<![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> as I stated in the comments of the prior blog post. There's no way that truck is close to being worth $40k no matter how much Mahindra wishes. My F250 cost roughly 40k originally (though I picked it up used) It has eight more cylinders, can seat 3 more adults, is a bigger truck overall, and probably tows and hauls more.

Judging by how much people love to loathe Indian tech support. I don't see this truck selling well unless it was dirt cheap. India just has a bad reputation in the US.

MrEvil

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @tekdemon: Excuse me, but I think you'll find that I did not post links to the crash test videos of Chinese cars; I merely commented on them.

Now my knowledge of Chinese cars is not what you'd call encyclopedic, but the Jiangling Landwind was first shown in Europe about two years ago. I appreciate that it's based on ten or twenty-year old technology, but to try to sell a car like that in a market where safety is a major consideration was ridiculous.

Meanwhile the Brilliance BS6 was first shown in Europe last year, if I'm not mistaken. It might not be at the forefront of Chinese automotive technology either, but the same applies. However, I understand that both companies are working on improving safety for European market models.

I'm also concerned about the crash-worthiness of these emerging Indian cars and trucks, but time will tell.

Regardless of all of this, I would still say that my original comment was valid; both cars appear to have less structural integrity than what is effectively a 40-year old car, although I'll acknowledge that the Volga crash test may not have been carried out to the same standards as the tests on the Landwind and BS6.

I'll also acknowledge that the BYD F3 shown in your first video (your second link didn't work) appears to fare very well, which is extremely promising for the future of the Chinese car industry. Again though, I'd ask if that test was carried out to the same standards as those on the Landwind and BS6?

Finally, just to illustrate that I was not criticising the Landwind and BS6 simply because they're Chinese, here's a video of the Rover 100 eating it in one of the earliest EuroNCAP crash tests: [www.youtube.com] Over two million of these were sold between 1980 and 1998 (a lot of them in the UK and the rest of Europe). Scary, eh?

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> But will it last a million miles on the road, like this truck? -
[news.yahoo.com]

LuciferV8

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> $20k+ for this thing? That's like the "Homer," a car designed by Homerhimself, and the asking price was $80k.

BMRFILE

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> "John Perez" sounds like a knock-off version of Jim Press.

rt4

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> why is everyone here not outraged at the ridiculous price? the base diesel (non-hybrid) is going to be 50% more expensive than a base tacoma! it gets about 33% more mileage, and that would appear to be the only plus point so far.
to make a comparison: if mahindra (or anyone else for that matter) said they were going to make a camry competitor in diesel that would get 33% more mpg but cost 50% more, it would get laughed out of here. hell, half of the posts from the meatheads say the exact same thing about the prius, and it's not close to being 50% more than the camry, but almost doubles the mileage.
(i drove vw diesel rabbit trucks for 4 years, so i have no agenda here other than common sense. i love small diesel trucks.)

camp6ell

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> This is a truck that could actually be used as a truck, instead of a manhood compensator. I like it. Get rid of those new chrome afflicted Ford light trucks, and give us a real work truck. With a medium displacement diesel. And stop trying to make the damn things bigger and bigger every year. It's getting annoying how thin the sheet metal on the boxes is too. I can put my fingers through 'em with one quick kungfu jab. Isn't there anybody out there who likes plain anymore? What the hell is wrong with vanilla? Jeebus!!

DoctorNine makes tires squeal in terror

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @tekdemon: Don't bother using logic, it's far easier to crack a cheap joke at those ChiCom Red Menace broken-Engrish Commie bastards than it is to ponder the other Chinese cars nobody ever hears about, or the fact that the most popular cars there are Buicks and VWs rather than homegrown. C'mon, whaddya expect?

bzr

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @BlazerUnit: Finishing my thought: For all we know, the Appy might turn out to be a BETTER Ford Ranger.

BlazerUnit

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @Mad_Science: You're right about drawing too many conclusions to the Ford Ranger. It hasn't been significantly updated since 1998, and the Mahindra Appalachian is already getting U.S. based refinements. For all we know, the Appy is a BETTER

BlazerUnit

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @Mad_Science: Stretch... heh heh...

Unevolved

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Where in Ohio?

