Mahindra Pickup On Track For Late Spring, Insists U.S. Distro
Despite some reports that the automaker might be lagging in its certification of its upcoming compact pickup model, the TR20 and TR40, the U.S. distributor for Mahindra reassures that U.S. plans are proceeding as planned.
"Timing stays the same," insisted Global Vehicles USA spokesman Mike Geylin, who said that the models are still set for a late spring on-sale date. Geylin confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that "EPA certification is in progress," but added that the application paperwork has not gone in because that's the last thing you do in the process. Global Vehicles has been reassured by the Mumbai-based automaker that it's all on time.
In December, the CEO of Global Vehicles said that the automaker had completed all testing and would be submitting its emissions-certification paperwork for approval by February. But as of late last month, the EPA had told PickupTrucks.com that Mahindra hasn't yet applied.
And regarding crash-testing? Look to the parent company, says Mahindra's U.S. importer. "We cannot say anything specific about crash testing," said Geylin. "Mahindra & Mahindra is responsible for this, except, according to M&M, everything is moving in a positive way."
Mahindra has delayed the introduction of its TR-Series pickups in the U.S. several times already, to adapt the models for the U.S. market with a number of small changes, including a redesigned hood and front- and rear-end styling (which might or might not be safety related).
Nissan Will Go It Alone On Titan Pickup Replacement
Before Chrysler was ever involved in alliance dealings with Fiat, the Auburn Hills-based automaker was already tied with Nissan over several platform swapping and production sharing deals.
One of these was to sell rebadged versions of the Ram pickup as a replacement for Nissan's own Titan, but last summer Chrysler decided to back out of the deal, making the future of the full-size Nissan pickup look bleak.
Then, last November, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn offered some solace by confirming that the Titan pickup would survive, with or without a partner. This was backed by earlier comments from Nissan's U.S. sales chief, Brian Carolin, who said that work on a replacement for the Titan was progressing and its final styling had already been signed off.
According to a new report, Nissan will keep building the current Titan at its Canton plant in Mississippi until a replacement vehicle can be fully developed. The information was revealed by Nissan spokesman Scott Vazin who told USA Today that the automaker was "pretty much going it alone" in developing a replacement for the Titan.
Currently, the Nissan Titan is performing poorly against strong competitors like the Ram pickup and GM's offerings. Nevertheless, launching a new Titan will almost certainly help Nissan in the long-term and perhaps allow it to pick up sales in 2011 when the new pickup is expected to hit dealerships.
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