The Mahindra Group (www.mahindra.com), one of India’s largest industrial concerns, produces a comprehensive variety of cars and trucks, including a line of value-priced diesel-powered pickup trucks which, when they launch in the fourth quarter of 2009, will be first Indian-made motor vehicles to debut in the United States.
The first product line will feature two mid-size pickup trucks - two- and four-door versions - with standard six-speed automatic transmissions, air conditioning and similar state-of-the-art common-rail diesel technology as used by Mercedes-Benz and BMW. In addition to getting 20 to 40 percent better fuel mileage than comparable gasoline-powered vehicles, Mahindra trucks will provide greater carrying capacity, diesel durability and superior towing capabilities.
Global Vehicles U.S.A, Inc. (www.mahindrana.com) is the exclusive importer and distributor of Mahindra vehicles. Headquartered here, Global Vehicles is building a complete marketing/sales/service organization, including a dealer body which by early 2009 numbered more than 325, to support the launch and ongoing sales of Mahindra products in the U.S.
“We’re confident we’re coming to the market with the right product at the right time,” said John Perez, founder and CEO of Global Vehicles. “Mahindra vehicles promise superior quality, performance and reliability, along with outstanding fuel efficiency at an affordable price.
“These trucks, and the SUV we will bring in about a year later, have been redesigned and reengineered to appeal to U.S. consumers with features normally found on much more expensive vehicles.”
The company is planning to provide all vehicles with a four-year/60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty.
“The U.S. continues to be the world’s most important automotive market in terms of size, growth and opportunity,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, president of Mahindra’s Automotive Sector. “Mahindra’s entry into the U.S. auto market is a significant step not just for our company, but for India. We look forward to working with our importer, Global Vehicles, and its impressive dealer network to make Mahindra a U.S. success story.”
Over the past few years, Mahindra has methodically expanded its footprint beyond India. The growing demand for its vehicles and the need for local representation to better address foreign markets led to the establishment of Mahindra South Africa and Mahindra Europe (in Italy), as well as distributorships in other countries. In addition, Mahindra assembles its vehicles in Brazil, Egypt and Uruguay for the respective markets.
Additionally, the company recently signed joint ventures with Renault to produce vehicles for its domestic market and selected export ones.
Mahindra already has a successful venture in the United States. Mahindra U.S.A., Inc. was established in 1994 to produce and sell tractors in the American market. Mahindra is the number four seller of tractors in the U.S., attaining that position in 10 years and is the second largest tractor manufacturer in the world. Headquartered in Tomball, Texas, Mahindra U.S.A. has assembly and distribution warehouses in Houston, Calhoun, Ga. and Redbluff, Calif.
About The Mahindra Group
The U.S. $6.7 billion Mahindra Group is among the top 10 industrial houses in India. Mahindra is the market leader in multi-utility vehicles in India. It made a milestone entry into the passenger car segment with the Logan. Mahindra & Mahindra is the fourth-largest tractor brand in the world.
The Group has a leading presence in key sectors of the Indian economy, including the financial services, trade, retail and logistics, automotive components, after-market, information technology and infrastructure development. Mahindra has made an entry in the two-wheeler segment which will see the company emerge as a full-range player with a presence in almost every segment of the automobile industry.
Mahindra''s Farm Equipment Sector is the proud recipient of the Japan Quality Medal, the only tractor company to receive this honor. It also holds the distinction of being the only tractor company to win the Deming Prize. The U.S. based Reputation Institute recently ranked Mahindra among the top 10 Indian companies in its Global 200: The World''s Best Corporate Reputations list.
Mahindra is also one of the few Indian companies to receive an A+ GRI checked rating for its first Sustainability Report for the year 2007-08.
About Mahindra Automotive
The Mahindra Group’s Automotive Sector manufactures and markets utility and light commercial vehicles, including three-wheelers. It is the Indian market leader in utility vehicles with approximately 50 percent of the market.
Created in 1994 following an organizational restructuring, the Automotive Sector traces its roots to the post-World War II era, when brothers J.C. and K.C. Mahindra won contracts to assemble Willys Jeeps in India. The iconic Jeep, the vehicle which helped make the world safe for democracy, became the foundation of Mahindra’s automotive success.