Mazda has already revealed that it is planning to scoop up some U.S. dealers left behind by Chrysler and General Motors, but Mazda won’t be the only automaker on the hunt for unused dealership space. India’s Mahindra & Mahindra is coming to the United States later this year and is already targeting some former Chrysler and GM dealerships.
Mahindra plans on setting up about 300 dealerships throughout the country, and excess Chrysler and GM dealers could help the Indian automaker to that goal. Mahindra has already signed up two former Chrysler dealers in the Detroit.
“One door closes, and another one opens,” Gus Russo, a former Chrysler - Jeep dealer, told the Detroit Free Press. “What really attracted me is that every engine they have is a clean-burning diesel. You can fill up in Detroit and drive to New York City before you have to fill up again.”
All of Mahindra’s U.S. offerings will feature a 2.2L diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic.
Mahindra will initially offer a small pickup truck, but will add an SUV to its lineup in the fall of 2010. Mahindra has yet to announce U.S. pricing, but the company’s truck and SUV are expected to list for about $15,000. Mahindra has set a 12 month sales goal of 45,000 units.
