Ssangyong Brand Could Represent Mahindra in USA

After enduring much abuse about our Mahindra/Navistar/Alabama story over a month ago, there has still been no official announcement on the actual purpose of the facility being leased by Navistar in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.  As long time readers of this blog know, we are used to all kinds of abuse and have subsequently encased the Mahindra Planet cyber-office in a special alloy which is completely impervious to hate and utter disdain.

So the seldom loved and nearly universally loathed Mahindra Planet is at it again.  Well, we were at it last year when we ran a post about SsangYong Motor Co. chairman, Yoo Lee, stating that Ssangyong products will be sold in the US within the next five years, but possibly within the next two to three.  MP continues to stand behind the December post and our sources, despite Mahindra's public denial that they intend to produce a Mahindra pickup in Alabama.  Whether or not that pickup is actually a current Mahindra-branded product, or a Mahindra-owned product (like the Ssangyong Korando Sports) remains to be seen.

New Rumors of SsangYong Entering US
Two weeks ago AutoGuide.com ran a post in which they stated that they "have good reason to believe" that Mahindra will bring the SsangYong Korando Sports to the US instead of any other Mahindra owned product.

As MP stated in back in March of 2011, bringing the SsangYong pickup here could easily create a loophole which allows Mahindra to enter the US market with a compact diesel pickup, but avoid any previous commitment to former import and distribution partner, Global Vehicles USA or their established dealer network.

The Ssangyong brand name (or as PickupTrucks.com’s Mike Levine surmises, a newly created brand name) could be used on any Mahindra or Ssangyong built vehicles imported to the United States. Creating a new brand dedicated to the US market could potentially circumnavigate the ongoing legal battle between GV and M&M. This could allow Mahindra to establish its own import and distribution enterprise, and bypass the current Mahindra dealer network set up by GV. The dealers and GV are legitimately concerned that they could be left in the dust. 

MP Still Believes Navistar Will Build Mahindra Pickups in Alabama
The Mahindra pickups built here could very well be any Mahindra product including Mahindra, SsangYong, or Reva branded vehicles.

Mahindra is extremely dedicated to the globalization of the Mahindra brand name and has established decent brand recognition in the US with their tractor and information technology divisions. On the flip side, the Mahindra small truck brand in the US has become a symbol of Mahindra’s inability to create a truly global automotive product and execute an enchanting business and marketing strategy in the United States. A new brand name may help bury these negative impressions.

Sources: AutoGuide: SsangYong Korando Sports Released, Headed to America?
MahindraPlanet: US to see SsangYong SUV's in 2-5 Years

Mahindra to Lose EPA Approval in 2011

It’s hard to believe it was over a year ago that Mahindra finally announced that it had completed the physical requirements to obtain EPA certification.  Excitement was building and many fans were beginning to think that the arrival of the Mahindra diesel pickup was on the horizon.

Sadly, in the time that has passed, Mahindra purposely delayed completing the EPA paperwork filings, kicked its importer (Global Vehicles) to the curb, and the EPA released its Estimated New EPA MPG fuel economy ratingfor the USmodel Mahindra TR40 4x4 of only 21 mpg.

Mahindra appears to be on to bigger and better things (Ssangyong) with seemingly little regret and no remorse about abandoning their US market aspirations.

Now we close in on the end of 2011.  Mahindra will lose their 2011 model year EPA approval, and they have not filed for 2012 approval.  Mahindra and GV are currently in arbitration and a whole bunch of US dealers are left with sparse bank accounts and empty showrooms.

Well Mahindra, thanks for trying.  Maybe we we’ll see you again someday.

Source: Green Car Reports

Ouch: Americans More Willing to Buy Chinese Cars than Indian Cars

Remember the Hyundai Excel?  Surely Hyundai hopes that you have long forgotten that sad first chapter of their US success story.  It’s taken over twenty years of hard work and aggressive marketing for the Korean brand to gain general acceptance here.

Results from GfK Automotive’s Barometer of Automotive Awareness and Imagery Study shows that only 38% of surveyed Americans would consider buying a Chinese car.  Surprisingly (to Mahindra Planet anyway) only 30% would consider buying an Indian car.

It’s likely that most Americans do not realize that China and India already have an automotive presence in the US through acquired brands (China has Volvo owned by Geely and India has Jaguar and Land Rover owned by Tata).  And it is easy to forget that the mighty Japanese brands once faced similar challenges when they first arrived on US shores decades ago.

