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New Mahindra Thar
- Thread starter shooter69
- Start date
shooter69
Expert Member
FiestaST
Honorary Master
I approve
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Ignition TV review of the Thar
[video=youtube_share;qDPAQnKsWpk]https://youtu.be/qDPAQnKsWpk[/video]
[video=youtube_share;qDPAQnKsWpk]https://youtu.be/qDPAQnKsWpk[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Found them! SA's five cheapest SUVs
Though it's SUVs from the upper echelons of the segment that enjoys more preference amongst South Africa’s car-buying public, lower down the price scales there are offerings that are gentler on the budget.
Fun for under R300k
For under R300 000, the new vehicle market offers a range of SUVs that are both affordable and versatile. And unlike the more expensive offerings, these SUVs you actually want to take off-road.
Sure, it may not have the luxury and refinement of more expensive offerings, but you can actually have a decent amount of fun in them.
The Mahindra Thar and Suzuki Jimny are two offerings that play the SUV game, but offer something more directed at chasing the mud. These two SUVs are the more impractical in this list, but has more personality than most SUVs in SA combined.
Nevertheless, here are our list of SA’s five most affordable SUVs:
1 Mahindra Thar - R219 995
The Thar is SA’s most affordable SUV, but it is pretty much one dimensional. But apart from that, here is an SUV that wants to get down and dirty on an off-road course. And just by looking at it you can’t help but tap into your adventurous side. If ever you needed an SUV for pure fun, this is it.
2 Mahindra TUV300 - R229 995
Unlike the Thar, the TUV300 is a lot more practical and family-orientated. It can easily transport seven passengers with ease, which is pretty alluring for a vehicle at this price.
3 Renault Duster - R239 900
The Duster is one of Renault SA’s stalwarts and every month a solid amount of this SUV find new owners. It has good ground clearance, room for five passengers and their luggage and a drivetrain that can go the distance. If peace of mind is what you’re after, your money won’t go to waste.
4 Suzuki Jimny - R256 900
If ever there was an underdog, the Jimny would be it! A formidable off-roader and often a first-choice vehicle for adventure seekers. The Jimny has been in SA for the best part of 10 years, but it lost none of the traits that made it a hit on the off-road course. Impractical, yes. But it is huge fun.
5 JMC Landwind - R289 880 (excludes special offer currently running)
Definitely one of the better looking SUVs in this list, the Landwind is a Chinese product offering a solid package. The Wheels24 team had it on test late in 2016 and felt that this SUV had enough going for it to warrant its position in the SA new vehicle market.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_and_4x4/Bakkie_and_SUV/found-them-sas-five-cheapest-suvs-20170519
Though it's SUVs from the upper echelons of the segment that enjoys more preference amongst South Africa’s car-buying public, lower down the price scales there are offerings that are gentler on the budget.
Fun for under R300k
For under R300 000, the new vehicle market offers a range of SUVs that are both affordable and versatile. And unlike the more expensive offerings, these SUVs you actually want to take off-road.
Sure, it may not have the luxury and refinement of more expensive offerings, but you can actually have a decent amount of fun in them.
The Mahindra Thar and Suzuki Jimny are two offerings that play the SUV game, but offer something more directed at chasing the mud. These two SUVs are the more impractical in this list, but has more personality than most SUVs in SA combined.
Nevertheless, here are our list of SA’s five most affordable SUVs:
1 Mahindra Thar - R219 995
The Thar is SA’s most affordable SUV, but it is pretty much one dimensional. But apart from that, here is an SUV that wants to get down and dirty on an off-road course. And just by looking at it you can’t help but tap into your adventurous side. If ever you needed an SUV for pure fun, this is it.
2 Mahindra TUV300 - R229 995
Unlike the Thar, the TUV300 is a lot more practical and family-orientated. It can easily transport seven passengers with ease, which is pretty alluring for a vehicle at this price.
3 Renault Duster - R239 900
The Duster is one of Renault SA’s stalwarts and every month a solid amount of this SUV find new owners. It has good ground clearance, room for five passengers and their luggage and a drivetrain that can go the distance. If peace of mind is what you’re after, your money won’t go to waste.
4 Suzuki Jimny - R256 900
If ever there was an underdog, the Jimny would be it! A formidable off-roader and often a first-choice vehicle for adventure seekers. The Jimny has been in SA for the best part of 10 years, but it lost none of the traits that made it a hit on the off-road course. Impractical, yes. But it is huge fun.
5 JMC Landwind - R289 880 (excludes special offer currently running)
Definitely one of the better looking SUVs in this list, the Landwind is a Chinese product offering a solid package. The Wheels24 team had it on test late in 2016 and felt that this SUV had enough going for it to warrant its position in the SA new vehicle market.
http://www.wheels24.co.za/OffRoad_and_4x4/Bakkie_and_SUV/found-them-sas-five-cheapest-suvs-20170519
crysis
Expert Member
Yeah, I wonder why....
FiestaST
Honorary Master
This Is Why Mahindra Can Build Tiny Jeeps
I was at the Detroit unveiling event of the Mahindra Roxor yesterday, and, like many people, I was pretty delighted with what I saw. I was delighted because the Roxor isn’t like the usual plastic-bodied side-by-side little off-roader; it’s a real... Jeep. There’s no other way to put it. The Roxor is an old-school Jeep. Which may lead you to wonder: how can Mahindra build a Jeep? Can’t only Jeep build Jeeps?
