Mahindra

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
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.
 
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flyingwil

Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
yeah, looks like a very capable rig:
CHAMP-alfa.jpg



Although, I do like this one:
sksilvermount.gif


XD-3P F IDI Diesel
 

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
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.
 

Nullifier

Expedition Leader
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.
 

gary in ohio

Explorer
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

Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0018
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!
 

Nullifier

Expedition Leader
Martyn said:
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

Explorer
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.
 

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