Clearly, the Mahindra brand would face many challenges beyond their damaged credibility among US auto enthusiasts.  Poor quality or customer service would force them into an even harder uphill battle.

Entering the US with Korean brand, Ssangyong, certainly has to look more appealing to Mahindra these days.  Thanks in part, to the Hyundai Excel.

Source: Economic Times

India to Require Diesel Vehicles to Average 46.8 mpg by 2015

The Indian government is set to impose stringent CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements on Indian automakers within the next year.  While the current average allowed for an automaker’s full line of vehicles is 36.6 mpg, companies like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata will have until 2015 to make a 10 mpg improvement when the new standards take effect.  If the CAFE requirement isn’t met, manufacturers will face monetary penalties.

The increased fuel economy ratings are directly related to a reduction in CO2 emissions.  The current 36.6 mpg target correlates with the production of 165 grams per kilometer, and the 46.8 mpg target translates to 135 g/km of CO2 emissions.  Environmental organizations are pushing for India to aim for parity with European standards and achieve 110 g/km by 2020.

Indian manufacturers build many small vehicles like Mahindra’s Gio and Maxximo which help them to meet the current standards.  However, the proposed requirements will force all manufacturers to tighten their fuel efficiency belts.  Since Mahindra is, and intends to remain an SUV-focused company, we can expect to see economy improvements across the product range, but they will certainly make hybrid and electric technology more of apriority.  Efficient designs from Ssangyong and Mahindra-Reva electric cars should help Mahindra meet the standards as well.

Of course none of this will immediately effect the US introduction of Mahindra or Ssangyong vehicles.   But it does help to force common global economy and emissions standards into place.  India is emerging as an international automotive player.  Quickly stepping up to meet some of the world’s strictest emissions standards is a very positive move which will help all Indian manufacturers to be seen as serious global carmakers and shed some of their third world stigma.

Source: AutoblogGreen

M&M Open to Using Ssangyong Engines in Mahindra Vehicles

Ssangyong Rexton (courtesy AsianCarsBlog.com)

Pawan Goenka, President Automotive and Farm Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, has recently stated that Mahindra could possibly install more powerful engines in its vehicles from recently acquired Ssangyong Motor Company (SYMC).

Ssangyong produces its own engines using technology and designs licensed from Mercedes-Benz.  In fact, the Ssangyong Rexton CUV is effectively a Mercedes M-Class with a body styled by Italdesign and built in South Korea.

Mahindra plans to introduce the Ssangyong Rexton and Korando C models in India this year.  Their plan has been to import complete knock down kits (CKD) from South Korea and assemble complete vehicles in their Indian factory.  Recent changes to Indian import regulations concerning the definition of CKD kits, may force Mahindra to build Ssangyong engines on Indian soil in addition to assembling the complete vehicles.  

Korando C (courtesy Gradiliste.com)

Goenka was recently asked by BSMotoring.com if the CKD definition change would force Mahindra to consider using Mahindra engines in Ssangyong vehicles for the India market.

“These products are of a higher horse power (bhp) category. Both Rexton and Korando C use a 175 bhp engine. We don't have an engine of that category. If these products using M&M engines, which is 120 bhp, they would be underpowered. So, it is very unlikely that we would consider a Mahindra engine for an SYMC product. However, the option of using SYMC engines in our products is certainly available to us. If we feel some SsangYong products need engines with lower horse power, M&M engines are easily available.” Pawan Goenka

Despite ongoing setbacks in Mahindra’s attempt to enter the US market with diesel pickups and SUVs, Mahindra’s consideration in using alternative or more powerful engines sourced from its complete corporate catalog could be an asset.  

The US government sees Mahindra pickups as an imported vehicle.  They are not going care if the engine in an Indian built vehicle comes from India or South Korea, as long as it meets safety and emissions criteria (they potentially face the Chicken Tax either way).  Using the more powerful (and possibly more readily EPA compliant) SYMC engines could be a benefit to US Mahindra pickups if/when they arrive here.

Source: BSMotoring

Ssangyong KEV2 Concept Unveiled, 2013 Production Possible

Mahindra-owned, Ssangyong Motor Company, took the cover off its pure electric KEV2 CUV concept late last week at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show.

