they aren’t concerned about the naysayers predicting epic failure for the company. Global Vehicles feel that the product will speak for itself. After your first impressions of the vehicle, do you agree with this?

JK: “Yes, more so than ever. Its one thing to be told the product will speak for itself but once you get to see it for yourself it’s much easier to believe. I really felt that GV is in the same boat most of us are. In other words I got the impression that Mahindra (India) is calling the shots as far as when the trucks will hit and what they will be when they do.”

Driving the trucks
MP: Clearly these weren’t test mules, but they were foreign market trucks that have been in the US for a while. Could you give us an idea of how much mileage was on the trucks you drove, and your general feeling based on the condition of the trucks?

JK: “You’re absolutely right. These were foreign market trucks. The TR20, TR40 & Scorpio I drove had between 8k & 10k miles on them. They weren’t beat up nor did they show signs of excessive wear. In other words they didn’t have wires hanging from the dash or loose garnishes (fit and finish) that gave me the impression these trucks were thrown together to see if they could pull off selling them in America.”

TransmissionMP: It sounds like the drivetrain in the Scorpio you drove was pretty close in spec to the US pickups. What was your impression of the way the paddle-shift transmission operated and felt?

JK: “Both the pickups were of course manual but the Scorpio was in fact automatic. This transmission I was told will be enhanced for the American vehicles. They did not elaborate on this, however, the transmission shifted smooth and solid. This was the only vehicle I was permitted to take on the highway. By the time I got on the highway I was so impressed with the power that I quit paying attention to shift points. As I mentioned on MTF I was going 85 MPH down the highway and knew I had room to accelerate but had to hit our exit. If there was less traffic I would have pushed more. I did manage to get a call off to my wife just to rub it in (she has her heart set on one).”

NVHMP: How was the noise, vibration, and harshness aspect of the trucks you drove? Was there a noticeable difference between the pickups and the SUV (i.e. diesel clatter, road/wind noise, ride quality, etc.)?

JK: “Not driving the pickups on the highway I can’t really speak about wind noise there but the Scorpio was very quiet and I would venture to say the trucks are just as quiet. The diesel clatter is almost non-existent (compared to what we as Americans relate to when we think of our diesels). In fact with the windows up you’re not going to hear much of the engine. Personally, I like the diesel clatter of the big trucks but this is no way comparable to that. I actually rolled the window down in the parking lot while driving the TR20 just to hear what people outside were experiencing as I drove by. When my 7.3 F-350 is cold I can’t hear the person next to me, big difference.”

The rest of the interview including Keffer’s impressions of the Mahindra trucks power and styling, as well as an interesting offer from Motorcars Mahindra continues in: US Mahindra Test Drive Interview, Part II: Power, Style, and a Great Offer

Mahindra 2011: All-New World SUV, 2nd Gen Scorpio Retains Body on Frame, Xylo Gets 4WD

India’s Business Standard Motoring reports this morning on some future Mahindra products. It’s difficult to understand exactly what they are getting across about some models. To hopefully provide some better understanding, we will quote from the article, and comment below it.

All-New World SUV
BSM: “The world SUV that is to emerge from Mahindra's Chakan facility in 2011 is the third SUV in the lineup and will be priced in the range of Rs 16-18 lakh. A more powerful diesel engine and an automatic gearbox apart, the world SUV will also have automatic climate control, cruise control and ESP. Aimed at the likes of the Chevrolet Captiva and the Toyota Fortuner, this SUV would be primarily for export markets, apart from the local market with the aim of expanding the company's presence in the more developed markets such as the United States where the company is planning to begin the sale of its pickup trucks later this year.”
MP Interpretation: As we’ve reported before, an all-new Mahindra SUV with unitized construction is being (or has been) designed for release late this year or early 2011. As the article states, the intention of this SUV is to be a world market truck. We assume that this SUV is being designed with the US and European markets in mind first and foremost. The amenities are a given, but it is interesting that they mention a “more powerful diesel engine” for the new SUV.

Second Generation ScorpioBSM: “Sources suggest that apart from a new generation Scorpio, two more SUVs are in the pipeline.” “The new Scorpio could retain its body-on-ladder format and a new petrol engine is also being developed to be fit under the bonnet of the Scorpio and the world SUV.”

