Mahindra’s U.S. Launch Delayed Again

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3 1,810 views Aug 10, 2009

2009 Mahindra Pik Up

Enlarge Photo

India’s Mahindra & Mahindra is headed to the U.S. with hopes to sell more than 10,000 vehicles per annum once sales kick off at the end of the year. The company’s first model will be an imported diesel pickup truck and eventually Mahindra intends to assemble vehicles in the U.S. in a bid to avoid duties.

No final launch date has been set but Mahindra’s private U.S. distributor, Global Vehicles U.S.A. Inc., expects local sales to start in February 2010--about three months later than planned. The delay is because of some product changes, according to Global Vehicles U.S.A. Inc.’s senior vice president for sales Larry Daniel.

This is now the second launch delay for Mahindra’s local launch. Last year that target was pushed back six months to late 2009 to accommodate nearly 200 product changes recommended by U.S. vehicle consultants and retailers. Some of the latest changes planned include a redesigned hood and rear end and a new grille.

Mahindra’s first model will be a small pickup truck with a two-wheel-drive powertrain. Prices are expected to start at $22,000 for the basic two door model and go up to $27,000 for the range-topping four door with four-wheel-drive and leather trim.

Pictured above is Mahindra’s current Pik Up, a compact pickup truck available in both single and dual-cab configurations and either RWD or 4WD modes. A 2.5-liter common-rail turbodiesel with a modest output of 105 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque is the only engine option.

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