Mahindra Granted EPA Certification for Pickup; U.S. Sales Expected to Follow
In what seems to be a never ending saga, it appears there might finally be some significant developments as it relates to Mahindra’s U.S. bound small pickup. According to some sources; the Environmental Protection Agency has finally given Mahindra the emissions certification required to sell its diesel engined TR series pickup Stateside for the 2011 model year.
It perhaps couldn’t come at a better time. Repeated delays over the vehicle’s launch date and mixed communications between Mahindra in India and it’s U.S. distributor Global Vehicles, have resulted in litigation proceedings being instigated, however with the EPA breakthrough, it looks like there might now be a ray of hope.
According to Max Butler, vice president of marketing with Global Vehicles USA, “we’re very excited about getting certification. Our dealers are excited as well. This is great news.”
Mahindra plans to offer the small truck in TR20 (two-door) and TR40 (crew cab) configurations. The trucks will be powered by a modified version of the ‘Hawk’ 2.2-liter in-line four-cylinder diesel, which will employ exhaust urea injection to help meet U.S. smog requirements. Estimates rate the pickup at a 1.3-ton hauling capacity and fuel mileage at close to 30 mpg. No word on official pricing yet, but it’s believed that when the trucks finally arrive, they will sticker in the $22,000 range.
[Source: Pickup trucks.com]
More by Huw Evans
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Finally! *begins plotting financial moves*
Looking forward to seeing a small diesel truck on the road. Not sure why Ford, GM, Toyota, Nissan wouldn't launch a small diesel first, we know they have the capability. Perhaps they just did not want to take the risk. It took a relatively unknown upstart from India to make this happen. I give them tons of credit and hope they do well.