The Auto Writer

All the news circulating about the Tata Nano is taking the focus off of another Indian brand, namely Mahindra & Mahindra. Mahindra USA already sells tractors in the states, but soon they’ll be selling pick up trucks, perhaps in 2009.

Left Lane News (LLN) spied a Mahindra pick up truck being driven around Detroit recently, a model LLN says was being tested by an unnamed U.S. automaker. I’m not sure if this is the exact model that Mahindra is now manufacturing in Turkey and planning to sell in Europe or another vehicle.

Regardless, Mahindra hopes to crack the US market, as judged by what a Mahindra official was recently quoted as saying:

“We are delighted to launch our international range of vehicles in Turkey which is of strategic importance to us with its vibrant and rapidly growing automobile market. With their unique combination of ruggedness, utility and style, Mahindra vehicles have carved a distinct niche for themselves in markets across the world including Italy, Spain, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, other South and Central American and Australian markets. I am sure that Turkey will be no exception. The ILCE Group, with its extensive dealer network and in-depth knowledge of the Turkish auto industry, will also contribute in large measure to our success,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

“The Mahindra Pik Up and the Mahindra Scorpio have been designed to meet the global customer’s demand for a stylish yet rugged vehicle at a value for money price. These vehicles have been successfully launched in various parts of the world including South Africa, Europe and several South and Central American markets. I am sure that we will corner a significant share of the automobile industry in Turkey as well.

I’m not so sure that anyone has much to be worried about with the new Mahindra pick up truck which reminds me of the Ford Ranger, but if it is priced right it could attract the Yugo crowd who have been longing for something thrifty ever since rumors of Chinese cars arriving were first aired several years ago.

Mahindra Pik-up photo copyright Mahindra & Mahindra.