The question isn’t really quite as simple as that, of course. Really, the Roxor isn’t exactly a Jeep, it’s a (admittedly heavily modified) Mahindra Thar, which is, yes, a license-built Jeep. And that’s pretty much exactly why Mahindra can build the iconic Jeep without worry—they’ve had a license to do so since 1947.
Mahindra was one of the earliest—1947, remember—Jeep licensee, and has had agreements with every one of the many companies that have been stewards of the Jeep brand over history: Willys, Kaiser, American Motors, Renault, Chrysler, Daimler, the Cerberus group, and now Fiat. That’s insane.
It also means that technically, Mahindra has had the rights to the Jeep design for decades longer than the current owner, Fiat Chrysler, has.
The point of all this is to say, yes, Mahindra can damn well build a Jeep if they want to.
Now, it’s notable that the Roxor does not have Jeep’s jealously-guarded trademark seven-slot grille, even though the Thar in India and other markets uses it. That grille has become so iconic and associated with Jeep that it is now Jeep’s logo, even if, technically, that was a Ford design.
Jeep really, really doesn’t want anyone else using that seven-slot design in America, which is why Mahindra agreed, in 2009, to not use it for any possible American-market vehicles. That’s why the Roxor uses what Mahindra calls a ‘four-and-a-half’ slot grille.
It’s worth noting that Mahindra did not contact FCA/Jeep at all regarding their bringing over what is, essentially, a non-highway approved version of their most iconic car. To put this in some sort of perspective, it’d be sort of like if Nissan decided to use their long-dormant Austin license to build new, non-street legal original Minis. BMW, who now owns the Mini brand, could possibly find that troubling, right?
We reached out to see if FCA had any opinion on this, and they just told us “no comment.”
Mahindra admits that the response to the Roxor (and the response to their possible new Postal Truck) will be used to determine if a future in American road-legal vehicles is something that makes sense for them. This is a question that many of us who watch the Indian automotive market have been wondering about, and, personally, I’d love to see it happen.
Seeing all these brand-new Roxors was sort of an amazing thing. This is an incredibly honest and pure version of one of the most iconic cars in history—it’s arguably got more original Jeep DNA in it than Jeep’s own 2018 Wranglers do, after all.
One strange thing about all of this: much of the Roxor is built from CKD (completely knocked down) kits from India. That means the Jeep design has come full circle: originally, Mahindra was building Jeeps from CKD kits from America, and now America is building Jeeps from CKD kits from India.
Even if these things aren’t road legal and have no windshields and very stripped-down interiors, I can’t help but be excited that there’s, basically, a Thar in America. I found these to be incredibly capable off-road, and I can see Roxors being appealing to markets beyond the usual side-by-side ATV-type customers.
Could this be a good alternative to getting an original old Jeep to use just for off-roading? Could parts from a Roxor be used to resurrect a genuine old Jeep? I’m almost sure the aftermarket will come through to provide parts to turn these into highly capable off-road little monsters, which is an exciting thought.
I really wasn’t expecting this, but I’m thrilled to see it happen.
As far as I’m concerned, the more new-yet-highly-original versions of iconic cars available on the market, the better. Maybe Tata will take a hint and bring back a side-by-side that looks like an old E-Type, or we’ll get an ATV version of a Renault Dauphine from Nissan.
A man can dream, right?
https://jalopnik.com/this-is-why-mahindra-can-build-tiny-jeeps-1823472625
I was at the Detroit unveiling event of the Mahindra Roxor yesterday, and, like many people, I was pretty delighted with what I saw. I was delighted because the Roxor isn’t like the usual plastic-bodied side-by-side little off-roader; it’s a real... Jeep. There’s no other way to put it. The Roxor is an old-school Jeep. Which may lead you to wonder: how can Mahindra build a Jeep? Can’t only Jeep build Jeeps?
The question isn’t really quite as simple as that, of course. Really, the Roxor isn’t exactly a Jeep, it’s a (admittedly heavily modified) Mahindra Thar, which is, yes, a license-built Jeep. And that’s pretty much exactly why Mahindra can build the iconic Jeep without worry—they’ve had a license to do so since 1947.
Mahindra was one of the earliest—1947, remember—Jeep licensee, and has had agreements with every one of the many companies that have been stewards of the Jeep brand over history: Willys, Kaiser, American Motors, Renault, Chrysler, Daimler, the Cerberus group, and now Fiat. That’s insane.
It also means that technically, Mahindra has had the rights to the Jeep design for decades longer than the current owner, Fiat Chrysler, has.
The point of all this is to say, yes, Mahindra can damn well build a Jeep if they want to.
Now, it’s notable that the Roxor does not have Jeep’s jealously-guarded trademark seven-slot grille, even though the Thar in India and other markets uses it. That grille has become so iconic and associated with Jeep that it is now Jeep’s logo, even if, technically, that was a Ford design.
Jeep really, really doesn’t want anyone else using that seven-slot design in America, which is why Mahindra agreed, in 2009, to not use it for any possible American-market vehicles. That’s why the Roxor uses what Mahindra calls a ‘four-and-a-half’ slot grille.
