Alabama-based, MontgomeryAdvertiser.com posted a report this morning after speaking with Global Vehicles USA’s Dan T. Najour (vice president of sales and marketing) and Max Butler (GV’s marketing and PR consultant) on the expected December sales date for the Indian-made, compact diesel pickup trucks.
Najour was asked if dealers were backing out of their commitment to selling the first Indian brand of light trucks and SUV’s in the United States. His response was that very few have backed out, and GV is still getting inquiries from dealers interested in carrying the Mahindra brand despite launch delays and pending lawsuits.
MontgomeryAdvisor was unable to contact Birmingham-based Mahindra dealer, Serra Automotive Group (one of the first dealerships in the country to publicly acknowledge their connection with Mahindra) and noted that their website (serraautomotive.com) was no longer operational. However, Serra’s Chevrolet website does still appear to be active and they are still listed as a dealer on the Mahindra NA dealer map.
The outlook for a December 2010 launch of the low-to-mid $20,000 compact pickups is still optimistic. Let’s hope it happens this time around.
Sources: As Hyperlinked
Showing posts with label US dealers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US dealers. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Ssangyong, Nebraska, and Flying Pigs
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
Monday, July 26, 2010
Mahindra Northwest: Washington Dealer Added to Dealer Directory
Mahindra Planet has added a Washington state dealer to the Dealer Directory.
Felix Slette, Commercial and Fleet Sales Coordinator, for Cascade Autocenter in Wenatchee, Washington dropped us a line to let us know that they will be selling Mahindra vehicles as soon as they become available.
Felix may be contacted directly by email via: info@MahindraNorthwest.us or by phone: 509-885-3407
Felix is also working on a Mahindra-specific website for the dealership. Go to http://www.mahindranorthwest.us/ and keep checking back for updates.
Source: Mahindra Northwest
Felix Slette, Commercial and Fleet Sales Coordinator, for Cascade Autocenter in Wenatchee, Washington dropped us a line to let us know that they will be selling Mahindra vehicles as soon as they become available.
Felix may be contacted directly by email via: info@MahindraNorthwest.us or by phone: 509-885-3407
Felix is also working on a Mahindra-specific website for the dealership. Go to http://www.mahindranorthwest.us/ and keep checking back for updates.
Source: Mahindra Northwest
Monday, March 29, 2010
Dealer News for March 29, 2010
Some new dealers added to the Dealer Directory last week. Also check out all of the construction going on at MahindraNC this spring.
Montana Dealer
Archie Cochrane Motors in Billings, Montana has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Massachusetts Dealer
General Truck Center in Methuen, Massachusetts has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Georgia Dealer
Childre Mahindra in Milledgeville, Georgia has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Kansas Dealer
Olathe Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Olathe, Kansas has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory (thanks for the tip, Ack!).
MahindraNC Construction
MahindraNC has been busy with the construction of their Mahindra facility this winter. They have been posting photos to their Facebook fan page and Twitter (@MahindraNC) accounts.
Montana Dealer
Archie Cochrane Motors in Billings, Montana has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Massachusetts Dealer
General Truck Center in Methuen, Massachusetts has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Georgia Dealer
Childre Mahindra in Milledgeville, Georgia has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory.
Kansas Dealer
Olathe Ford-Lincoln-Mercury in Olathe, Kansas has been added to the Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory (thanks for the tip, Ack!).
MahindraNC Construction
MahindraNC has been busy with the construction of their Mahindra facility this winter. They have been posting photos to their Facebook fan page and Twitter (@MahindraNC) accounts.
Friday, March 26, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
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 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
Friday, March 19, 2010
Dealer Directory Additions
Mahindra Planet has received a flurry of Dealer Directory updates this week. The following dealers have either been added or updated this week:
Kevil Chevrolet – Budd Lake, NJ
Estes Motors, Inc – Columbia, MO
Holman Automotive Group – Maple Shade, NJ
Sames Crow – Corpus Christi, TX
Landmark Mahindra – Tigard (Portland), OR
Tysinger Motor Co., Inc. – Hampton, VA
Modern Motors Inc – Thomaston, CT
Commonwealth Motors – Lawrence, MA
Ken Smith Motors, Inc – Ridgewood, NJ
We now have 26 states covered, and well over 50 dealers listed. Click here for the full list: Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory
If you are a dealer and want to build some free buzz for your franchise, contact Mahindra Planet and get listed in the Dealer Directory!
