Mahindra, the Indian automaker, is planning to introduce a 2.2-liter 4 cylinder diesel pickup in the USA in the summer of 2009. The engine numbers are not yet final but it is expected to produce 150 horsepower and 300 foot pounds of torque for 28 to 35 miles per gallon plus it will have a standard six-speed automatic transmission, a floor mounted console shifter, and steering wheel mounted paddles to manually shift the gearbox. It will be available in 2 and 4 wheel drive versions, plus have a U.S. exclusive interior that's been designed to American tastes (and sizes) by Michigan-based supplier Lear Corporation.
The truck will be a hauler with a 1.3-ton (2,600-lb) payload, and this is a mid sized pickup! It will come with a 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty covered through a network of 300 U.S. dealers, 24 of which will be standalone single brand Mahindra dealers. The truck will go through final assembly in Ohio to avoid the import tax on imported pickups. Prices will start around $22,000. This should create quite a lot of excitement in the pickup market.
If that wasn't enough, Mahindra is on track to introduce a diesel hybrid drivetrain in the U.S. in 2010 for 2 door and 4 door pickups plus their SUV.
Mahindra is imported by Global Vehicles USA
Link: Pickuptruck via Autoblog
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
the only thing that will be more unreliable would be a chinese version. also the price is way out of line you can by a gas pickup for 10k less and even at $4 a gallon you will never recoup the difference. these things will be around for as long as a YUGO remember them. if you buy one you better plan on loving it for ever,
You have obviously never owned a Mahindra tractor.
This should stir the US Auto industry. It’s about time we see the efficient trucks that roam the world in a practical package here in the US. Ford makes trucks like this in Europe already; heh Ford let’s import them now. I don’t care for the orange color scheme.