It’s worth noting that Mahindra did not contact FCA/Jeep at all regarding their bringing over what is, essentially, a non-highway approved version of their most iconic car. To put this in some sort of perspective, it’d be sort of like if Nissan decided to use their long-dormant Austin license to build new, non-street legal original Minis. BMW, who now owns the Mini brand, could possibly find that troubling, right?
We reached out to see if FCA had any opinion on this, and they just told us “no comment.”
Mahindra admits that the response to the Roxor (and the response to their possible new Postal Truck) will be used to determine if a future in American road-legal vehicles is something that makes sense for them. This is a question that many of us who watch the Indian automotive market have been wondering about, and, personally, I’d love to see it happen.
Seeing all these brand-new Roxors was sort of an amazing thing. This is an incredibly honest and pure version of one of the most iconic cars in history—it’s arguably got more original Jeep DNA in it than Jeep’s own 2018 Wranglers do, after all.
One strange thing about all of this: much of the Roxor is built from CKD (completely knocked down) kits from India. That means the Jeep design has come full circle: originally, Mahindra was building Jeeps from CKD kits from America, and now America is building Jeeps from CKD kits from India.
Even if these things aren’t road legal and have no windshields and very stripped-down interiors, I can’t help but be excited that there’s, basically, a Thar in America. I found these to be incredibly capable off-road, and I can see Roxors being appealing to markets beyond the usual side-by-side ATV-type customers.
Could this be a good alternative to getting an original old Jeep to use just for off-roading? Could parts from a Roxor be used to resurrect a genuine old Jeep? I’m almost sure the aftermarket will come through to provide parts to turn these into highly capable off-road little monsters, which is an exciting thought.
I really wasn’t expecting this, but I’m thrilled to see it happen.
As far as I’m concerned, the more new-yet-highly-original versions of iconic cars available on the market, the better. Maybe Tata will take a hint and bring back a side-by-side that looks like an old E-Type, or we’ll get an ATV version of a Renault Dauphine from Nissan.
A man can dream, right?
https://jalopnik.com/this-is-why-mahindra-can-build-tiny-jeeps-1823472625
furpile
Expert Member
That looks very cool. Wonder how hard it will be for them to make it road legal? At least in SA or India, not the US.
AirWolf
Honorary Master
Add a windscreen would be a start.
shooter69
Expert Member
That is basically a stripped down Thar.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Off-road comparison: Mahindra Roxor (essentially a Thar) vs 1948 Willys CJ-2A Jeep - Jalopnik
[video=youtube_share;ITzj8r-95BU]https://youtu.be/ITzj8r-95BU[/video]
[video=youtube_share;ITzj8r-95BU]https://youtu.be/ITzj8r-95BU[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FCA makes official trade complaint to block Jeep-like Mahindra Roxor
“Boxy body shape with flat-appearing vertical sides and rear body ending at about the same height as the hood” are Jeep hallmarks, said Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ complaint
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has attempted to block Indian car maker Mahindra from importing its Roxor SUV to the US, claiming that it copies the design of the original Willys Jeep.
The Mahindra Roxor, a two-seat all-terrain vehicle with retro Jeep styling, isn’t permitted for use on US roads, and is instead classed as a Utility Task Vehicle.
Bloomberg reports that FCA's complaint to the US International Trade Commission alleges that the Roxor infringes upon Jeep’s “boxy body shape with flat-appearing vertical sides and rear body ending at about the same height as the hood”, and that the Indian brand’s selling of the Roxor in the US infringes on key characteristics of its cars.
“They are a nearly identical copy of the iconic Jeep design; in fact, the accused product was ‘modelled after the original Willys Jeep'." The 1377kg, 3759mm long, 1574mm wide Roxor is 480mm shorter and 303mm narrower than the smallest, two-door Wrangler and is nearer the size of the Suzuki Jimny.
The Roxor uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 62bhp and 144lb ft of torque - 63lb ft more than the current Jimny. These give the Roxor a top speed of 45mph.
The Roxor is priced from $14,999 (around £11,500) in the US - around half of what Jeep charges for the entry-level Wrangler. FCA cited Mahindra’s “substantial foreign manufacturing capacity, combined with its demonstrated intention to penetrate the US market and harm FCA’s goodwill and business”, as a reason for the complaint.
A Mahindra spokesman has been contacted for comment.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...ial-trade-complaint-block-jeep-mahindra-roxor
“Boxy body shape with flat-appearing vertical sides and rear body ending at about the same height as the hood” are Jeep hallmarks, said Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ complaint
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has attempted to block Indian car maker Mahindra from importing its Roxor SUV to the US, claiming that it copies the design of the original Willys Jeep.
The Mahindra Roxor, a two-seat all-terrain vehicle with retro Jeep styling, isn’t permitted for use on US roads, and is instead classed as a Utility Task Vehicle.
Bloomberg reports that FCA's complaint to the US International Trade Commission alleges that the Roxor infringes upon Jeep’s “boxy body shape with flat-appearing vertical sides and rear body ending at about the same height as the hood”, and that the Indian brand’s selling of the Roxor in the US infringes on key characteristics of its cars.
“They are a nearly identical copy of the iconic Jeep design; in fact, the accused product was ‘modelled after the original Willys Jeep'." The 1377kg, 3759mm long, 1574mm wide Roxor is 480mm shorter and 303mm narrower than the smallest, two-door Wrangler and is nearer the size of the Suzuki Jimny.