Kevil Chevrolet – Budd Lake, NJ
Estes Motors, Inc – Columbia, MO
Holman Automotive Group – Maple Shade, NJ
Sames Crow – Corpus Christi, TX
Landmark Mahindra – Tigard (Portland), OR
Tysinger Motor Co., Inc. – Hampton, VA
Modern Motors Inc – Thomaston, CT
Commonwealth Motors – Lawrence, MA
Ken Smith Motors, Inc – Ridgewood, NJ
We now have 26 states covered, and well over 50 dealers listed. Click here for the full list: Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory
If you are a dealer and want to build some free buzz for your franchise, contact Mahindra Planet and get listed in the Dealer Directory!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Mauro Motors Launches New Website
Woodbridge, New Jersey Mahindra dealer, Mauro Motors, announced yesterday that they have launched a new website.http://www.mauromotorsnj.com/
The website currently features Mauro Motors used car inventory and is set to include Mahindra vehicles when they become available. Mauro Motors may be contacted at 866-531-4797 for more information.
Monday, February 1, 2010
USA Mahindra Dealer Directory
The Mahindra Planet Dealer Directory includes all US Mahindra dealers who are known to be awaiting the arrival of Mahindra TR20 and TR40 diesel pickups in the USA. The Directory is comprised of listings from Mahindra North America (Global Vehicles USA), dealer contacts with Mahindra Planet, and http://www.mahindratruckblog.com/ , and other sources.If you are a dealer who wishes to be added to this list (or have your information updated), or have a tip about a dealer in your area, please contact MahindraPlanet: Christian.Winfield@MahindraPlanet.com.
Click on the dealer name to go to their website or source of news. Also check out http://www.mahindraplanet.com/, http://www.mahindratruckblog.com/, and http://www.mahindratruckforum.com/ for other dealer news.
Alabama
Birmingham – Jim Burk Automotive Group
Birmingham – Serra Automotive Group
Dothan - Mike Schmitz Automotive Group
Huntsville - Century Automotive Group
Mobile - Grady Buick
Montgomery - Serra Chevrolet
Tuscaloosa - Contemporary Mitsubishi
Alaska
Arkansas
Little Rock – Mahindra of Little Rock or Mahindra Arkansas or Taj Mahal Auto Group
Springdale - Jim Bryant Motors, Inc
Texarkana - Lovelis Enterprise
Arizona
Avondale - Avondale Automotive Inc
Flagstaff - McCoy Motors
Peoria - Moore Chrysler Jeep
Phoenix - Chapman BMW
Tempe - Chapman Chevrolet
Tuscon - Emich Subaru
Tuscon - Royal Buick Co Inc
California
Clovis - Decker Ford Inc
Concord - Future Ford of Concord
Costa Mesa - Theodore Robins Inc
Elk Grove - Snider Motor Cars Inc
Indio - Group Riso Inc
Lompoc - Sunset Auto Center Inc
National City - Perry Automotive Group
North Hills - Galpin Ford
Roseville - Future Ford of Roseville
San Diego - Dion International Trucks
San Jose - Almaden Inc
San Luis Obispo - Riso Motor Company
Stockton - Mataga Olds-Cadillac-GMC Truck Inc
Colorado
Aurora - Tynan's Volkswagon Inc
Brighton - Brightom Ford Inc
Colorado Springs - Phil Long Ford, LLC
Denver (Greater) – Tynan’s Isuzu
Fort Collins - Fort Collins Nissan Inc
Littleton - Phil Long Ford, LLC
Longmont - Valley Nissan-Subaru
Connecticut
Manchester - Lynch Motors Inc
New London - Whaling City Motors
Thomaston - Modern Motors Inc.
Wallingford - Vertucci Automotive
Delaware
Dover - C.F. Schwartz Motor Co. Inc
Wilmington - Future Ford Sales Inc.
Florida
Brandon Point - Crown Euro Cars
Brooksville - Register Chevrolet
Deland/Orlando – Kaiser Pontiac
Delray Beach - Mahindra of Delray
Delray Beach - Presidential Leasing, Inc.
Fort Meade - Greenwood Chevrolet
Fort Myers - Galloway Family of Dealerships GW, Inc.
Ft. Pierce - Sunrise Ford Company
Green Grove Springs - Garber Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC Truck
Jacksonville - Nimnicht Chevrolet Company
Leesburg - Import Sales of Lake County
Merritt Island - Island Lincoln Mercury
Miami - Unika Motors Atlantic Leasing
Naples - Tamiami Ford Inc.
Ocala - B&Q II LLC (Turning Wheel RV)
Panama City - Mike Schmitz Automotive Group
Pensacola - Vince Whibbs
Pompano Beach - Modern Auto
Punta Gorda - Charlotte County Lincoln & Mercury
Sarasota – Mahindra Southpointe
St. Petersburg - Crown Auto Dealerships, Inc.
Sunrise - Sawgrass Ford, Inc.
Tampa - Lokey Truck & 4x4 Center, Inc.
