New Compact Pickups coming...

[Bugman]

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There may also be a truck version of the Transit Connect? I saw it somewhere online.

[Max465]

Originally Posted by howam00

Once one company is shown to be successful at this game everyone will jump back in full force. Its the nature of the beast.

Let’s see about who will really come out with a new product and when. I am skeptical. For now, I’m not thinking of GM (or Ford or Chrysler) as they’ve clearly steered away from investing in this space. The problem for the big OEMs is that it is hard to make money in compact pickups. The pricing is not very much different than entry level full size pickups. In fact, one can buy an F-150 at a lower cost than some Rangers. What we really need in this space is something that offers something truly different, like what Mahindra is trying to do with their diesel truck. Based on what I’ve read and heard, Mahindra’s 2 and 4-door trucks have everything going for them, from mileage to payload capacity, to be successful. And now that the company’s automotive division president has come out and said they’re coming Dec 2010 my official countdown has started.

[pee wee]

I think any of the bigs could come up with an affordable small truck, they just haven't thought the market wanted one very badly. Mahindra has many hurdles to clear if they are going to be successful here- new name, new infrastructure, new vehicle type (at least the details of it), and perceived value. That one- price, is a big one. Talk about being able to get an F150 for less, if these small trucks come here with a base price over $20,000 it will be an uphill battle to convince many people they are worth it. I hear the European market is more likely to drop big money on small cars, but we haven't shown much willingness to do that yet.

[howam00]

its an apples and oranges comparison but it all amounts to the buck, which offers a particular buyer more for his/her money. Some, like me will pay an equal amount for a more efficient, cleaner, compact truck versus a 1/2 ton with a big V-8 that while fun isn't terribly practical for daily use and only weekend warrior type work.

[mdcheif]

No thank you to any front wheel drive truck.

[Bugman]

Originally Posted by mdcheif

No thank you to any front wheel drive truck.

A front wheel drive truck could be a happy median for some people who don't need a 4x4 but need better traction in the snow.

[blue7.3]

A front wheel drive "truck" isn't a truck. It's a car.

[howam00]

Originally Posted by blue7.3

A front wheel drive "truck" isn't a truck. It's a car.

if it can tow like a truck & haul like a truck, its a truck regardless of how may wheels it has or which ones are powered.

[blue7.3]

[QUOTE=howam00;5950]if it can tow like a truck & haul like a truck, its a truck regardless of how may wheels it has or which ones are powered.[/QUOTE

Well, everyone's entitled to their opinion. But the majority of the world's truck makers would appear to disagree. Just an observation...

k/r
-pete

[howam00]

in that case it isn't a real truck unless it has 3 axels and 10 wheels since those can haul more than a wimpy ford or chevy product ever could.