 

The KEV2 follows on the heels of a rumored pure-electric CUV based on the current production Korando C SUV.  Ssangyong confirms that the KEV2 is indeed based on the Korando platform. Some news outlets predict that Ssangyong could introduce a production version of the concept as early as 2013.

Ssangyong claims that the KEV2 has a 112 mile (180km) range and is capable of reaching 93 mph (150 km/h) with its 35kWh and 350V Lithium polymer battery (sourced from LG Chem Ltd) and 160hp (120kW) motor.  Standard full range recharge time is 8 hours with a minimum quick charge time of 30 minutes for limited range.

Ssangyong has stated that it plans to sell vehicles in the US within the next 2-5 years.  It is likely that Ssangyong sees the Korando C as a flagship model for the US market introduction of their brand.

Could we find the KEV2 sitting next to the Korando C on US showroom floors in a few years? The diesel and plug-in hybrid Korando C SUV, the diesel SUT1 pickup, and the pure-electric KEV2 CUV would be a solid North American lineup, and would allow Ssangyong to position itself as an environmentally conscious alternative brand from the get go.

Sources & Images: TechOn, Car Review, Car Body Design

Spring 2011 Launch for Mahindra W201 on Track

Mahindra W210 Artist's Rendering

IndianCarsBikes is reporting that Mahindra dealers in India are preparing for an April or May release of Mahindra’s all-new flagship SUV, W201.


Known only by the codename W201, it will be Mahindra’s premier SUV featuring an all-new unitized body design and transverse engine layout as MP detailed back in November.

Mahindra has recently finalized acquisition of Ssangyong Motor, and arbitration over US distribution of Mahindra vehicles is now set to conclude in August of this year. The combination of these two events doesn’t appear to point to the W201 making an appearance in North America any time soon. The launch of Ssangyong SUV’s in the US may (or may not) become a more likely scenario.

Nevertheless, the story of the W201 is worth revisiting: W201: The Card Hidden Up Mahindra’s Sleeve

Source: IndianCarsBikes.com, as hyperlinked

U.S. to see Ssangyong SUV’s in 2-5 Years



Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept via PickupTrucks.com/Jalopnik.com

 Ssangyong Motor Co. Chairman, Yoo Lee, has told Automotive News (via AutoWeek) that his company ultimately intends to sell its Korean-made SUV line in the United States “two to three years from now, but within five years at the latest.”
Lee foresees some struggles in complying with complex US homologation requirements stating “We will need time to fulfill all strict emission and safety regulations.” Clearly, Ssangyong understands the challenges (lessons learned from Mahindra) but intends to pursue the strategic US market.

Battle of the Brands
News of Ssangyong’s US ambitions still leaves Mahindra dealers and current/former Mahindra distributor, Global Vehicles USA (GV) in a vacuum.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, wholly owns Ssangyong Motor. Ssangyong’s line of small SUV’s are primarily powered by 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines with a few gasoline-fueled options. It is likely that Ssangyong will want to focus on diesel engines for the United States.

Mahindra Dealers and Global Vehicles may be legitimately concerned that Mahindra’s Ssangyong takeover has created a loophole which would allow M&M to bypass GV and some 350 dealers who have committed to selling Mahindra-branded pickups and SUV’s powered by 4-cylinder turbodiesel engines.

Rendering of a Mahindra branded, Ssangyong Korando C via IAB

The Ssangyong brand name (or as PickupTrucks.com’s Mike Levine surmises, a newly created brand name) could be used on any Mahindra or Ssangyong built vehicles imported to the United States. Creating a new brand dedicated to the US market could potentially circumnavigate the ongoing legal battle between GV and M&M. This could allow Mahindra to establish its own import and distribution enterprise, and bypass the current Mahindra dealer network set up by GV. The dealers and GV are legitimately concerned that they could be left in the dust.

Conflict of Interest
There is little sense in Mahindra bringing competing diesel-powered brands and products to an already challenging and competitive market. Cherry-picking the best products from Mahindra and Ssangyong and rolling them into a unified brand may be more strategically sound.

Mahindra is extremely dedicated to the globalization of the Mahindra brand name and has established decent brand recognition in the US with their tractor and information technology divisions. On the flip side, the Mahindra small truck brand in the US has become a symbol of Mahindra’s inability to create a truly global automotive product and execute an enchanting business and marketing strategy in the United States. A new brand name may help bury these negative impressions.