MP Interpretation: The confusing thing about these statements is that the Indian press often lumps together the Scorpio SUV and the Scorpio Getaway pickup (our TR20 and TR40) together. Either way, this statement continues to affirm previous rumors of a second generation SUV/pickup being developed. This also puts into question why Mahindra is bringing the first generation TR pickups to the US when the next generation is just on the horizon.

Xylo 4WDBSM: “According to sources, the Xylo has been designed to be a part time 4wd system using an advanced version of the Borg & Warner system. Reports seem to suggest that it could be a real-time all-wheel drive system like the Honda CR-V, where the focus is on road grip and tackling bad roads and not specifically as a pure off-roader. However, there is no confirmation yet whether Mahindra will adopt such a system. The Xylo 4x4 would end up becoming the first MPV in the country with a 4-wheel drive system, but it remains to be seen how big a market is there for such a concept. Mahindra could also be seriously looking at the export markets such as South Africa for such a vehicle."

MP Interpretation: This article has a narrow focus on the Indian market. We believe the true intention of the Xylo 4WD system is for implementation in the Mahindra MUC which could be introduced in the US by 2012. MP has previously surmised that the MUC will be a pickup version of the Xylo. The addition of a 4WD or AWD system certainly emphasizes this theory.

The article also fuels the US launch delay fire with the statement: “…such as the United States where the company is planning to begin the sale of its pickup trucks later this year.” The statement is not well defined, but does not seem to suggest an immediate launch of US spec Mahindra vehicles.

Source: Business Standard, Motoring

PickupTrucks.com Report: Small Pickup Trucks Suck in Crash Tests

PickupTrucks.com posted a report by Larry Edsall late yesterday regarding IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash ratings for US-market, compact to mid-size pickups. The IIHS conclusions are… painful.

Only the Nissan Frontier (Suzuki Equator) received a ‘Good’ rating for rollover crash, roof crush safety and performed better overall than all of the trucks tested. Yet it was still not a top pick. The virtually antique Ford Ranger was second best of the bunch and the Dodge Dakota’s side-curtain air bags failed to deploy in the side impact test. The Toyota Tacoma barely bettered the bottom finishing GM Colorado/Canyon twins. In general they all sucked.

We are expecting that Mahindra has done their homework on crash safety and will ensure that the TR20/TR40 pickups arriving in April will at least outperform the worst of this bunch. Australian crash tests from several years ago weren’t so positive, but the trucks have been updated for the US market and (we assume) have received NHTSA approval since then.

The full PickupTrucks.com article with details on each truck can be found here: Small Pickup Trucks Lag in IIHS Crash and Roof Crush Tests
A link to the ANCAP crash safety assessment of the TR40 can be found here: Mahindra TR40 Crash Test Video

Mahindra to Launch Seven Vehicle Variations in 2010

Mahindra & Mahindra President, Automotive Sector, Pawan Goenka was quoted in today’s WheelsUnplugged on what’s in store for 2010-11:

“Next fiscal we will be launching 6-7 new variants of our existing models. The
new variants will cover all segments including utility vehicles, commercial
vehicles, and three wheelers.” – Pawan Goenka

The variants mentioned are likely a mix of domestic and export models. However, it is certain that two of the models will be the highly anticipated Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups bound for the US market by April, 2010. A third model will be a heavily re-engineered version of the Mahindra Scorpio SUV for the US market, launching in late 2010 and followed by an all-new SUV in 2011.

Source: WheelsUnplugged.com

Don’t panic! Indian Domestic Car Prices Rising… USD $430.00

Reported in The Economic Times, Indian car and truck prices will increase by RS 20,000 (~USD $430 today) in the new year due to escalating raw material costs.

As reported on MP last week, it is unclear if the increases in raw material costs will be reflected in the suggested retail prices of US-bound Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickup trucks. The stagnant Mahindra North America (MahindraNA.com) website has not officially listed retail pricing structure for the US product range. Pricing is pure speculation at this stage.

It is expected that Mahindra will launch the TR20 and TR40 diesel pickups in February of 2010.

The article with quotes from Pawan Goenka can be found: Here (pop-up warning!)

Mahindra “Feeling the Pressure” to Increase Vehicle Prices

Pawan Geonka, President of Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, has inferred that increases in the cost of raw materials may force an increase in vehicle retail prices in the near future.

