Mahindra & Mahindra coming to the U.S.

[47ka]

Autoblog reports that Indian truck and SUV manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra is going to enter the U.S. auto market. M&M (yes, they actually abbreviate their name that way because in India they have Gems instead of M&M candies) already sells small tractors in the U.S.

 

I like the "pretty good products" phrase in the actual article. In my opinion, Mahindra could be successful in the U.S. if the fuel economy of their vehicles is substantially better than the competition, which may be likely with the turbodiesel. The interior quality is probably around where Hyundai used to be a few years ago when they started actually selling cars. If it's inexpensive and economical it could be a decent success. Besides, it would be a great tuner car because you'd be able to change everything yourself.

 

I'm excited, but that's probably mostly because I'm Indian and this is the best looking indigenous Indian SUV on the market (don't laugh too hard now). I hope they release a kickass truck so I have something to adore other than the now discontinued Legacy wagon (moment of silence).

 

http://www.mahindra.com/

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/02/indian-automaker-indeed-targeting-u-s/

http://www.mahindrausa.com/ (the tractors)

[godwhomismike]

they look skinny and tall. It won't be long after they come here that owners will accidentally be rolling over in them

[47ka]

they look skinny and tall. It won't be long after they come here that owners will accidentally be rolling over in them

 

Height to width ratios:

Scorpio - 1.09

Lexus GX470 - 1.01

4Runner Sport 0.95

Pathfinder 4x4 -1.00

MB G500 - 1.09

 

Higher ratio is worse.

 

Yes, I know this isn't going to be competing with the Lexus or Merc, but I put them in there as comparisons. I couldn't find info for the old ML class, but as far as I can tell there isn't a huge difference between the different vehicles. Besides, the car is damn agile as it has to navigate very narrow, congested streets - think three lanes of traffic in two marked lanes, along with a transient passing lane.

[BrownBoy]

That's awesome! I wish they would bring the Mahindra Jeep. Of course, it is based on the Willys Jeeps of old, and would probably have to answer to DaimlerChrysler's Jeep division. I remember driving several of my uncles' old Mahindra jeeps. Most of them were older than me. Mahindra makes a really good product for the Indian market, we'll have to see how they fare in the U.S.

[47ka]

I remember my dad telling me that when they were testing the Ford Ikon in India, they found that they had to reinforce the strut holding up the horn because the constant use led to its failure (http://media.ford.com/products/presskit_display.cfm?vehicle_id=41&press_subsection_id=419&make_id=92). Most likely they'll have to make some adjustments for the U.S. market as well.

 

I hope they bring the Bolero as a crew cab...would be pretty awesome. I wonder if Jeep will sue because of the seven spokes like they did with Hummer though. That would probably be a big deterrent to bringing the Mahindra Jeep to the States.