GV Drops Lawsuit Against Mahindra, Will Focus on Arbitration

Autoblog reports (via Automotive News) this morning that US Mahindra pickup distribution partner, Global Vehicles USA, Inc (GV) has withdrawn their US lawsuit against Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd over failure to provide TR20 and TR40 diesel-powered, compact pickups for US sales.

Apparently the lawsuit was dropped because the UK-based arbitration panel refused to rule on the case while an active lawsuit continues in the US. It remains to be seen how much more weight an arbitration ruling in favor of GV in the UK will carry over a win in US courts.

GV CEO, John Perez, is also claiming that the EPA data published last week does not reflect the 30 mpg figures that GV estimates the 2-wheel-drive TR20 pickups will achieve. It is unclear why the EPA only published data for the 4x4 TR40 pickup and not the supposed economy champ, 4x2 TR20. A 40% difference in fuel consumption between the two models seems like an incredible feat, but then it was GV who coordinated all of the US test vehicles and has first hand experience with Mahindra pickups on US roads.

Source: Autoblog

Colorado/Canyon Replacement by 2014

GM will be bringing their global small pickup (GMi700) to the US in 2014 according to PickupTrucks.com. Sounds like the global version (built in Thailand) will launch this year, but by early 2014 US versions will be built on American soil.

It sounds like the new pickup will be about the same size as the current Colorado (which is only slightly larger than the S-10/Somona it replaced). However, it will remain body-on-frame and in typical global small pickup fashion, it will have a 1-ton payload capacity and feature diesel engine options (at least internationally).

So, combine that with news of a refreshed Tacoma (Hilux-based?) coming in 2013, and Nissan bringing back a Hardbody/D21-size pickup in the near future… we may have some pretty sweet small pickups heading back to the US. Mahindra still has a shot but they need to get their act together quickly.

Updated 24-Feb-2011: Autoblog reports that the Chevy Cruz will be getting a 147 horsepower, 235 lb-ft, 34 mpg diesel by 2013.  It's probably not a far stretch to imagine that engine used as an option in the upcoming Colorado/Canyon replacement.  http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/report-diesel-chevrolet-cruze-confirmed-for-u-s/3

Source: PickupTrucks.com, Autoten.com

Disappointing EPA Fuel Economy Data for Mahindra TR40 Released

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.

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/