RoninianHoon

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @danms6: Except the Ranger I-4 makes about half the torque at twice the RPM of a diesel.

I'll admit, the comparison's worthwhile, but to say a Ranger would be "superior in every single way" to this would be a bit of a stretch.

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @SundaySunday: COTD!!!

RoninianHoon

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @Euromobile:
Oh sure, pick on videos of old and crappy Chinese cars and ignore videos of newer and nicer Chinese cars from companies like Lifan or even BYD. Those crash test videos are on youtube as well, and they pass the EuroNCAP without any problems.
[www.youtube.com]
[www.youtube.com] Brilliance BS6)

Seriously, what is the point of posting crash tests of outdated vehicles from random Chinese car manufacturers? Older F-150's did awful in crash tests as well. Does that mean every American vehicle is a piece of crap?

There's literally dozens of car manufacturers in China. Just because you can post crappy crash videos doesn't mean every single car manufacturer in China makes cars that are equally unsafe. That kind of logic would mean that since VWs are unreliable, Porsches must also be unreliable since they're both German.

Anyways, it's pretty crap that they have the gall to trash talk Chinese vehicles as junk. It's not like Indian goods are known for their reliability.

tekdemon

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> This truck is also a 1.3 ton truck. That is more payload than many other trucks. This is greater payload than all variants of the F150 except the Heavy Duty. I would guess that this is cheaper than the Ford. This may be compelling for people that want an F150/F250 for simple hauling in a work truck but want it at a price more like an entry level fullsize.

SubyDrew

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @Mad_Science:
Your friend is a genius, when I called my bank a few months ago I talked to BLAKE (obviously in India) and I was just waiting for him to transfer me to his supervisor Crystal... Bad 80's tv shows are a great source of "American" names, just Ask Bo and Luke who work in Microsofts Customer Service...

crazygutgut

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I wouldnt drive a dodge if you paid me! I would be interested in a sub 10G truck, with a TURBO- diesel (My demands), 2 Buckets and a hose- out interior. 12G if it had a legit 4WD and transfer case. That with 30MPG?? Of course all of this depends on engine reliability... Being that they make tractors and the such, i would imagine the engine being stout, but... agricultural. As for the rest... roll up windows please, no electric or power anything either. Okay, maybe brakes and steering, but that is it!! It is the perfect platform for mods and the such. Cummings turbo diesel in the bed mated to a porsche awd system, and t-tops for the BRAT effect. I guess that is what this rant is all about... I want a new BRAT. The post 4:20 rant is now concluded.

boognish

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Guys, I'm telling you, they named it "Appalachian" because of Copeland's "Appalachian Spring Symphony"--any other reason would be nuts. Well, maybe the mountain range, since the Rockies are already pretty much marketed out.

I want mine with the blessing and I'll need some beads and trim around the windshield. But not the wooden rolling balls massage seat cover--one of the funniest split seconds in Men In Black, when the alien hijacks the cab but takes a moment to throw that POS out.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @danms6:
these guys are dreamin if anybody is buyin for over $10,000
with $20,000....
i'd buy a 5 year old dodge diesel first

wheels OF satan!

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @smokeydog001: How dare you leave out the Carolinas. Having lived there I will tell you (and your original post screwed this up too) the in-breeding there is higher than GA, but still lower than KY.

The thing is that people in these areas already know about the quality of Mahindra's product and have been impressed. The diesel is great because you're only running one fuel for all your equipment. As for the transmission, manuals on diesels suck ...

Littlebitsofpaper

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @skulldriveshaft: No, however there is more to a truck than its engine type.

Diesel fuel cost $.40 to $.50 more than 87 unleaded this morning. It may be more efficient than gasoline but the diesel buzzword only does so much for a vehicle.

While I do like the idea of the small diesel, having it cost twice the price of a truck already on the market that is superior in every single way other than mileage is just ridiculous.

danms6

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @smokeydog001: Thank you for clearing up these stereotypes. You know what they say, "Sheep are alright, but the pigs will squeal on you."

SubyDrew

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> My Bad
Make that "... backwards region of America."

smokeydog001

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @ BZR
That "backwoods part of America" runs from Maine to Georgia. However, inter-breeding only occurs normally in W.VA,VA,KY, TN & GA. The other states seem to prefer small domestic farm animals.

smokeydog001

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @danms6: any diesel version?