The Roxor uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine producing 62bhp and 144lb ft of torque - 63lb ft more than the current Jimny. These give the Roxor a top speed of 45mph.
The Roxor is priced from $14,999 (around £11,500) in the US - around half of what Jeep charges for the entry-level Wrangler. FCA cited Mahindra’s “substantial foreign manufacturing capacity, combined with its demonstrated intention to penetrate the US market and harm FCA’s goodwill and business”, as a reason for the complaint.
A Mahindra spokesman has been contacted for comment.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...ial-trade-complaint-block-jeep-mahindra-roxor
HAL 9000
Honorary Master
- Joined
- May 27, 2008
- Messages
- 21,883
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- 25,458
The new Mahindra Roxor seemed like the perfect off-road toy: side-by-side (SxS) four-wheeler modeled after the iconic Willys Jeep of World War II. Who wouldn’t want to play in the dirt in that?
Evidently, one group doesn’t want that for you: Fiat Chrysler, which now claims in a complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission that the Roxor infringes upon the intellectual property of its iconic brand, Jeep.
And it doesn’t want the Roxor sold or even advertised in America.
The complaint, filed Wednesday (and shown in full at the bottom of this article), claims that Mahindra has “engaged in unlawful acts...through their unlicensed importation, sale for importation, or sale after importation of... products that infringe and dilute FCA’s distinctive Jeep vehicle trade dress.”
FCA defines that trade dress as the following design features:
(i) A boxy body shape with flat appearing vertical side and rear body panels ending at about the same height as the hood;
(ii) Substantially flat hood with curved side edges that tapers to be narrower at the front;
(iii) Trapezoidal front wheel wells with front fenders or fender flares that extend beyond the front of the grille;
(iv) Flat appearing grille with vertical elongated grille slots and a trapezoidal outline that curves around round headlamps positioned on the upper part of the grille;
(v) Exterior hood latches;
(vi) Door cutouts above a bottom portion of the side body panels
FCA says Mahindra’s unapproved imitation of these features cause confusion and are likely to “deceive potential consumers and the public” about the connection between the Roxor and Jeep brand, going on to say that Mahindra marketing their Roxor as being “modeled” on the “Willys Jeep” isn’t helping with that confusion.
“Mahindra has no right to use the Jeep IP,” the complaint states, then continuing by saying FCA owns the full rights to Jeep intellectual property, and that it “has not granted a license to Mahindra to use the Jeep in any country, including the United States.”
The complaint goes on, discussing the nature of the agreements that Jeep has had with Mahindra—which got its start building Willys Jeeps under license in the 1940s—over the years:
FCA’s predecessors did have prior dealings with Mahindra India, granting Mahindra India limited contractual rights to manufacture and/or sell Jeep®-branded components and products in India beginning in the 1940s...
And none of those contracts at any time granted Mahindra India (or any other Mahindra entity) ownership rights over Jeep brand-related intellectual property.
Nor did any of these past agreements grant any rights to manufacture, sell, or advertise vehicles, such as the Accused Products, incorporating the Jeep IP in the United States.
FCA claims that Mahindra’s unauthorized use of Jeep design features is causing “great and irreparable substantial injury to FCA, the Jeep brand, the Jeep Trade Dress, and to the business and goodwill represented and protected by them.”
That damage is a result of Mahindra’s foreign cost advantages it gets by building the parts in India and shipping them to the U.S., and by being part of such a huge company with such enormous manufacturing capacity, FCA claims.
These could allow the Roxor to “undersell” the Jeep Wrangler.
According to the Italian-American company, some consumers looking to purchase an off-road vehicle may opt for the off-road-only side-by side instead of the significantly more modern, street-legal Jeep Wrangler.
For these many reasons, FCA wants to kill the Roxor entirely, emphasis mine:
“FCA seeks relief from the Commission in the form of a limited exclusion order, excluding from entry into the United States Accused Products that infringe the Jeep IP. FCA further seeks cease and desist orders halting Respondents from conducting any of the following activities in the United States: importing, selling, marketing, advertising, distributing, transferring, or soliciting U.S. agents or distributors for, vehicles that incorporate or display or are marketed or sold in connection with the Jeep IP or designs that are confusingly similar to the Jeep IP.”
Jalopnik reached out to Fiat Chrysler, who provided a statement similar to the paragraph above.
It reads:
FCA US is requesting that the International Trade Commission open an investigation of Mahindra’s intentional trade dress and trademark infringement of our Jeep brand related to the import, distribution and sale of the Roxor product in the U.S.
Specifically, we are requesting that the ITC issue an exclusion order to prohibit Mahindra from importing the infringing product into the U.S. We cannot comment further at this time as this matter is under review by the Commission.
Jalopnik also reached out to a Mahindra spokesperson, who was unaware of the complaint, and who told us “no comment” until he could reach out to the company’s legal team for a statement.
Update 12:36 p.m. ET: Though Mahindra’s spokesperson initially told Jalopnik he was unaware of the complaint, another Mahindra spokesperson says in an email that the company learned about the complaint yesterday, but that Mahindra had not yet been “served.”
Let’s hope this claim doesn’t throw a wrench into what should be one of the most fun off-roaders we’ve seen in a while.
The full complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission is posted at the bottom of the article link below; it’s worth reading.