Wesley Chapel - Pascoe Motorcars LLC
West Palm Beach - Schumacher Auto Group
Winter Garden - Wheels for Sale
Georgia
Alpharetta - JJL Holdings, LLC
Augusta – Gerald Jones Dealer Group
Cartersville - Casey McGraw
Columbus - Gateway Lincoln Mercury
Covington - Ginn Motor Company
Douglasville - Westside Investment Group LLC
Gainesville - Milton Martin
Martinez - Gerald Jones VW Inc
Milledgeville - Childre Mahindra
Morrow – Allan Vigil Ford-Lincoln-Mercury
Norcross - Crown Euro Cars
Perry - Mid-State Automotive II
Savannah - Critz Inc.
Sylvester - Langdale Chevrolet Pontiac Oldsmobile, Inc.
Union City - Don Jackson Imports Cars, Inc.
Hawaii
Kailua Kona - Kona HI
Idaho
Boise – Dillon Auto Park
Illinois
Belleville - Southern Illinois Mahindra
Bloomington - Sam Leman I LLC
Decatur - Bob Brady Auto Mall
Machesney - Speedway Auto Mall Inc
Matteson – Hawkinson Nissan
McHenry - Gary Lang Imports
Milan - Bob Eriksen Chevrolet Inc
Montgomery - Yahoo Auto Mall Inc
O'Fallon - Jack Schmitt Mahindra
Palatine - The Palatine Automotive Group Inc
Peoria - Sam Leman I LLC
Schaumburg - William Nazha
Shorewood - Ron Tirapelli Ford
Skokie - Siglers Auto Sales
South Barrington - St Charles Motors LLC
Urbana - O'Brien Auto Park Inc
Virden - Freedom Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Willowbrook - Willowbrook Ford
Indiana
Elkhart - Tom Naquin Chevrolet-Nissan-Cadillac
Ft. Wayne - Glenbrook Dodge Inc
Greenville - John Jones Automotive Group
Greenwood (Indianapolis) – Ray Skillman Performance Ford
Indianapolis - Ray Skillman GMC Truck
Lafayette - Defouw Chevrolet
Merriville - Team Imports LLC
West Harrison – Mahindra of Southeastern Indiana
Zionsville – Pearson Ford
Iowa
Boone - Moffitt Inc
Cedar Rapids - Bob Zimmerman Ford
Davenport - D&D Hummer
Dubuque - Mike Finnin Motors Inc
Grimes - Charles Gabus Ford
Sioux City - Knoepfler Chevrolet Co
Kansas
Olathe - Olathe Ford-Lincoln-Mercury
Salina - Long McArthur Inc
Wichita - Sunflower State Enterprises, Inc
Kentucky
Hardin - Premier Motors Leasing Inc
Louisville - Sam Swope Auto Group
Nicholasville - US Car, LLC
Paris - Daniel Cummins Chevrolet Buick Pontiac Inc
Somerset - Tri City Motors Inc
Louisiana
New Orleans - Hurricane Mahindra Inc
Maine
Bangor - Village Car Company
Falmouth - Morong Brothers Inc
Waterville - Central Maine Chrysler
Maryland
Baltimore - Bob Bell Chevrolet-Nissan Inc
Bel Air - Bob Bell Chevrolet
Frederick – FSK Automotive
Gaithersburg - King Mahindra
Glen Burnie - Bob Bell Ford Hyundai-Kia
Hagerstown - King Hagerstown Motors
Preston - Preston Mahindra Inc
Randallstown - Prestige Imports Inc
Waldorf - Carriage House Automotive
Massachusetts
Acton – Acton Lincoln-Mercury
Chicopee - Unique Motors Inc
Lawrence - Commonwealth Motors
Methuen - General Truck Center
Michigan
Bay City - Thelen Auto Group
Clinton Township - Mt. Clemens Auto Center Inc
Detroit – Mt. Clemens Auto Center
Detroit – Lochmoor Automotive
Detroit - BT Auto Inc
Grandville - Borgman Imports
Grand Rapids - Enterprises by J. Woods, Inc
Jackson - Daves Jackson Nissan-Suzuki
Lansing – Paradise Motors
Sterling Heights - Crest Lincoln Mercury Inc.