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @MngoJuce: something could be stopping them from making diesel motors, I can't come up with any other reason.

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @MngoJuce: It does, it's called the Ford Ranger. The 4-cyl with a 5-speed gets 21/26 mpg for around $13k. The Ranger is most likely far more reliable, probably has less emissions and looks a hell of a lot better too.

danms6

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> For some reason the picture makes me think that a Brabus tuned version will be coming. Just looks MB/Sprinter-ish to me...

pitchpitch Type-Я

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> ...and why does this not already exist in the States? We probably have the biggest truck fetish in the world.

MngoJuce

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Damn, and I just placed an order for my 2010 Chinese Junk XLT.

HansStuckJr

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @SubyDrew: Hey, I don't make the rules. As for me supposedly having illegitimate children, judging by your post, well you're the one from Appalachia so that's your problem! ;)

bzr

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Would a set of bullnutz hanging off the back of one of these babies be considered a religious object?

goatrope

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @SundaySunday: who hasn't sucker punched a daewoo?

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> what's not to like about this truck?

creates jobs locally, has reasonable value for $20k, uses diesel.

if they can deliver it, this will help the bottom line for many people.

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Yah, great styling. The grille looks like somebody sucker-punched a Daewoo.

SundaySunday

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> It's not Chinese Junk, it's Indian Junk. [Insert racist indian-chinese joke here]

philibuster

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @yellofury: Perhaps installing a set of truck nuts would suffice to bless this truck.

Hyman Decent

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @bzr: "named after a notoriously backwards region of America", As someone from Appalachia, I wish to say "screw you". I also want to point out that I am not related to BZR. ;)

SubyDrew

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> "I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A MAHINDRAAAAAAA..."

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Oh hell yes.

You gotta love the India Vs China trash-talking.

You also gotta love diesel.

Apparently, it's going to be bigger that "compact", though

"Mr. Perez says the truck's size is close to that of the current Toyota Tacoma, instead of being a 'true compact' pickup."

Bummer

Mad_Science

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> "If the supervisors made them use Indian names the circle would be complete."

A friend of mine was training Indian CSRs. I suggested naming some of them Biff, Chad, and Skippy.

"This is Skippy. How may I be helping you?"

thatguy01

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> A white guy with a Hispanic name selling an overpriced Indian-made pickup truck named after a notoriously backwards region of America who's insulting Chinese vehicles? This is what they really mean by diversity.

(*ducks*)

bzr

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @POLAR: No, just a book of Patanjili's sutras in the glove box.

pauln

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Yet another nail in the US Auto Industry. India, China, and soon (with the small Ford Transit) Turkey! We are going to have to start producing vehicles that everyone wants, and that means making it better than anyone else can, and not building to a price point. This is a great example of that. We should have been here first.

UDMan

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Will the cup holders be big enough for a Large Squishy?

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> A full 8' foot bed would be a lot smarter for the contractor/handyman market. Having left sheets of plywood in the intersection, I speak from experience.

pauln

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @icntdrv: That's scary. Did you check out the crash test videos for the Jiangling Landwind and the Brilliance BS6? The Landwind was supposed to be going on sale in Europe until it was deemed unsafe. I believe there are also plans to put the BS6 on sale in Europe.

Compare with this crash test video of the Volga 3110: [www.youtube.com]

It's still a brutal crash and the trajectory of the steering wheel is outright disturbing, yet the structure holds up far better than in the Chinese cars. Bear in mind that the Volga is a Russian shed that can trace its roots back to 1968.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> ugh.

1) it's overpriced for what appears to be a pretty bare-bones rig.

2) it's fugly.

3) automatic-only? for reals?

geeniusatwrok

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I heart me some Chinese junk:

lascauxcaveman

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I still wanna know if they will come with 24 hour roadside flying carpet assistance?

POLAЯMISSESEVEЯYBODY

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I just hope that these depreciate like the early Korean cars. I might actually buy one by 2012 or so, especially if I can get one with a manual trans. Even if they leave the auto market in a couple of years the tractor dealers should still be able to get parts.

P161911

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut: Actually what you propose is irony. What Ms. Morissette sings of in her song is in fact mostly misfortune or lack of preparedness. Still, the premise of your post is indeed lol funny and deserves consideration for COTD. Congratulations, and Godspeed.