Source: https://jalopnik.com/jeep-is-trying-to-keep-the-mahindra-roxor-from-going-on-1828080605
Evidently, one group doesn’t want that for you: Fiat Chrysler, which now claims in a complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission that the Roxor infringes upon the intellectual property of its iconic brand, Jeep.
And it doesn’t want the Roxor sold or even advertised in America.
The complaint, filed Wednesday (and shown in full at the bottom of this article), claims that Mahindra has “engaged in unlawful acts...through their unlicensed importation, sale for importation, or sale after importation of... products that infringe and dilute FCA’s distinctive Jeep vehicle trade dress.”
FCA defines that trade dress as the following design features:
(i) A boxy body shape with flat appearing vertical side and rear body panels ending at about the same height as the hood;
(ii) Substantially flat hood with curved side edges that tapers to be narrower at the front;
(iii) Trapezoidal front wheel wells with front fenders or fender flares that extend beyond the front of the grille;
(iv) Flat appearing grille with vertical elongated grille slots and a trapezoidal outline that curves around round headlamps positioned on the upper part of the grille;
(v) Exterior hood latches;
(vi) Door cutouts above a bottom portion of the side body panels
FCA says Mahindra’s unapproved imitation of these features cause confusion and are likely to “deceive potential consumers and the public” about the connection between the Roxor and Jeep brand, going on to say that Mahindra marketing their Roxor as being “modeled” on the “Willys Jeep” isn’t helping with that confusion.
“Mahindra has no right to use the Jeep IP,” the complaint states, then continuing by saying FCA owns the full rights to Jeep intellectual property, and that it “has not granted a license to Mahindra to use the Jeep in any country, including the United States.”
The complaint goes on, discussing the nature of the agreements that Jeep has had with Mahindra—which got its start building Willys Jeeps under license in the 1940s—over the years:
FCA’s predecessors did have prior dealings with Mahindra India, granting Mahindra India limited contractual rights to manufacture and/or sell Jeep®-branded components and products in India beginning in the 1940s...
And none of those contracts at any time granted Mahindra India (or any other Mahindra entity) ownership rights over Jeep brand-related intellectual property.
Nor did any of these past agreements grant any rights to manufacture, sell, or advertise vehicles, such as the Accused Products, incorporating the Jeep IP in the United States.
FCA claims that Mahindra’s unauthorized use of Jeep design features is causing “great and irreparable substantial injury to FCA, the Jeep brand, the Jeep Trade Dress, and to the business and goodwill represented and protected by them.”
That damage is a result of Mahindra’s foreign cost advantages it gets by building the parts in India and shipping them to the U.S., and by being part of such a huge company with such enormous manufacturing capacity, FCA claims.
These could allow the Roxor to “undersell” the Jeep Wrangler.
According to the Italian-American company, some consumers looking to purchase an off-road vehicle may opt for the off-road-only side-by side instead of the significantly more modern, street-legal Jeep Wrangler.
For these many reasons, FCA wants to kill the Roxor entirely, emphasis mine:
“FCA seeks relief from the Commission in the form of a limited exclusion order, excluding from entry into the United States Accused Products that infringe the Jeep IP. FCA further seeks cease and desist orders halting Respondents from conducting any of the following activities in the United States: importing, selling, marketing, advertising, distributing, transferring, or soliciting U.S. agents or distributors for, vehicles that incorporate or display or are marketed or sold in connection with the Jeep IP or designs that are confusingly similar to the Jeep IP.”
Jalopnik reached out to Fiat Chrysler, who provided a statement similar to the paragraph above.
It reads:
FCA US is requesting that the International Trade Commission open an investigation of Mahindra’s intentional trade dress and trademark infringement of our Jeep brand related to the import, distribution and sale of the Roxor product in the U.S.
Specifically, we are requesting that the ITC issue an exclusion order to prohibit Mahindra from importing the infringing product into the U.S. We cannot comment further at this time as this matter is under review by the Commission.
Jalopnik also reached out to a Mahindra spokesperson, who was unaware of the complaint, and who told us “no comment” until he could reach out to the company’s legal team for a statement.
Update 12:36 p.m. ET: Though Mahindra’s spokesperson initially told Jalopnik he was unaware of the complaint, another Mahindra spokesperson says in an email that the company learned about the complaint yesterday, but that Mahindra had not yet been “served.”
Let’s hope this claim doesn’t throw a wrench into what should be one of the most fun off-roaders we’ve seen in a while.
The full complaint to the U.S. International Trade Commission is posted at the bottom of the article link below; it’s worth reading.
Source: https://jalopnik.com/jeep-is-trying-to-keep-the-mahindra-roxor-from-going-on-1828080605
shooter69
Expert Member
SA car sales heroes - LINK
PS. added a new image since NEWS24 do not know what a Mahindra Thar looks like.
Mahindra sold more hardcore 'Jeeps' than Jeep
Jeep is currently mired in legal action to prevent Mahindra from exporting its Roxor to the American market. The argument is that the Indian imitation is too similar in nuance to previous generations of Jeep’s iconic Wrangler. In South Africa, we know the Roxor as a Mahindra Thar.
It’s quite cheap (R222 995) and not terribly sophisticated or pleasant to drive on-road but works a charm when you need to drive over the mountain and there is no road to do it on.
And South Africans appear to see a purpose for Mahindra’s Thar. In July, Mahindra moved 13 of them, as opposed to Jeep’s iconic Rubicon trail taming Wrangler, which only homed 11 new units locally.