Vicksburg - Crosslander of Kalamazoo
Westland – North Brothers Ford
Minnesota
Buffalo - Ryan Automotive
Duluth - Pen Motors
Elk River - Cornerstone Auto Resource
Elk River - Elk River Ford
Hastings - Hastings Automotive Inc
Hermantown (Minneapolis/St Paul) – Miller Hill Subaru
Northfield - Furlong Chevrolet Buick Inc
Sauk Centre - John Wiese Ford Inc
Shakopee - Cartiva of Burnsville
St. Paul - Longs Auto Place
Mississippi
Canton - Watson Quality Mahindra
Hattiesburg – Smith Motor Company
Missouri
Carthage - Carthage Ford
Columbia – Estes Motors, Inc
Fenton - Automotive Leasing Corp
Kansas City - Randy Reed Buick-GMC Inc
Raytown (Kansas City) – Dick Smith Auto Group
Rogersville - Premier Auto Outlet
St. Joseph - Randy Reed Chevrolet LLC
St. Louis - Ackerman Toyota
St. Louis - Lou Fusz Automotive Group
St. Petersburg - Automotive Leasing Corp
Republic - Beine Group LLC
Montana
Billings - Archie Cochrane Motors, Inc
Nebraska
Bellevue/Omaha - Schworer (former Saturn dealership)
Fremont - Diers Incorporated
Lincoln - Schworer (former Saturn dealership)
Norfork - (unconfirmed)
Nevada
Henderson - Valley Automotive
Las Vegas - Jim Marsh American Corp
Las Vegas - Silver State Ford
New Hampshire
Nashua - Peters Auto Sales Inc
North Conway - Crest Chevrolet Inc
Salem - Holloway Automotive
New Jersey
Budd Lake - Kevil Chevrolet
East Windsor - Haldeman Ford of Hightstown
Egg Harbor Township (Atlantic City area) – Chapman Ford
Maple Shade - Holman Automotive Group
Ridgewood - Ken Smith Motors, Inc
Woodbridge – Mauro Motors
New Mexico
Albuquerque - Melloy Brothers Inc
Farmington - Farmington Motors
New York
Depew (Buffalo) – Joe Basil
Elmira - Simmons-Rockwell Autoplaza
Ithaca - Maguire Automotive Group
Jamestown - Shults Auto Group
Latham - Keeler Motor Car Co. LP
Mohegan Lake - Mohegan Lake Motors Inc
Newburgh - Barton Chevrolet Inc
New Hyde Park - Rallye Motors
Rhinebeck - Ruges Automotive
Rochester - Dorschel Mahindra
Staten Island - Villa Marin Motors Corp
Syracuse - Crest Cadillac Corp
Vestal - Matthews on the Parkway Inc
West Seneca - Laks Motors
North Carolina
Asheville - Black Hawk - Asheville
Boone - Southern States Subaru
Burgaw - LKN
Cary - Auto Park Imports
Charlotte - Scott Cars
Cornelius - Bold W. Imports LLC
Durham – Mahindra of the Triangle/European Performance Inc
Fayetteville - Leith of Fayetteville Inc
Gastonia - Earl Tindol Ford
Greensboro - Smith Stokes Automotive
Hickory - Black Hawk - Hickory
High Point - Horace G. Ilderton
Jacksonville - Sanders Ford
Raleigh - Leith Inc Raleigh
Reidsville - Smith Stokes Enterprises Inc
Wilmington/Jacksonville - MahindraNC
Winston-Salem - Bold W. Imports LLC
North Dakota
Minot - Minot Chysler Center
Ohio
Akron - Park Arlington Hill Corp
Ashland – Aber’s Truck Center
Cleveland - Motorcars Mahindra
Dublin - Immke Crestview Cadillac
Lebanon - Bob Pulte Chevrolet
Massillon - Progressive Mahindra
Parma - Axelrod Brothers LLC
Toledo – Taylor Auto
Oklahoma
Edmund - Bob Moore Auto Group LLC
El Reno - Frontier Chevrolet Co
Lawton - Billingsley Hyundai Group, Inc
Norman - Big Red Sports
Tulsa - All Save Autoplx
Oregon
Bend - Rodderson Ford Sales Inc
Hillsboro - Royal Moore Buick-Pontiac-GMC Inc
Portland - Dick Hannah Dealerships
Tigard (Portland) - Landmark Mahindra
Pennsylvania
Adamsburg - US Auto Mart Inc
Allentown - Haldeman Lincoln-Mercury
Belle Vernon - C. Harper Chevrolet
Chambersburg - Forrester Lincoln-Mercury Inc
Clearfield - Auto Mart of Clearfield inc
Conshohocken - Frederick Chevrolet-Cadillac Inc
Doylestown - Thompson Toyota Inc
East Petersburg - Allen Import Ltd
Girard - Bob Ferrando Ford-Lincoln-Mercury Sales Inc
Hughesville - Murray Motors Auto Exchange LLC
Kittanning - Walker Motor Company
Kutztown - Haldeman Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Mahindra
Lebanon - Frederick Chevrolet-Cadillac-Hyundai-Toyota Inc
Monroeville - Auffenberg Imports Inc
Newtown Square - Frank C. Videon
New Holland - Beans Class Ford Mercury Inc
Pittsburgh - Bob Cochran Motors
Pittston - Ken Pollock Auto Group Inc
Reading - Savage Suzuki Inc
Trevose - Faulkner Organization
Washington - Tomsic Motor Co.