Source: AutoWeek

Jewels of Geneva: Ssangyong SUT 1 and Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show is underway and it sure seems like the Europeans are getting a glimpse of far cooler machinery (both in concept and production form) than Americans have seen at US shows in several years. Okay, the Ford Raptor, GMC Granite, and Sierra All Terrain HD concepts are a few recent truck market exceptions.
Two vehicles that will stand out to Americans hoping for a legitimate US small pickup offering with diesel power are the Ssangyong SUT 1 and Ford Ranger Wildtrak.



2011 Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept



Ssangyong SUT 1

Korean automaker Ssangyong Motor (recently acquired by Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd) has unveiled their SUT 1 concept pickup truck at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The concept pickup is likely to be based on a unitized platform shared with the Ssangyong Korando C SUV (Editor 11-Mar-2011: The SUT 1 is not based on the Korando C unibody platform.  It is actually an updated version of the body-on-frame Actyon Sports pickup.) The engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel (likely a design licensed from Mercedes-Benz) putting out 153 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, and backed up with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Despite its unfortunate name (sounds like ‘suck one’ to us, S-U-T doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue), the pickup is styled quite well. We suspect that the body concept was outsourced to an Italian design house as Ssangyong has done with the Korando C. Nothing against Mahindra’s styling department, but they should seriously consider using some Western consultation on their body design (although the W201 seems promising).



2011 Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept



The SUT 1’s wheelbase is about 2 inches shorter than a Honda Ridgeline’s and looks to have about the same amount of cargo space. It’s likely that a production version would get the same rear wheel drive or full time all wheel drive configuration options already available on the Korando C. Will we ever see it in the US? PickupTrucks.com thinks we will. Based on the minimal success of recent trucks like the Honda Ridgeline and Subaru Baja, it’s questionable. Factor in the completely unknown Ssangyong name, and it’s probably a hard sell unless it has a really ridiculous base price. MP has been wrong before.

2011 Ford Ranger Wildtrak



Ford Ranger Wildtrak

The Ford Ranger Wildtrak is highest trim level of the new Ranger mid-size pickup that has been known for some time as ‘T6’ or the ‘Global Ranger’. This is the truck that many people wish Ford would bring to the US. The photos pretty much speak for themselves: it’s a killer truck and there are undoubtedly thousands of Americans who would love to own it, if they actually brought it here. How Ford can justify a prohibitively expensive halo truck like the Raptor but refuse to replace the outgoing Ranger with the new global Ranger is completely baffling. Seriously Ford, WTF?

2011 Ford Ranger Wildtrak



With a 7,385 pound towing capacity and a 197 hp/346 lb-ft torque, 3.2L 5-cylinder diesel engine, with manual or automatic transmission options… I’m sure that no one in America would ever want such an anemic and weak little truck. Obviously it’s terrible, so that is why 188 countries will get it, but the US and Canada will not. We can dream anyway.

Source: PickupTrucks.com, Jalopnik.com

Mahindra-Ssangyong Mashup Taking Shape

The first physical evidence of the possible re-branding of Ssangyong products as Mahindras has been captured. A Ssangyong Rexton with Mahindra Scorpio style tail lights was spotted in India.


Shrawan Raja and IndianAutosBlog.com are on top of things as usual. Two weeks ago they showed a rendered photo of a Ssangyong Korando C with a Mahindra-esque grill. This week they have grabbed news of the Xylo pickup launch and now photos of a Rexton with Scorpio details.

This leaves MP to ask: When Mahindra finally sends some vehicles over to the US, will they be sporting Ssangyong or Mahindra logos?

Source: http://www.indianautosblog.com/

Opinion: The Real Reason for Mahindra’s Failure to Launch

Driven home by the official acquisition of Ssangyong this week, my personal feelings on why Mahindra is jacking around on the whole US launch deal revolves around demand in the Indian domestic market and emerging markets at large. Why? Because that is where the money is.

Emerging Markets
Demand in the Indian market started to steadily increase late in 2009. Manufacturers and suppliers started scrambling to keep up last fall. Demand has continued to rise significantly since.

Chew on this for a moment: Which exploding markets are most of the US, Asian, and European auto manufacturers trying to gain a foothold in? India, China, Eastern Europe, and the former Soviet states. Many of these markets are set to grow massively for the next several decades as their citizenry gravitate towards the middle class. This is where the money is to be made. Mahindra knows this, and they don’t want to lose any business to foreign brands coming into India if they can help it. Conversely, they definitely want to gain ground in these other evolving countries. This is a major reason why Mahindra bought Ssangyong Motor. Ssangyong’s biggest markets are Russia and Europe. Mahindra now has access to a bunch of Ssangyong’s technology, R&D, and manufacturing facilities, but more importantly they bought themselves an established brand that has some 1,300 dealers in 98 countries of these key markets.