PS. added a new image since NEWS24 do not know what a Mahindra Thar looks like.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Mahindra revitalises its Gauteng-based 4x4 Academy track
Mahindra South Africa has relaunched its 4x4 track in Pretoria, at the Leribisi Lodge.
Situated about 30 minutes away from Menlyn Mall, just off Garsfontein Road, it's now the ideal location to learn about your Mahindra off-roader in a controlled, yet challenging environment.
According to the company's 4x4 Academy spokesperson, Grizelda Goosen, you will not only learn how capable your Mahindra vehicle is, you'll also become more confident when 4x4-ing on your own.
"We have a variety of Mahindra 4x4 vehicles available for customers to drive and 10 obstacles around the course. We cover everything from wading, to driving up steep inclines, to traversing sharp rocks. There is enough to test your self-knowledge on driving and even to test the nerve levels a bit."
I spent a day out at the recently revamped 4x4 track to see what it's like and to drive around it for myself. Mahindra were kind enough to loan me a Scorpio S11 SUV (4x4 with low-range transfer case, but no diff-lock) to go exploring.
It's not a very long track, but it's quite a tight and challenging one, and the larger the SUV or 4x4, the more intricate you'll need to be behind the wheel.
A few of the dealers that were there on the day took Thar 4x4s out and because of its diminutive dimensions, it scampered away from the bakkies and SUVs on the course.
The Scorpio S11 I drove was fitted with Michelin LTX Force rubber, ideal for the sorts of conditions that 4x4-ing present. I stuck it in 4L, selected first gear and crawled toward the water crossing obstacle. I didn't think we were going to make it across, as I didn't believe the Scorpio had the ride height or enough grunt to grind through the muddy basin. Nevertheless, in 1st gear, slightly revving the engine to maintain momentum and keep the wave of water pushing forward ahead of the bonnet, we made it.
Chassis twisters came next, and again, in my head I knew this Scorpio won't have the suspension travel to negotiate the obstacle in front of me. Again, the car simply bounded up and down and in and out of the craters.
I did get stuck, no fault of the vehicle's, when trying to exit the chassis twister section, as I had let off the throttle and I lost too much momentum. A few rocking motions courtesy of selecting reverse ensured I was able to become unstuck quickly, though.
The rest of the course, the up-hills, the down-hills, the roll-over inclines, all proved challenging, but fun because there are people on hand to guide you around the place at all times. If you're feeling uncomfortable with an obstacle, get out, walk the challenge and talk to the instructor about what they think is the best way to tackle it.
One of the coolest new features of the revitalised Mahindra 4x4 Academy track at Lerebisi Lodge has to be it's weight-transfer obstacle where the vehicle is driven onto a ramp that see-saws as you approach the breakover point. Steady, straight and with a little faith, we made it across this challenge with no harm done to the car either.
If you'd like to experience the capabilities of Mahindra's 4x4 range of vehicles, give Grizelda Goosen a shout on 012 661 3161.
"We will take you on a walk around the course, then explain the vehicle and its systems and abilities, and then slowly take you through the course. You can choose to experience the Mahindra Thar, Scorpio S10 SUV and the Scorpio Pikup," she says.
For more information or to make a booking for the next course, email the Mahindra 4x4 Academy on [email protected].
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...-its-gauteng-based-4x4-academy-track-18418393
Mahindra South Africa has relaunched its 4x4 track in Pretoria, at the Leribisi Lodge.
Situated about 30 minutes away from Menlyn Mall, just off Garsfontein Road, it's now the ideal location to learn about your Mahindra off-roader in a controlled, yet challenging environment.
According to the company's 4x4 Academy spokesperson, Grizelda Goosen, you will not only learn how capable your Mahindra vehicle is, you'll also become more confident when 4x4-ing on your own.
"We have a variety of Mahindra 4x4 vehicles available for customers to drive and 10 obstacles around the course. We cover everything from wading, to driving up steep inclines, to traversing sharp rocks. There is enough to test your self-knowledge on driving and even to test the nerve levels a bit."
I spent a day out at the recently revamped 4x4 track to see what it's like and to drive around it for myself. Mahindra were kind enough to loan me a Scorpio S11 SUV (4x4 with low-range transfer case, but no diff-lock) to go exploring.
It's not a very long track, but it's quite a tight and challenging one, and the larger the SUV or 4x4, the more intricate you'll need to be behind the wheel.
A few of the dealers that were there on the day took Thar 4x4s out and because of its diminutive dimensions, it scampered away from the bakkies and SUVs on the course.
The Scorpio S11 I drove was fitted with Michelin LTX Force rubber, ideal for the sorts of conditions that 4x4-ing present. I stuck it in 4L, selected first gear and crawled toward the water crossing obstacle. I didn't think we were going to make it across, as I didn't believe the Scorpio had the ride height or enough grunt to grind through the muddy basin. Nevertheless, in 1st gear, slightly revving the engine to maintain momentum and keep the wave of water pushing forward ahead of the bonnet, we made it.
Chassis twisters came next, and again, in my head I knew this Scorpio won't have the suspension travel to negotiate the obstacle in front of me. Again, the car simply bounded up and down and in and out of the craters.