West Mifflin - Phantom Motorcycles
Wexford - Wright Hyundai Inc
York - Apple Automotive
York - Westgate Chevrolet Inc
Rhode Island
Pawtucket - Country Motors Inc
South Carolina
Columbia - Love Imports
Greensville - John Finger Motors Inc
Greenwood - Emerald Auto Sales & Service
Myrtle Beach - Addy's Harbor Dodge
North Charleston – Marathon
Spartenburg - Dave Edwards Inc
Summerville - Marathon Automotive of Summerville, LLC
South Dakota
Sioux Falls - Knoepfler Chevrolet Co
Tennessee
Clarksville - Heitz Automotive Inc
Crossville – Tennessee Outdoors
Texas
Arlington - Moritz Partners LP
Austin - Leif Johnson Ford
Baytown - Community KIB Automotive
Brownsville - Luke Fruia Investments Inc
Carrollton - Sam Pack's Five Star Ford Carrollton
Carthage - Excel Ford-Lincoln-Mercury
Corpus Christi - Sames Crow - Crosstown Partners Ltd
Dallas-Ft. Worth – DFW Mahindra
Dublin - Bayer Motor Co. Inc.
Edinburg - Fiesta Chevrolet Inc
El Paso - Mission Chevrolet Ltd
Ennis - Ennis Ford-Mercury Ltd
Fort Worth - Meador Chrysler Plymouth
Garland - Jupiter Chevrolet LP
Greenville - South West Ford Lincoln Mercury of East Texas LLC
Houston - Gillman Houston I-North Houston
Houston – Helfman Mahindra
Houston - River Oaks Chrysler Jeep
Katy - Auffenberg Group Inc
Laredo - Sames Automotive Inc
Lewisville - Sam Pack's Ford Country of Lewisville
Longview - Royal Imports
Lubbock - Jim Burns Automotive Group LP
McKinney - Hopper Motors
North Richardland Hills - Five Star Ford of Texas
Orange – Automart/Granger Chevrolet - Overland Adventures
San Angelo - Angelo Auto Partners, LLC
San Antonio - Lotus of San Antonio
San Antonio - Ancira-Winton Chevrolet, Inc
Selman - Gillman Houston-San Antonio
Sherman - Helfmen Ford Inc
Temple - Johnson Bros
Texarkana - Lovelis Enterprise
Tyler - Crown Motor Company
Tyler - Legacy Imports
Weatherford - South West Autoplex LLC
Utah
Murray - Tim Dahle Imports
Ogden - John Watson Chevrolet Inc
Provo - Brent Brown Mahindra
St. George - Painter's Sun Country Mahindra
Vermont
Virginia
Chesapeake – Cavalier Auto Group
Hampton - Tysinger Motor Co., Inc.
Harrisonburg – Mahindra of Harrisonburg
Norfolk – Cavalier Auto Group
Portsmouth – Cavalier Auto Group
Radford - Harvey Chevrolet Cadillac Buick
Salem (Roanoke)- Hart Motor Company
Suffolk – Beach Ford
Springfield (DC area) - Mike Pallone Chevrolet
Virginia Beach – Cavalier Auto Group
Washington
Bellevue - One World Armada of Bellevue
Bellingham - Wilson Motors
Renton - One World Armada of Renton
Spokane - Wendle Motors Inc
Tacoma - Tacoma Subaru
Vancouver - Hannah Motor Company
Wenatchee - Cascade Autocenter (Mahindra Northwest)
West Virginia
Huntington - Dutch Miller Chevrolet
Moorefield - Markwood
Oak Hill - Surface Chevrolet
Wisconsin
Abrams - Chrysler World
Appleton - Chuck Van Horn Dodge
Fond Du Lac - Van Horn Hyundai
Menonmonee Falls - Ernie Von Schledorn Inc
Muskego - E.J. Salentine Inc
Sheboygan - Sheboygan Chrysler Center
Wyoming
Lander - Fremont Motor Co.
Rock Springs - Wyoming Trucks & Cars Inc.
Ashland, Ohio Mahindra Dealer Added to Directory
We have added Aber’s Truck Center in Ashland, Ohio to the MahindraPlanet.com Dealer Directory. Aber’s Truck Center’s Amanda Kaser tells us:
“Aber's acquired the (Mahindra) franchise in the fall of 2009 and are anxiously awaiting the Mahindra product! We are a GMC wind down dealer who has been in business since the 1950's. We are family owned and operated and also have International medium-duty and Volvo heavy-duty franchises.”
MP welcomes Aber’s to the list!
New Dealer Directory Link!
