The Auto Writer

As the auto world awaits the introduction of Mahindra passenger trucks to the US market courtesy of Global Vehicles, Inc. (GV) — the exclusive stateside distributor for the brand — we’re beginning to learn a few things about the Indian company and what consumers can expect from it going forward.

Mahindra Beats Tata To The US Market

Though Tata Motors seems to be getting the lion’s share of news thanks to its diminutive $2500 passenger car that went on sale in India last week, Mahindra & Mahindra is beating its national rival to the US market by at least a year. They’ll need that head start because the Nano is also expected to follow suit becoming perhaps the first of several models that Tata will ready for the US market.

Mahindra’s first model will differ drastically from the Tata Nano, a truck line designed to appeal to people who prize off-road versatility as well as high fuel mileage. Powered by a 2.2L I4 engine paired to a six speed transmission, the Mahindra truck (dubbed the TR20 and TR40 for two and four door configurations) should easily top 30 mpg which would make it the industry fuel economy leader from the very start. Electronic stability control, 2600-lb payload and air-conditioning are some of the amenities standard across the truck’s line.

Dealer Network In Place – SUV Next?

With 329 dealers in place across the US, GV will make sure that Mahindra offers formidable competition to current industry leaders which include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier as well as the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. But don’t expect GV to be satisfied with selling just pick up trucks as a sport/utility vehicle (SUV) model is rumored to be next up.

GV and Mahindra will closely gauge consumer reaction to Mahindra’s trucks which will be priced noticeably below what its competitors charge thanks to cheap Indian labor. Mahindra’s Scorpio SUV (pictured), is the next logical vehicle for GV to carry as it shares some of its components with the company’s pickup truck line. The Mahindra Bolero, a slightly larger, boxier SUV could also find its way to the US eventually.

In 2005, Mahindra and French automaker Renault formed Mahindra Renault, a joint venture which allows Mahindra to sell its first line of cars, the Logan sedan. Primarily a truck and tractor maker (Mahindra Tractors have been sold in the US directly by Mahindra since 1994), the Mahindra Renault Logan made its debut in India in 2007 and has been a strong performer for that market. Perhaps the Logan might find its way to the US market appearing in showrooms alongside other Mahindra products.

See Also – Mahindra Trucks’ Arrival Schedule For 4Q 2009