JoSCh

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut: with a little genetic leftover from the Isuzu Pup.

Froggmann

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Just like a wrangler pickup.. but it isn't.. because they're actually making it.

@#*@$#*$ Chrysler Execs..

WheatKing

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> not bad. for fleet truck sales, this is an excellent idea.

hell, i drive an average of 300 miles a week for business, in a car (mazda 3) and only average about 28mpg because of the loads. give me a cheap diesel pickup, 4x4, and still 30 mpg and ill take one in a heart beat.

cyanics

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> [www.4x4offroads.com]
man this is kinda hot hot hot

yellofury * * * * *

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @AndyDuncan: Exactly.

As I mentioned in the previous thread, Mahindra has a great reputation in the US already...in farm equipment and tractors.

The Name's Ash78, Housewares

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> "Fully locking differential and integrated snorkel will help you ford up to 18" of flaming corpses and industrial waste"

The Name's Ash78, Housewares

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @allenparkpete: They already have a jingle for the "Appalachian State" edition. [www.youtube.com] "It's HOT, HOT, HOT!"

SubyDrew

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> It's smart to go after the professional market first, where hard numbers have a chance at trumping brand bigotry.

We'll see if it's as good as they claim, but a small diesel 4x2/4 pickup that gets over 30MPG and can take a beating? They could make a nice little niche for themselves.

AndyDuncan

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> (in Hindu dialect)hello my name is Mahindu how may I assist you?
yes is your Mahindra running?
okay ....is the key in the ignition?
okay.....has it been blessed by a priest and chocked by tangerines???

(all of the sudden hick accent)
well shoot man thars the problem!!!
go call my pal Ranjeev over at the BP and have him call
"Steve" he will bless your pickup
have a nice day...

yellofury * * * * *

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Interesting body line down the side,
I'm sure the pinstripe guys will love it...

htrodblder

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I wonder what the importer of those funky looking Chinese cars will be saying about this Indian junk.

Razor1973

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Looks vaguely like a chopped '70s Land Cruiser

The Name's Ash78, Housewares

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut:

I think this is better looking than the tacoma though.

I don't know how big of a market there really is for a standard cab-old school mini-truck. Particularly given that the labor assembling it is paid in USD, not USP (pennies) in India.

rlj676-new job, same problems

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Chinese Junk=Indian Junk.

It will be awhile before these two countries can build moderate to heavy machinery worth a damn. Stick with graments for now guys.

BMRFILE

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut: And that's a bad thing?

Man, anything that has a snowplow as a factory option is a winner in my book.

Unevolved

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Cars II: Muppet Babies Take Mahindra

General Halfshaftery

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut:
COTD nom!

Al Navarro

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @crazygutgut: If the supervisors made them use Indian names the circle would be complete. Do it!

Tomsk the red-nosed reindeer

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> @rlj676: it looks like a New Tacoma had a baby with an Old 80's Datsun pickup

crazygutgut

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> What? Chinese cars ARE junk. Have you seen the Chery crash test videos on YouTube? It is horrendous!
[www.youtube.com]

icntdrv

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> it still seems overpriced to me...

acarr260

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> So does that mean when some Indian fellow is upset with his Mahindra, he will have to call a customer service rep in Ohio? Im no Alanis Morriset, but I think thats what they call Irony...

crazygutgut

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> I would like the looks of this more if the whole thing looked old school. Instead, the cab looks like a 70's datsun and the front end a 90's Mazda B series. All square looking would be cool.

rlj676-new job, same problems

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> If they go with a hi-line edition called the Appalachian State, no one in Ann Arbor would buy one.

allenparkpete

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Bitch, they've been sailing chinese Junk rigs since the Han Dynasty! Wait, we're talking about cars ...

Brian B

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> Wow, I didn't know that the Mahindra logo looked so similar to the more recent Olds one. I doubt many others on the road will, either, any they may link the new product to a dead brand; and with this logo, it won't be excitement conjured up. Maybe with the old one...

Boter

]]> <![CDATA[Mahindra Appalachian Info Updated, Now with Smack Talk]]> So at least it has that going for it...

tony-e30

]]>