We’ve been working on an updated (and expanded) post dedicated to US dealer listings. A dedicated Dealer Directory link is now on the upper right side column. The Dealer Directory page will be updated as we find more dealers.
“Aber's acquired the (Mahindra) franchise in the fall of 2009 and are anxiously awaiting the Mahindra product! We are a GMC wind down dealer who has been in business since the 1950's. We are family owned and operated and also have International medium-duty and Volvo heavy-duty franchises.”
MP welcomes Aber’s to the list!
New Dealer Directory Link!
We’ve been working on an updated (and expanded) post dedicated to US dealer listings. A dedicated Dealer Directory link is now on the upper right side column. The Dealer Directory page will be updated as we find more dealers.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Idaho Mahindra Dealer
Rumor is that Dennis Dillon Auto Park in Boise, Idaho is using the Mahindra logo in their television ads. MP loves rumors, so we’ll list them in the Dealer Directory until we can confirm if they are actually going to be handling Mahindra vehicles in the Boise area.
Thanks for the tip, Matt H.
Link: Dillon Auto Park
Thanks for the tip, Matt H.
Link: Dillon Auto Park
Monday, January 25, 2010
Mauro Motors Added to MP Dealer Directory
New Jersey dealer, Mauro Motors, has been added to the MahindraPlanet Dealer Directory. Tom Mauro Jr. tells us:
“My family was one of the Chrysler dealerships terminated last year. They are an establishment selling cars since 1929. They are currently selling used cars through Thrifty Car Sales. I just wanted to report that they will be selling Mahindra vehicles upon release.”
Mauro Motors does not currently have a website set up. They are located at 611 Amboy Ave., Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Mauro Motors may be contacted at 732-634-4100 or by email at MauroMtr@bellatlantic.net .
“My family was one of the Chrysler dealerships terminated last year. They are an establishment selling cars since 1929. They are currently selling used cars through Thrifty Car Sales. I just wanted to report that they will be selling Mahindra vehicles upon release.”
Mauro Motors does not currently have a website set up. They are located at 611 Amboy Ave., Woodbridge, NJ 07095. Mauro Motors may be contacted at 732-634-4100 or by email at MauroMtr@bellatlantic.net .
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Virginia Dealer: Mahindra of Harrisonburg
Mahindra Planet has added Mahindra of Harrisonburg to our Dealer Directory. Mahindra of Harrisonburg has the exclusive territory of 6 counties in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Mahindra of Harrisonburg will be the only Mahindra dealer within a 200-250 mile radius.
Mahindra of Harrisonburg’s Jeff Wetherell tells Mahindra Planet:
“Located in the Shenandoah Valley, the heart of Virginia, is Mahindra of Harrisonburg which is in the process of converting the current independent dealership there into a franchise. Currently operating as South Main Motors, Inc. with the website www.southmainmotors.com, we will soon be www.MahindraofHarrisonburg.com on the web when we go live after the first of the year.”
Mahindra Planet welcomes Mahindra of Harrisonburg.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Breaking: Mahindra Dealer Update Video!
UPDATE 24-DEC-2009: Unfortunately, not long after the Mahindra dealer video link leaked out, GV-USA disabled it. Probably the fastest movement by GV-USA we've ever seen. We have no idea why it was pulled, because Mahindra Planet feels this was a great piece of communication not only to the dealers, but to fans of the brand. Our summary is below, and we also recommend going to PickupTrucks.com for Mike Levine's post: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/12/mahindras-us-distributor-says-first-trucks-on-sale-by-spring.html More info as we get it...“I know this has been a test of your patience and also mine…” John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles USA Inc.
A link to a dealer video was submitted in our comments section today by an anonymous source. The link appears to be for dealer-eyes only, but it sure seems to go a long way in placating rabid Mahindra truck fans.
Here is the link: http://www.mahindrana.com/videoceodec2009.php
A few details of the video include:
- The vehicles will be here in the middle of spring.
- Dealers will be contacted directly by GV-USA on a weekly basis beginning in January
- GV-USA promises 24-hour turnaround on parts supply
- All US certification will be complete by the end of January
Source: Thank You, Anonymous!
A link to a dealer video was submitted in our comments section today by an anonymous source. The link appears to be for dealer-eyes only, but it sure seems to go a long way in placating rabid Mahindra truck fans.
Here is the link: http://www.mahindrana.com/videoceodec2009.php
A few details of the video include:
- The vehicles will be here in the middle of spring.
- Dealers will be contacted directly by GV-USA on a weekly basis beginning in January
- GV-USA promises 24-hour turnaround on parts supply
- All US certification will be complete by the end of January
Source: Thank You, Anonymous!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Mahindra Expects Final EPA and NHTSA Approval in First Quarter 2010
The Press of Atlantic City reports this morning in an interview with Global Vehicles Spokesman, Mike Geylin, that Mahindra pickups are being reviewed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Global Vehicles expects the TR20 and TR40 pickups to get final approval from both agencies in the first quarter of 2010.