I did get stuck, no fault of the vehicle's, when trying to exit the chassis twister section, as I had let off the throttle and I lost too much momentum. A few rocking motions courtesy of selecting reverse ensured I was able to become unstuck quickly, though.
The rest of the course, the up-hills, the down-hills, the roll-over inclines, all proved challenging, but fun because there are people on hand to guide you around the place at all times. If you're feeling uncomfortable with an obstacle, get out, walk the challenge and talk to the instructor about what they think is the best way to tackle it.
One of the coolest new features of the revitalised Mahindra 4x4 Academy track at Lerebisi Lodge has to be it's weight-transfer obstacle where the vehicle is driven onto a ramp that see-saws as you approach the breakover point. Steady, straight and with a little faith, we made it across this challenge with no harm done to the car either.
If you'd like to experience the capabilities of Mahindra's 4x4 range of vehicles, give Grizelda Goosen a shout on 012 661 3161.
"We will take you on a walk around the course, then explain the vehicle and its systems and abilities, and then slowly take you through the course. You can choose to experience the Mahindra Thar, Scorpio S10 SUV and the Scorpio Pikup," she says.
For more information or to make a booking for the next course, email the Mahindra 4x4 Academy on [email protected].
https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indu...-its-gauteng-based-4x4-academy-track-18418393
joshuatree
Expert Member
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- Jul 2, 2012
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https://www.cartoq.com/mahindra-thar-upcoming-testing/
Upcoming Mahindra Thar seen testing in the mountains
Posted on February 6, 2019 by Shantonil Nag
Mahindra is getting the next-generation Thar ready, and there are numerous spy pictures of the vehicle testing under heavy camouflage. The latest pictures of the upcoming Mahindra Thar comes from the Himalayas, where the same vehicle can be seen testing on the rough roads. These pictures come from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh by Akash Abrol in 4X4 India group.
A few days ago, the all-new Mahindra Thar was caught testing in Zirakpur, Punjab and it was caught doing off-roading on video too. The all-new Thar is expected to be launched by the end of this year. It should be noted that the new Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assesment Program (BNVSAP) will be implemented in India on 1st October 2019 and the current version of the Thar will not pass the minimum safety requirement.
The all-new Thar will use the new Gen3 platform that underpins the vehicles like Mahindra Scorpio and the Mahindra TUV 300 in the Indian market. The new platform is expected to make the vehicle much more stable on the highways and will make it much more comfortable compared to the current version of the vehicle. However, the Gen3 platform does not offer as much articulation as the current version of the Thar, which will affect the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities. However, Mahindra engineers are expected to iron out these problems and make the all-new Thar as capable as possible.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will also come with an all-new engine. After the new BNVSAP rules, India will get the BS-VI emission norms in 2020. Mahindra is working on an all-new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that will power the new-age Mahindra vehicles in the Indian market. The all-new 2.0-litre engine is expected to produce around 140 Bhp and peak torque of around 300 Nm. The features like 4X4 drivetrain set-up with a low-ratio transfer case will be available with the all-new Thar too. Mahindra will also offer the same engine the upcoming all-new Scorpio and the all-new XUV 500in the Indian market. Even though the all-new engine has a lower displacement, it offers much more power and torque than the current 2.5-litre engine.
The heavily camouflaged all-new Thar seen in the pictures looks much wider and bigger than the current version of the Thar. However, the wheelbase looks similar to the current version. There is a possibility that Mahindra is testing the all-new engine and the chassis of the upcoming Thar under a modified phantom body. However, Mahindra is not expected to drastically change the looks of the upcoming Thar. It will get the same iconic design that attracts a lot of customers to the SUV.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will also get a lot of features. It is expected to get the front facing rear seats and a touch-screen infotainment system too. Mahindra will also add ABS+EBD, parking sensors and airbags to the all-new Thar to meet with the new norms. We do hope that Mahindra brings the barebone version of the Thar known as the Roxor, which is powered by the 2.5-litre DI engine and is available exclusively in the USA market. Even though it would not be road legal, it will be the first choice of many off-roading enthusiasts.
-----------------------------------------
The New Mahindra Thar might actually attract potential Suzuki Jimny buyers , and be an exciting new option in the market !
Let's hope for a hard top version this time around.
Upcoming Mahindra Thar seen testing in the mountains
Posted on February 6, 2019 by Shantonil Nag
Mahindra is getting the next-generation Thar ready, and there are numerous spy pictures of the vehicle testing under heavy camouflage. The latest pictures of the upcoming Mahindra Thar comes from the Himalayas, where the same vehicle can be seen testing on the rough roads. These pictures come from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh by Akash Abrol in 4X4 India group.
A few days ago, the all-new Mahindra Thar was caught testing in Zirakpur, Punjab and it was caught doing off-roading on video too. The all-new Thar is expected to be launched by the end of this year. It should be noted that the new Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assesment Program (BNVSAP) will be implemented in India on 1st October 2019 and the current version of the Thar will not pass the minimum safety requirement.