An article posted this morning by Moneycontrol.com quotes Goenka:

“We will try and not increase prices in the third quarter, while absorbing increases in the input costs. But if they go up as much as last year, we will have to pass it on to the consumers,”

This news could be yet another hurdle to clear for the US market TR20 and TR40 pickups expected to launch in February of 2010. Since no pricing has officially been set by Mahindra or the US importer, Global Vehicles, it’s not clear how the increase in input costs will trickle down to the Indian-built, US marketed pickup trucks.

Last week, Mahindra Planet posted a chart with completely speculative pricing hierarchy. We took the current Australian market prices, converted them to USD, and then added 25% in order to come up with a completely unscientific estimate of what American buyers might expect to pay for versions of the TR20 and TR40.

The complete Moneycontrol.com article can be found: Here

Officially Official: Mahindra Begins Using TR20 and TR40 Naming Convention!

Checking out the Mahindra NA/Global Vehicles website this afternoon reveals a nice specification sheet including a nice Features list and the latest Specifications.

Here is the link: Mahindra TR20/TR40 Sales Brochure

What may be most significant is that this is the first official document from Mahindra specifically calling the trucks by their newly trademarked TR20 and TR40 designations.

Mahindra Response and Some New Photos

There has been a lot of response to our previous post containing the open letter to Mahindra. As a brief follow up to that post, we will say this: Mahindra/Global Vehicles USA is watching the web and they are very concerned about public perception of their actions and their vehicles. More later…

In the mean time, we have ‘happened upon’ some new photos of the TR20, TR40, and Scorpio facelift. These are not photos of the US versions, but it still gives us a “preview of coming attractions” so to speak.

We have also learned that the hood scoop which we negatively commented on in the past is actually a functional design element. Apparently the intercooler will be top-mounted (Subaru-style) in the engine compartment. Knowing that it has a purpose is a palate cleanser. We like functional design!

Officially Official: No US Mahindra Pickups Until 2010

Scooped by The Auto Writer this morning, Mahindra North America’s importer, Global Vehicles USA, Inc., has stated that no Mahindra TR20 0r TR40 pickups will be available to US customers in 2009.

Global Vehicles is claiming that product tweaking is the reason for the delay. It’s been well documented in the past that Mahindra contracted JD Powers and Associates to conduct initial evaluations of the pickup to ensure a high level of quality for the US market product.

Global Vehicles also mentions that cosmetic changes are part of the delay. As we’ve already seen, Mahindra unveiled the cosmetically revised Australian market PikUp last month. This leaves MahindraPlanet to speculate: What are the specific items causing the delay?

This is a bummer for many people have either reserved a Mahindra TR at their local dealer, or have been highly anticipating their test drive via the Mahindra NA website. Maybe more significantly, this is a blow to the dealers who are heavily committed to making Mahindra’s US launch a huge success.

The pressure is on Mahindra to ensure that after many delays, the TR20 and TR40 pickups do not disappoint when they finally launch.

For the full story visit: The Auto Writer

Mahindra Pickups: Likely to Arrive in US with Improved Appearance

Late last week Mahindra unveiled the updated Mahindra PikUp for the Australian market. This “facelift” of the current model means the exterior styling remains unchanged with the exception of adding an updated hood, grill, bumper, and headlights from the recently unveiled and updated Indian Market Scorpio.

The front end restyle definitely adds a hint of modernization to the PikUp. According to Global Vehicles, USA spokesman, Mike Geylin, what we see here is very close to the face of Mahindra pickups that US customers will be seeing when the TR20 and TR40 are launched this fall.

MahindraPlanet is glad to see the more aggressive and slightly more angular look for the TR. The slots in the grill have been squared off at the corners and a pronounced Mahindra symbol sits atop a projected arch on the center slot. It’s noted that the TR retains seven vertical slots in the grill which we assume remains to pay homage to Mahindra’s long-time Jeep connection.

We’re not fans of goofy fake hood scoops, but we think the modern headlamps and more integrated looking bumper help to offset that minor styling faux pas.


The golden nugget of the facelift appears to be a very well done interior. Aside from the steering wheel on the wrong side (and manual transmission, unfortunately), we hope that the interior arrives in the US as seen in the photos.

The seats look reasonably shaped for proper comfort and support. The fit and finish look great (in the photo model at least) and the shapes, colors, and textures generally look as good as most trucks available in the US.

To read the full article, hit this link: PickupTrucks.com: Aussie PikUp Update

Photos: via PickupTrucks.com

Mahindra TR20 Aruval Concept Pickup!