The article also interviews future Mahindra truck dealer, Bill Kassner, owner of Chapman Ford. Chapman is currently expanding one of their dealerships to accommodate the brand. Mahindra vehicles will be featured at their Egg Harbor Township location, and possibly others.
You will find the complete article: Here
Source: PressofAtlanticCity.com
The article also interviews future Mahindra truck dealer, Bill Kassner, owner of Chapman Ford. Chapman is currently expanding one of their dealerships to accommodate the brand. Mahindra vehicles will be featured at their Egg Harbor Township location, and possibly others.
You will find the complete article: Here
Source: PressofAtlanticCity.com
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Summer of Discontent: An Open Letter to Mahindra and Global Vehicles
Several individuals have emailed us or left comments in past couple of weeks. First of all, we want to thank you for the great comments and support! However, it seems that many readers are very skeptical about Mahindra vehicles ever actually making it to US shores and we want to address this concern.
MahindraPlanet
First off, we want to be completely transparent: MahindraPlanet.com is a fan and news blog about Mahindra trucks. MahindraPlanet is NOT affiliated with Mahindra U.S.A, Inc., Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, or Global Vehicles U.S.A., Inc. The only vested interest we have is to satisfy our own personal fascination with Mahindra trucks and news about Mahindra in North America. We also hope that readers will support our advertisers and in turn, support the blog financially.
Secondly, we have our own reservations as well. Global Vehicles (GV) is the face of Mahindra on-road vehicles in the US. Global Vehicles is not responsive to requests from MahindraPlanet, or from individuals who have also contacted them directly. A bit baffling, since we would expect that GV and Mahindra would love to promote the brand and get information out there to build anticipation for Mahindra pickups and SUVs.
Mahindra Marketing
Mahindra has been very specific about creating a grassroots level advertising campaign for the TR20, TR40, and subsequent models. MahindraPlanet feels that this blog, other news sites, and great forums (like TractorByNet.com and ExpeditionPortal.com) are a huge asset to the promotion of Mahindra in the US and abroad. We are very curious as to why GV and Mahindra do not seem to utilize this media.
It is our opinion that Mahindra & Mahindra is very serious about entering the US vehicle market. They have clearly stated that they see the US becoming their top export market. Mahindra has also taken the time to submit a vehicle to JD Powers and Associates for feedback, to ensure a successful launch. We believe this dedication to providing a quality product is partially to blame for launch delays.
It is also our opinion that several dealers are very excited about the Mahindra product. MahindraNC and Mississippi Mahindra are clearly active in their early marketing efforts and maintain current websites with news, blogs, and information.
We have no doubt that Mahindra and the US dealer network are onboard. However, our reservations lie with Global Vehicles. News is slow and they are silent. We wonder why they aren’t clearly promoting Mahindra trucks, delays or not. We still don’t even know if TR20 and TR40 are actually the official names for these pickups. It seems that Mahindra is relying on GV (as importer and marketer) to be the voice of Mahindra trucks in the US, but they aren’t speaking.
Open Letter to Mahindra and Global Vehicles
In an internet age when secrets are hard to keep, Mahindra (through GV) seems to hold onto a lot of details that people really want to know (dealers, performance, pricing, etc.). The latest news suggests that the official launch will be in February of 2010. That’s only six months away. It seems to us that this is a great time to build some buzz for the brand. No Facebook, no MySpace, no Twitter… why?
Mahindra and Global Vehicles, if you are listening, understand that you have a lot of fans. Many of whom are already sold on Mahindra trucks. But please also understand that we are hungry for more information. Understand that if you treat us like part of the family, you will build brand loyalty before the first tire touches the road. If you remain a stoic and faceless entity, you will lose customers before you even have a product to sell. This is Web 2.0 Marketing 101, just look at what Mahindra USA does with their website.
MahindraPlanet encourages Mahindra, GV USA, and US dealers to engage this blog. MahindraPlanet also encourages Mahindra to engage other news sites and forums. Ask for our opinions (we do want manual transmissions!). Speak to us on a personal level and listen to us when we ask questions or make suggestions.
Mahindra, we hope you are listening.
MahindraPlanet
First off, we want to be completely transparent: MahindraPlanet.com is a fan and news blog about Mahindra trucks. MahindraPlanet is NOT affiliated with Mahindra U.S.A, Inc., Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, or Global Vehicles U.S.A., Inc. The only vested interest we have is to satisfy our own personal fascination with Mahindra trucks and news about Mahindra in North America. We also hope that readers will support our advertisers and in turn, support the blog financially.