The all-new Thar will use the new Gen3 platform that underpins the vehicles like Mahindra Scorpio and the Mahindra TUV 300 in the Indian market. The new platform is expected to make the vehicle much more stable on the highways and will make it much more comfortable compared to the current version of the vehicle. However, the Gen3 platform does not offer as much articulation as the current version of the Thar, which will affect the vehicle’s off-roading capabilities. However, Mahindra engineers are expected to iron out these problems and make the all-new Thar as capable as possible.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will also come with an all-new engine. After the new BNVSAP rules, India will get the BS-VI emission norms in 2020. Mahindra is working on an all-new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that will power the new-age Mahindra vehicles in the Indian market. The all-new 2.0-litre engine is expected to produce around 140 Bhp and peak torque of around 300 Nm. The features like 4X4 drivetrain set-up with a low-ratio transfer case will be available with the all-new Thar too. Mahindra will also offer the same engine the upcoming all-new Scorpio and the all-new XUV 500in the Indian market. Even though the all-new engine has a lower displacement, it offers much more power and torque than the current 2.5-litre engine.
The heavily camouflaged all-new Thar seen in the pictures looks much wider and bigger than the current version of the Thar. However, the wheelbase looks similar to the current version. There is a possibility that Mahindra is testing the all-new engine and the chassis of the upcoming Thar under a modified phantom body. However, Mahindra is not expected to drastically change the looks of the upcoming Thar. It will get the same iconic design that attracts a lot of customers to the SUV.
The all-new Mahindra Thar will also get a lot of features. It is expected to get the front facing rear seats and a touch-screen infotainment system too. Mahindra will also add ABS+EBD, parking sensors and airbags to the all-new Thar to meet with the new norms. We do hope that Mahindra brings the barebone version of the Thar known as the Roxor, which is powered by the 2.5-litre DI engine and is available exclusively in the USA market. Even though it would not be road legal, it will be the first choice of many off-roading enthusiasts.
-----------------------------------------
The New Mahindra Thar might actually attract potential Suzuki Jimny buyers , and be an exciting new option in the market !
Let's hope for a hard top version this time around.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Mahindra Thar Adventure Series model hits SA
Mahindra South Africa has taken the wraps off its new Thar Adventure Series model, with the special edition equipped with what the Indian brand describes as “a host of off-road accessories”.
Priced at R293 999, the Thar Adventure Series is based on the standard 2,5 CRDe 4x4 SE derivative, but furthermore gains special off-road bumpers, a steel canopy, new alloy wheels and a snorkel. It is offered in three exterior colours: Rocky Beige, Red Rage or DSAT Silver.
Power comes from the brand’s 2,5-litre turbodiesel unit, which delivers an unchanged 78 kW and 247 N.m.
The new bumpers have been sourced from Bundu Gear, with the front item featuring upwardly slanting sides to expose more of the tyre surface and further improve on the Thar’s approach angle. It also features brightly coloured recovery points, a nudge bar and high-lift jack mounting points.
The Bundu Gear front bumper furthermore boasts LEDs and a mounting point for off-road accessories (such as a front tow bar or removable winch). Bundu Gear also supplies rock sliders that can be fitted to the Adventure Series at “an additional cost”. Round back, the steel bumper repeats the recovery points and jack mounts and adds an integrated tow bar.
In addition, Mahindra has fitted a steel canopy from Getec. The canopy and roof section above the front seats can be removed for an open-air driving experience, and Mahindra includes its standard canvas rear canopy as additional equipment.
While the A-line alloys are wrapped in the standard tyres, there’s also the option of Hankook Dynapro AT items should you desire improved off-road ability.
“The Thar is a firm favourite among Mahindra and off-road enthusiasts alike for its 70-year pedigree and no-frills focus on off-roading. With the Adventure Series, we have added the most popular Thar accessories at a discounted price to create a model that is sure to find favour with this group of fans,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra SA.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/new-mahindra-thar-adventure-series-model-hits-sa/
Mahindra South Africa has taken the wraps off its new Thar Adventure Series model, with the special edition equipped with what the Indian brand describes as “a host of off-road accessories”.
Priced at R293 999, the Thar Adventure Series is based on the standard 2,5 CRDe 4x4 SE derivative, but furthermore gains special off-road bumpers, a steel canopy, new alloy wheels and a snorkel. It is offered in three exterior colours: Rocky Beige, Red Rage or DSAT Silver.
Power comes from the brand’s 2,5-litre turbodiesel unit, which delivers an unchanged 78 kW and 247 N.m.
The new bumpers have been sourced from Bundu Gear, with the front item featuring upwardly slanting sides to expose more of the tyre surface and further improve on the Thar’s approach angle. It also features brightly coloured recovery points, a nudge bar and high-lift jack mounting points.
The Bundu Gear front bumper furthermore boasts LEDs and a mounting point for off-road accessories (such as a front tow bar or removable winch). Bundu Gear also supplies rock sliders that can be fitted to the Adventure Series at “an additional cost”. Round back, the steel bumper repeats the recovery points and jack mounts and adds an integrated tow bar.
In addition, Mahindra has fitted a steel canopy from Getec. The canopy and roof section above the front seats can be removed for an open-air driving experience, and Mahindra includes its standard canvas rear canopy as additional equipment.
While the A-line alloys are wrapped in the standard tyres, there’s also the option of Hankook Dynapro AT items should you desire improved off-road ability.
“The Thar is a firm favourite among Mahindra and off-road enthusiasts alike for its 70-year pedigree and no-frills focus on off-roading. With the Adventure Series, we have added the most popular Thar accessories at a discounted price to create a model that is sure to find favour with this group of fans,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra SA.
https://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-models/new-mahindra-thar-adventure-series-model-hits-sa/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Pricing of the standard model:
