Mahindra

[TACODOC]

Mahindra is set to begin importing a new SUV and compact pickup from the subcontinent sometime in 2008... I see some influences and their pedigree makes for interesting reading... anybody familiar with them?

:peepwall:

mahindra.com: Mahindra Sona Ltd. (http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/sectors/as_gatewaypage.htm)

[flyingwil]

yeah, looks like a very capable rig:
http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/pressreleases/CHAMP-alfa.jpg


Although, I do like this one:
http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/automotive/IMAGES/sksilvermount.gif

XD-3P F IDI Diesel

[TACODOC]

LOL!

Stop making fun of my wifes new 3-wheel SUV!!! :gunt:

[flyingwil]

LOL!

Stop making fun of my wifes new 3-wheel SUV!!! :gunt:


My bad didn't mean to offend Nori!:shakin:

[4Rescue]

alot of those appear to be old Jeep CJ's, both 5's 7's 8's and even 3B's!!! Odd little company.

this is just a Scrambler (CJ8) with a different hard cap on it.

http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/automotive/MM540DP.htm

and this couldn't be anything but a CJ3B...

http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/automotive/CL500-550%20MDI.HTM

[TACODOC]

This company's history is an interesting read IMO.

Jeep/Willys bloodline is here:

History 1947: October, first batch of seventy five Utility Vehicles (UVs) imported in CKD condition from Willys Overland Export Corporation.

1949:
Lease of 11071 Sq. yds at Mazagaon from British India Steam navigation. The first Willys Overland Jeep built in India at the Assembly Plant , Mazagaon, Bombay.

1954: Phased manufacture of Vehicles undertaken in collaboration with Kaiser Jeep Corporation and American Motors Corporation.

1962: Indigenous content of Jeep goes up to 70%. 137 acres of land purchased at Kandivli to centralise manufacturing operations.

1965: FC 150 Petrol Trucks introduced.

1967: Two wheel drive Utility Vehicles introduced. 101" wheel base and Metal Body UVs introduced. Indigenous content goes up by 97%.

1969: Export of vehicles started, export of total 1200 UVs together with spare parts to Yugoslavia. Exports also made to Ceylon, Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia.

1970: Contracts concluded to export of 3304 vehicles, mainly to Yugoslavia and Indonesia.

1971: Separate R&D section set up.

1974: Maximiller campaign launched to conserve fuel. CJ 4A introduced with new transmission and axle ratio. Collaboration agreement with Jeep corporation (subsidiary of AMC, Detroit).

1975: FC 260 Diesel light truck introduced. CJ 500 D Diesel introduced with MD 2350 Diesel Engine.

1979: Government of India approves in principle, the technical collaboration with Peugeot, France for the manufacture of XDP 4.90 Diesel Engine.

1981: Nasik Trucks Assembly Plant formally inaugurated. Peugeot Engine Assembly Plant at Ghatkopar inaugurated. NC 665 DP Mini Truck rolls out from Nasik Assembly Line.

1983: FJ 460 model introduced with 4 speed gear box. Engine plant at Igatpuri was formally inaugurated by Mr. Jean Boillot, President of Automobiles Peugeot of France for the manufacture of 25000 Peugeot and Petrol engines.

1985: New Mahindra Vehicle-MM 540 launched in Bombay. NC 640 DP with 4 speed gear box introduced. Mahindra MM 440 introduced.

1986: CJ 640 DP Vehicle introduced.

1987: MM 540 DP metal Body Wagonette introduced.

1988: M&M signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyderabad Allwyn Nissan Limited to form Mahindra Nissan Allwyn Ltd., as its associate company with LCV operations in Andhra Pradesh.

1989: CJ 340 DP model introduced. M&M and Peugeot announced their tie up for the manufacture of Peugeot 504 pick up truck, BA 10 gear boxes and latest XD 3 diesel engines. M&M acquired automotive pressing unit at Kanhe, from Guest Keen Williams Ltd.

1991: Introduction of CJ 500 DI model with MDI 2500 A direct injection diesel engines. M&M bags order to export 10000 CKD kits. Commander range of models: 650 DI, 750 DP/HT were launched with tremendous market response.

1993: Mahindra Armada launched. M&M was the only manufacturer to withstand the demand recession, with increasing sales.

1995: Mahindra Nissan Allwyn Ltd. (MNAL) merged with M&M and Zaheerabad LCV operations becoming part of Automotive Sector. FJ series of LCVs were shifted from Nasik to Zaheerabad.
Business Process Re-engineering Project initiated in the Division. Igatpuri Engine Plant received ISO 9002 certificate from TUV of Germany. Single Cab/Double Cab project was initiated.

1996: New LCV model Cabking DI 3150 & Mahindra Classic vehicles were launched.
New Commander 5 Door Hard Top was introduced.
The company was the first automobile manufacturer to get all the engine types approved for the new emission norms effective from 1st April, 96. IDAM (Integrated Design & Manufacturing) set up for designing entirely new vehicle with the help of internationally renowned consultants.

1997: Commercial production of Ford Escort commenced at Nasik Plant. License & Technical Assistance Agreement was signed with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for Manufacture of SL Body at Zaheerabad (Voyager with XD 3 and BA 10). Soft/Hard top versions of CL/MM 550, 8 seater Armada, Commander 650 DI with longer wheel base and MM 540/550 XDB models were introduced. Kandivli and Nasik plants received ISO 9002 certificate from RW-TUV.

1998: Die shop Inauguration at Nashik Plant 2-8/8/97.
Voyager launched by the Chairman at Zaheerabad Plant on 12/11/97.
Complete localisation of Cabking model at Zaheerabad plant.
Change over from 3-Speed to 4-Speed Transmission.
400 nos. Army order successfully executed at Kandivli Plant in Mar'98.

[Scott Brady]

Looks pretty good

http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/automotive/IMAGES/BOLEROs.JPG

AND "Available in attractive metallic colours "

[Nullifier]

This is the comapny that bought the crosslander vehicle. There is an article in Truck Trends this month on the rigs. In late 2K8 they will release the crosslander and 2 small pick ups. A reg cab witha 7.5' bed and a crew cab that supposedly sits a 6'3" in the back comfortably. All 3 share the same chassis and motors however the trucks will have a leaf sprung rear and the crosslander a coilspring with 5 link. All will have a torsion bar front and a diesel that outputs 180hp and 300lb of torque.

All crosslader sealers that have been waiting will be carrying the vehicles.

[ZooJunkie]

I guess you could make one of these into a nice expedition rig...

[Scott Brady]

This is an awesome development in my mind. The more diesel market pressure the better!

[gary in ohio]

They have made a lot of US inroads with there tractors. The ag equipment isnt a deere, but not Chinese junk either. You can see the Jeep roots in the Scoripo and commando. The Bolero however has some classic defender looks with a little bit of toyota LC mixed in . The Scoripo is planned for 2009 for the US.

[Martyn]

I checked them out when I was in South Africa and I also talked to a friend of mine who did a review on them for a South African magazine.

Basically the vehicle is not very good. Lots of problems with fit and finish with the body panels, and a noisy unreliable diesel engine.

Best described to me as a 4X4 for someone who cannot afford a Toyota. However they do look very good from a distance!

[gary in ohio]

Check out http://www.gv-usa.com/vehicle-info.php this will be the importer for Mahindra. They have some pix of vehicles coming in.

[Nullifier]

Basically the vehicle is not very good. Lots of problems with fit and finish with the body panels, and a noisy unreliable diesel engine.

I am under the impression that Mahindra is partnered with International and the trucks are running a 2.8L international powerstroke which is used extensively in South America By Ford. That is a solid motor so if tht is infact the engine they are running then I would not expect any reliability issues from the engine. I can not speak for the rest of it righ tnow. Mike Lokey just went up to meet Mahindra not to long ago and saw the newest verion of the Crosslander a month ago. I will get more info from him when I see him next.

[gary in ohio]

I believe the non US still do use international diesel engines but the new US Spec'ed vehicles wil be using a 4cyl Common Rail diesel to start and a diesel-electric hybrid version in the future. Depending on the price point these could be a good low cost 4x4 option. They also look pretty sharp as well.

[Incusus]

http://www.mahindraworld.com/mahindras/automotive/CL500-550%20MDI.HTM = Bad Request (Invalid Hostname)

Anyone have a working link?

[Martyn]

I am under the impression that Mahindra is partnered with International and the trucks are running a 2.8L international powerstroke which is used extensively in South America By Ford. That is a solid motor so if tht is infact the engine they are running then I would not expect any reliability issues from the engine. I can not speak for the rest of it righ tnow. Mike Lokey just went up to meet Mahindra not to long ago and saw the newest verion of the Crosslander a month ago. I will get more info from him when I see him next.

Yes I agree the 2.8L is a great motor fitted to this vehicle. I hope Mahindra have learnt from other importers and have a very high standard for fit, finish, reliability, driver comfort, road noise, etc.

The standard expected by buyers in the USA is considerably higher than most of the rest of the world. This standard does not seem to be compromised even for less expensive brands. It is something that Hyundai has learn over the years. I don't know if it has anything to do with their vehicles being assembled in the USA (Mahindra tractors are also assembled in the USA), or Hyundai engineering QC into their designs.

It would be very interesting if Mahindra offered the same 100,000 mile warranty that Hyundai offers.

[gary in ohio]

http://www.mahindra.com/ works.

[Doin_It]

In the July/07, "Road and Track" they have a little blurp on Mahindra . So I quote "the 2-door truck will have the longest and deepest bed in its class. Pricing.............should be around $20,000,......4-door version in the low $20s and SUV staring in the mid $20's. The dated styling may leave a lot to be desired, but consumers will appricate the fuel benefits of the diesel-ratings could be as high as 39mpg."

[taco2go]

This definitely an interesting development. Having grown up around Mahindra jeeps, I have to echo Martyn's earlier post- the fit, finish and reliability of these vehicles leaves a lot to be desired. Ours all had the peugeot diesels. (Mid Eighties), which were significantly underpowered, but adequate and simple enough for Himalayan roads. The older versions still use dynamos. I have vivid memories of sealing water pump leaks with tumeric powder from a roadside vendor.
The common rail diesel- this may definitely be the foot in the door for Mahindra. Wow- they are really coming Stateside.:lurk:

[taco2go]

For anyone interested in the Jeep-CJ similarities, Derek Redmond has website outlining some of the company's history along with some nice pictures. I was living in a nearby town when he was filming a documentary in Ladakh back in 1990.
http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/World/India2.html
Hope the link works

[taco2go]

Here's another set of pics
http://www.film.queensu.ca/CJ3B/World/India3.html

[dieselcruiserhead]

NY Times article I found about it from November...
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/17/business/worldbusiness/17auto.html?ex=1321419600&en=92d66a2f39bb3afd&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss


Indian S.U.V. Maker Plans to Enter United States Market

By SARITHA RAI
Published: November 17, 2006

BANGALORE, India, Nov. 16 — India’s leading sport utility maker plans to sell its S.U.V.’s and pickup trucks in the United States through an American distributor, bringing Indian-made vehicles to the United States for the first time.

“Half of the global sales in S.U.V.’s and pickups is in the United States and we want to capture at least a fraction of that to start with,” said Pawan Goenka, president of the automotive division of Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian manufacturer. The United States is the “ultimate market,” he said in a telephone interview from Mumbai.

Mahindra & Mahindra plans to sell its vehicles through Global Vehicles U.S.A., a distributor based in Alpharetta, Ga. Global would import the first group of the Indian vehicles in about a year and distribute them through a dealer network. The distributor said it had signed on 130 dealers so far and would add another 70 in the coming months.

“No Indian company has dared so far” to enter the United States market, Mr. Goenka said. He added that the deal was a sign of a newfound confidence among Indian auto companies in their quality standards and cost-competitiveness.

The deal comes at a time when global automakers are, conversely, beating a path to India to manufacture and sell a variety of models in an effort to tap the growing number of young, affluent Indians in a country of 1.1 billion.

Just last week, Mahindra & Mahindra announced a joint venture with Renault to build a plant in India with a capacity of 500,000 cars a year, starting in 2009.

In the United States, Mahindra plans to initially introduce a sport utility vehicle and a pickup. A diesel-electric hybrid version of the S.U.V. would follow. The hybrid, the first of its kind to be built in India, has just been developed.

Mahindra makes the top-selling S.U.V. in India and is in the process of upgrading it to meet the stringent safety and emission regulations in the United States, the company said.

It was not clear whether the S.U.V.’s and pickups that Mahindra planned to export to the United States would run on diesel fuel or gasoline. All major manufacturers of diesel passenger vehicles except Mercedes-Benz have withdrawn from the United States market because of difficulties in meeting stricter standards for the 2007 model year.

“As the market changes, we realize that even to stay on top of the Indian market, we need to be global players,” Mr. Goenka said.

Mahindra, the world’s fourth-largest maker of tractors, already sells tractors for farming use in the United States and has three local assembly plants there.

It is one of the smaller Indian automakers. It sold 150,000 vehicles in the year that ended in March.

Mahindra and other leading Indian automakers like Maruti Udyog, owned by Suzuki Motor of Japan, and Tata Motors have been exporting to South Asian and African markets and, recently, to Europe as well.

Indian automakers exported 171,286 passenger cars in the fiscal year that ended in March, up 6 percent from the previous year, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

The Indian auto industry, however, is rapidly becoming an important hub for producing and exporting auto components. According to the Automotive Component Manufacturers’ Association, a trade group, exports from India could reach $25 billion by 2015 from the current $1.8 billion.

Mahindra has joint ventures to sell its vehicles in South Africa and Europe, and a local distributor in Malaysia. It has manufacturing facilities in Uruguay, and will soon set up plants in Egypt and Russia.

[dieselcruiserhead]

Here is a link about the Scorpio SUV:
http://www.mahindrascorpio.com/

[The BN Guy]

Off thread but related...just saw a commercial the other night on the Mahindra tractor. Guess their pretty diverse.

[gary in ohio]

Mihnidra outside the US is a VERY large tractor company. They have had some success in the US with there compact tractors.

[dieselcruiserhead]

Off thread but related...just saw a commercial the other night on the Mahindra tractor. Guess their pretty diverse.

I saw that too.. Pretty good ad too.. Mahindra Tractors with a southern real working man accent.. Good marketing.. :)