Not to take anything away from any of these other countries or Mahindra themselves, but some of them probably have a slightly different expectation of quality, features, appearance, purpose, etc. in a vehicle. Mahindra, and particularly Ssangyong products, will be perceived differently elsewhere than they are by spoiled American car shoppers.

Worth the Effort?
So why bust your balls passing all of our stringent emissions certifications and safety requirements, and then be forced to pay the 25% chicken tax on every vehicle sold, plus a percentage to Global Vehicles USA (GV), only to potentially sell 30,000 vehicles a year in a crowded and competitive market?

I think that 5 or 6 years ago Mahindra saw the US as THE market to be in for two reasons: 1-the status of claiming to be the first Indian-built/Indian brand in the US. 2-their ego and arrogance led them to believe that the US would be a piece of cake to enter.

Once the reality of the global recession kicked in, the world started looking a lot different. Suddenly the US dollar was worth crap, and traditional auto markets (particularly the US) dried up. Emerging markets have started looking pretty good with a low cost of entry and less competition.

The US is just not the same priority for Mahindra that it was a few years ago. They have been slowly going through the motions, but it’s pretty obvious that Mahindra was hoping to either kill GV financially, or otherwise dissolve the contract with minimal financial loss in order to regroup and attack the US market when it makes better sense.

GV has attempted to order trucks several times. Mahindra claimed each time that GV did not have the finances in place to support the order. In my opinion, those truck orders were rejected purely because Mahindra never intended to build US versions at the time. Since they received federal approvals in August of this year, there has been nothing to hold Mahindra back from building trucks for the US market. If Mahindra honestly didn’t think GV had the financials in place to back up the orders they placed, then why the hell wouldn’t they back it themselves just to get the ball rolling? Especially since Mahindra so confident about their success in the US market.

Whether they like it or not, in the US, Mahindra has a legal obligation to satisfy GV and the dealers they represent. The US has many laws in place to protect dealers (GV is also technically a dealer) from unfair practices by manufacturers. Mahindra can fight this and probably buy themselves some time, but the odds are against them (in the US at least). Eventually Mahindra will have to make good with either compensation or product as promised (or re-negotiated).

US Outlook is Still Positive
Mixed in with the headlining news of the Ssangyong acquisition, there is positive speculation that completing this deal will open the door to a revitalized effort to enter the US market.

Mahindra is already making plans to quickly introduce new models as a result of the takeover as early as next year. Mahindra instantly becomes a much larger global player, and has more development and technology resources. Reports are claiming that Mahindra has the cash on hand to complete the Ssangyong deal, and even Ssangyong has been making money this year. It may not be too much to expect that the US target will now loom much larger in Mahindra’s sights. Let’s hope so.

Mahindra to Expand US Business after Ssangyong Acquisition

IndianExpress.com is reporting this morning that an undisclosed “senior official” from Mahindra’s Finance and Strategic Development Department has informed them that the US pickup and SUV market is in Mahindra’s crosshairs after the Ssangyong takeover is complete.


Due diligence and planning for the acquisition of the bankrupt South Korean automaker, Ssangyong Motor, began earlier this summer and is projected to be complete by March of 2011, with Mahindra-Ssangyong vehicles being launched in India shortly after.

"We have entered into an agreement with the ailing Ssangyong Motor in August to acquire a majority stake in the South Korean SUV-maker to expand our business in international markets. We are looking at entering the US market, once the deal is through," the article quotes the anonymous Mahindra official.

The official goes on to restate the obvious, "When the global presence of Mahindra and Ssangyong is combined, jointly we will be able to achieve more success in the global market."

No other sources are currently verifying these statements, but they do correspond with speculation provided by the president of Mahindra’s punching bag/US distributor, Global Vehicles USA. John Perez claimed in a letter to customers two weeks ago that Mahindra pickups will be available in the US sometime in the spring. The saga continues.

