How should Mahindra market this truck?

[gnorthern]

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What should be the main ideas Mahindra push to market this truck?

After looking at posts on other sites I feel too many people do not understand this truck. I have read too many that basically say, "I will consider this truck only if they can get the price down to $14,000 to $16,000 like a Ranger." The MSRP of a Ranger like the TR20 that can tow 5000 pounds starts at about $23,000. That for a truck that gets 2/3 of the mpg of the Mahindra. This will be the first fuel efficient workhorse on the market.

I also feel nobody understands the green technology of the truck. The Germans lead the world in diesel technology, and I have full faith that a Bosch design will come through. Is it possible for Mahindra to go against the stereotypes of diesels, and do the people who would buy trucks really care?

I really want to see this truck suceed so that I can buy one in 2011 or it forces Ford or GM to come out with something better.

[koolhandlinc]

With the economy and the world changing. I think the truck should be marketed for being economical and tough.

I don't belive the rangers and an exact equal to compare it with. so I don't really believe ford, gm of chryselor have something that fits into the same market.

If it tows 6000 or 8000 look at who they will match up against. More what they will match up against.

I have had 2 F-150 with super cab and the heaviest haul package I could get with the 302 motor. I never got more that 15.5 miles to a gallon either. I am not a hot rodder any more and leave early taking it easy and trying to get good economy.

I don't drive the large trucks and went to a 4 cylinder so as to get economy but it won't haul like I want.

The idea of a 4 cylinder smaller engine that has torque because it should still carry a load and get economy is what I have been hoping for.

By the time this truck comes to market the economy will be getting more difficult.

The economy of operations and the heavy capacity should be the selling points.

Later they should offer an upgraded engine of maybe 2.5 liter of 3 liter size with similar turbo intercooled direct injected motor to up the capacity.

Push towards buiness owners who need to save money at all times yet still get the work done.

The old days of the tire smoking running 1oo mph and faster are over and the past.

[AsphaltCowboy]

I agree with yall, creating an efficient truck like Mahindra has proposed will force other small truck manufacturers to maybe come out with better pricing

and capabilities.

After all the Mahindra includes many things standard such as 4 wheel disc brakes (competition just has front disc/rear drum), along with 4 wheel ABS. And

a payload that up to par with full size pickups. I heard it would only offer a automatic as of right now but will probably add manual later.

I'd rather pay $23,000 for a much more capable truck than $16,000 for something like a ranger or tacoma. There both good trucks but I don't think they can

compete a truck with unbelievable fuel mileage,payload, along with other standard equipment.

The only thing that I am concerned about is the crash test ratings which Mahindra doesn't seem to be worried about annoucing.

[Cmans]

I feel it is self marketing.
If you break it down by manufacturer it kind of makes sense.
Ford-overseas they produce the 4 door turbo diesels, but not here because, Here the Ranger doesn't get the mileage, and since they scraped the 150 (4.4L) diesel, which would pull from their "Stroker" crowd.
Toyota-overseas they also have the 4 door turbo diesel, here the 4 door Tacoma doesn't get the mileage or hauling ability. Such a truck would take away from their Tundra sales.
The mahindra fits the smaller heavy hauler. If they saturate the market the slow moving big boys would stay on the sidelines.

[koolhandlinc]

For me the price is important. I can't easily swing 23,000.

For years Americans didn't want diesels. So the auto makers were giving what was selling. American car makers have tried small cars and diesels at different times but they sales were not there. Now things are changing. In the near future the market will just get better for these trucks.

For me the first factor is cost. Next is cost of operation. Next is capability.

If they keep the initial price low and have a good warranty they will sell like hot cakes!

[gnorthern]

[QUOTE=koolhandlinc;431]

For me the first factor is cost. Next is cost of operation. Next is capability.

QUOTE]

I see I am not typical since I will not replace my S-10 with another truck unless it is highly capable. I want towing, hauling and good gas mileage. And it better be dependable. Looks like my priorities are in opposite order.

[pee wee]

There are plenty of trucks in the American market already that can satisfy the wants for the plush ride, and an established aftermarket for bling to make a statement. I think Mahindra will have trouble competing against that segment of the market, and it would be a mistake to try. Where they have the buyers all to themselves is in the area of small, rugged, economical, green (although at over 4,000 lbs. there is room for improvement on that front) and powerful (we always want a little more power, maybe get rid of some weight to find it). Perhaps association with their tractors isn't a bad idea, although I don't live in tractor country and had not heard their name before. The man (how sexist of me, I should say person) who sees a truck as a tool and pays attention to how well the tool is suited for the job, will choose a truck like this when he doesn't need a larger vehicle. I think in a few years there will be a choice, this is Mahindra's chance to become established, and I hope they get it right with a vehicle that holds up.