Secondly, we have our own reservations as well. Global Vehicles (GV) is the face of Mahindra on-road vehicles in the US. Global Vehicles is not responsive to requests from MahindraPlanet, or from individuals who have also contacted them directly. A bit baffling, since we would expect that GV and Mahindra would love to promote the brand and get information out there to build anticipation for Mahindra pickups and SUVs.
Mahindra Marketing
Mahindra has been very specific about creating a grassroots level advertising campaign for the TR20, TR40, and subsequent models. MahindraPlanet feels that this blog, other news sites, and great forums (like TractorByNet.com and ExpeditionPortal.com) are a huge asset to the promotion of Mahindra in the US and abroad. We are very curious as to why GV and Mahindra do not seem to utilize this media.
It is our opinion that Mahindra & Mahindra is very serious about entering the US vehicle market. They have clearly stated that they see the US becoming their top export market. Mahindra has also taken the time to submit a vehicle to JD Powers and Associates for feedback, to ensure a successful launch. We believe this dedication to providing a quality product is partially to blame for launch delays.
It is also our opinion that several dealers are very excited about the Mahindra product. MahindraNC and Mississippi Mahindra are clearly active in their early marketing efforts and maintain current websites with news, blogs, and information.
We have no doubt that Mahindra and the US dealer network are onboard. However, our reservations lie with Global Vehicles. News is slow and they are silent. We wonder why they aren’t clearly promoting Mahindra trucks, delays or not. We still don’t even know if TR20 and TR40 are actually the official names for these pickups. It seems that Mahindra is relying on GV (as importer and marketer) to be the voice of Mahindra trucks in the US, but they aren’t speaking.
Open Letter to Mahindra and Global Vehicles
In an internet age when secrets are hard to keep, Mahindra (through GV) seems to hold onto a lot of details that people really want to know (dealers, performance, pricing, etc.). The latest news suggests that the official launch will be in February of 2010. That’s only six months away. It seems to us that this is a great time to build some buzz for the brand. No Facebook, no MySpace, no Twitter… why?
Mahindra and Global Vehicles, if you are listening, understand that you have a lot of fans. Many of whom are already sold on Mahindra trucks. But please also understand that we are hungry for more information. Understand that if you treat us like part of the family, you will build brand loyalty before the first tire touches the road. If you remain a stoic and faceless entity, you will lose customers before you even have a product to sell. This is Web 2.0 Marketing 101, just look at what Mahindra USA does with their website.
MahindraPlanet encourages Mahindra, GV USA, and US dealers to engage this blog. MahindraPlanet also encourages Mahindra to engage other news sites and forums. Ask for our opinions (we do want manual transmissions!). Speak to us on a personal level and listen to us when we ask questions or make suggestions.
Mahindra, we hope you are listening.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mahindra Truck Dealers: New Listing of North American Mahindra Truck Dealerships on MahindraPlanet!
We’ve added a new list of known (or unconfirmed) dealers who will be carrying Mahindra pickups (TR20 and TR40) and SUV’s (Scorpio) in North America entitled, The MahindraPlanet Dealer Directory. You can find a permanent link to this list at the top right corner of the side bar.
DFW Mahindra has had a very strong web presence for quite a while now. They are the only dealer we’ve found that has a dedicated website so far. Acton does have a ‘Coming Soon’ button for their Mahindra enterprise.
If you know of a dealer who will be carrying Mahindra pickups and SUV’s when they become available this fall, please contact MahindraPlanet and send us a link to their website or comment on this post.
If you are one of the 300+ known Mahindra dealers in the US, please also send us information on your dealership and a link to your website.
MahindraPlanet receives over 3000 unique visitors each month with 90% of that traffic coming from the United States. Utilize our SEO to promote your dealership for free!
MahindraPlanet gets bigger and drives more new traffic every month. We are continually improving the site and will be switching to an improved format in the near future. Now is a perfect time to start generating your web presence!
Contact MahindraPlanet via: christian.winfield@mahindraplanet.com
DFW Mahindra has had a very strong web presence for quite a while now. They are the only dealer we’ve found that has a dedicated website so far. Acton does have a ‘Coming Soon’ button for their Mahindra enterprise.
If you know of a dealer who will be carrying Mahindra pickups and SUV’s when they become available this fall, please contact MahindraPlanet and send us a link to their website or comment on this post.
If you are one of the 300+ known Mahindra dealers in the US, please also send us information on your dealership and a link to your website.
MahindraPlanet receives over 3000 unique visitors each month with 90% of that traffic coming from the United States. Utilize our SEO to promote your dealership for free!
MahindraPlanet gets bigger and drives more new traffic every month. We are continually improving the site and will be switching to an improved format in the near future. Now is a perfect time to start generating your web presence!
Contact MahindraPlanet via: christian.winfield@mahindraplanet.com
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