Source: IndianExpress.com, CarTradeIndia.com, PickupTrucks.com

Ssangyong, Nebraska, and Flying Pigs

Ssangyong Motors

Rumor is that Mahindra is prepared to bid $400 million on the barely breathing South Korean automaker, Ssangyong Motors. MP has detailed some of Mahindra’s justification for interest in Ssangyong, including expanding their current range of vehicles: Korean Pickups

“We want to buy it for the world market. We can’t justify buying it only for the Indian market.” - Pawan Goenka, President Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra

Ssangyong would give Mahindra a turn key line of sedans, SUV’s and additional diesel technology. In some ways the Ssangyong products could be considered a more sophisticated, and a worldlier lineup than the current Mahindra portfolio.

Nebraska Dealers
MP received an anonymous tip about three potential Mahindra dealerships in Nebraska. Two of which are former (and relatively new) Saturn stores run by Dennis Schworer in the Lincoln and Bellevue/Omaha areas. The third dealership may be in the smaller town of Norfork.

The tipster also pointed out that the Bellevue/Omaha dealership is in close proximity to Offutt Air Force Base and suggested that many of the people employed there certainly would’ve had some exposure to diesel vehicles in Europe and Asia. Nebraska has been added to the Dealer Directory.

Thanks, JJ.

New Poll
Check out the new poll on the right sidebar. This is your chance to say what you think about the ethereal vapor which currently is the TR20 and TR40 pickups.

Sources: Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and as hyperlinked

Photos of New Mahindra Unibody SUV Leaked

IndiaCarsBikes has published a concept rendering and photos of a disguised SUV thought to be the new ‘world platform’ SUV mentioned previously on Mahindra Planet.


Details of the new vehicle are pretty much conjecture at the moment. IndiaCarsBikes speculates that the 2.2 CRDe diesel engine which the US-bound Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups will receive could be an option.

The other engine option could be a Mercedes-Benz designed 5-cylinder, 2.7 liter, diesel from the Ssangyong Rexton SUV. This speculation has some substance since other news today confirms that Mahindra is indeed bidding for the failing Korean automaker (also see the MP post on the Ssangyong Actyon Sports pickup).

The ‘premium’ SUV platform (currently known as W201) is slated as a step up from the Scorpio SUV which is currently being redesigned and will launch in the US in 2011. The W201 is known to be a global platform which is likely to be brought stateside sometime after the Scorpio-based, body-on-frame platforms launch here.

The concept rendering and disguised photos seem to promise a pleasingly styled, modern and more car-like SUV. Likely to be primarily front wheel drive (transversely mounted engine) with an all wheel drive option.

Time will tell us more about this new SUV and if Mahindra successfully bids for Ssangyong Motor. In the mean time, we have another six months before we see the TR20 and TR40 diesel pickups. That should give us plenty of time to speculate on Mahindra’s future plans.


Source: As Hyperlinked

Korean Pickups, EPA, and Mahindra

Ooh la la… SsangYong

Many web news outlets are publishing word that Mahindra & Mahindra will be bidding to take over failing South Korean automaker, SsangYong Motor. Why do we care? Not only does SsangYong have a super catchy name, but the bulk of their lineup is SUV’s.

Most interesting of the lot is SsangYong’s Actyon Sports A200S and A230S pickup trucks (in the photos above and below). Both share a common body-on-frame platform with 2WD and part time 4WD options. The A200S has a 2.0 liter direct injection diesel available with automatic or manual transmissions. The A230S is a 2.3 liter gasoline powered pickup available only with a manual transmission. While both models clearly aren’t as heavy duty as the Mahindra TR20 and TR40 (sub-1000 pound load capacity), they could be an interesting complement to Mahindra’s current pickup options. We’ll have to wait until August before we know who actually wins the bid for SsangYong Motor.

EPA

As reported by Automotive News and PickupTrucks.com, Mahindra has accumulated the required mileage on their fleet of US test pickups to finally submit for EPA approval. Mahindra plans to submit its request for approval this week and we expect the official EPA okay sometime next month.

As mentioned in both articles and previously in this blog, the relationship between US Mahindra importer, Global Vehicles, and India-based, Mahindra & Mahindra, appears to be slightly strained. GV has learned from past mistakes about predicting actual US launch dates and will no longer commit to naming a timeline. Anticipation for the (expected) mid-$20,000, diesel-powered pickups is extremely high. It’s possible that the trucks could reach US shores by early August of this year. Hopefully, Mahindra will release an actual date in the near future.

Sources: Carazoo, SsangYong Motor, Automotive News, PickupTrucks.com