The Mahindra TR20 Aruval Concept (click image for full size view) shows what the soon-to-be-released Mahindra pickup trucks might look like with some minor cosmetic changes and a bit of suspension tuning.

Okay, news of the Mahindra TR20 and TR40 US launch has been a very slow trickle lately. So we decided to do a quick and cheesy, pencil-whipping of the TR20 design to get an idea of how a potential Mahindra tuner might work-over the basic design.

About the TR20 Aruval Concept:
We’ve started with a standard 2-wheel drive TR20 and took the liberty of shaving the drip rail, and removing the tie down cleats from the bed sides to make the design a little more current. These are the only modifications done to the body. All standard body lines remain intact. A rear view was chosen for the sake of sketching simplicity…

The TR20 Aruval has been lowered significantly versus the stock TR20. The bland original equipment wheels have been replaced with a simple six-spoke design that gives the truck a more modern feel. The stock wheels have a massive positive offset, so additional rim width has been added inboard. The intention was to make the wheel appear as a stock replacement and not do anything too outrageous (like adding negative offset). To scale, this would be a 20 inch wheel with a 10 inch rim width.

Other changes include removal of the rear bumper and the addition of a diffuser-style roll pan. The bars in the cab side windows have been removed, and sportier side view mirrors have replaced the awkward stock ones.

Under the hood is a bit of a mystery. We’re hoping that diesel tuning companies like Banks or Bully Dog will take a risk and at least put out some ECU controllers, cold air intakes, and exhaust systems for these trucks.

As for the Aruval name, we wanted something that would sound aggressive and also pay respect to the truck’s Indian origin. An Aruval is an Indian blade that is used as more of a tool than a weapon. We thought this was appropriate for the Mahindra pickup as the truck is all about effective utility.

Yes, this is a quick sketch without a lot of detail. Maybe one of our readers with some PhotoShop or rendering expertise will step up and submit their idea of an Americanized Mahindra pickup. We will welcome any submissions and we will ensure that the artist is credited for his/her work. So take this as an open invitation to submit your own ideas (would be nice to see some off-road versions). Please comment and make suggestions or submissions.

Source: MahindraPlanet

Mahindra TR20 and TR40: Invoking Visions of Roaming Far Off Places Or Working In The Backyard?

News over the weekend of Mahindra’s possible naming convention for its North American line of pickups came as a bit of a shock.

For a company who has set its sites on the lofty target of Land Rover, the TR20 and TR40 names for the 2-door and 4-door versions of the pickup seem like a cop out. Mahindra’s rival, Tata Motors, has managed a seamless transition of the Land Rover brand from Ford to their India-based company. Ford took the rugged off-road foundation Land Rover had built over many decades and elevated it to the epitome of luxury SUV’s.

Mahindra wants their trucks to be considered in the same vein as Land Rover, but they seem to be off to a slow start in some respects. It’s well known that Mahindra has spent considerable effort to ensure the quality of the pickups will more than satisfy US customers, which is fantastic. However, the styling of the pickup is controversial to say the least. A lame alpha-numeric designation like TR20 or TR40 does not produce visions of safaris in the Serengeti, or crawling the Rubicon. Frankly, TR20 creates visions of mowing the lawn or trimming hedges.

These seem like nonsense names, better suited to a lawn tractor or a weed whacker. We can assume that the TR somehow stands for truck. Certainly imaginative Americans will come up with a more creative interpretation for these initials.

With the exception of Ford, every other pickup truck sold in the US has a name, or a combination of name and numeric designation that stands for its intended carrying capacity. Ford relies purely on the ‘F’ designation and a number signifying capacity (i.e. F-150 = Ford half-ton pickup). They can do this because they have a massive history and changing this designation would be considered heresy to Ford fanatics. You don’t want to upset the faithful.

Mahindra needs to look long and hard at how they intend to portray this truck now and into the future. If they intend to be a long term player in the US market, now is the time to create a legacy for the brand. Do they want to be seen as a high-end SUV maker, or a rugged and earthy truck manufacturer? Either way Mahindra should select a name, or chose a letter/number designation that means something useful. If you tell someone you proudly own a Mahindra Appalachian 2500, it tells a story. If you tell someone you own a Mahindra TR20, will that person ask what size mowing deck it has?

You can do better, Mahindra.

Source: Autoblog