Mahindra likely to launch Thar SUV in US market with a new name, different look and advanced features
Mahindra is gearing up to enter the Indian market and it is likely to launch a redesigned and rebadged version of Thar SUV there. The off-roader will be specially designed for the US market and it would be christened as Mahindra Thor following the name of the Norwegian mythological character. While the name sounds similar as the India-spec Thar, the US-spec model will be much more upmarket and loaded with advanced technologies keeping the demands of the buyers there.
Mahindra could locally assemble the car in USA, at its new assembly plant in Auburn Hills in Michigan that is scheduled to be inaugurated on 20th November. In that case, Thor is going to be the Indian auto major’s first vehicle to be launched in USA. Mahindra also reveals that this new SUV has been designed by its Detroit-based design centre.
Also read: Upcoming Mahindra Cars in India in 2017, 2018
The Mahindra Thor is expected to be powered by an engine borrowed from SsangYong Tivoli. It would get a 1.6-litre Euro-VI engine. Considering the fact that American buyers seek more comfort and upmarket features compared to the Indian customers, the Thor would certainly be equipped to cater the demand.
Apart from the Thor, Mahindra is also working on a Scorpio based pick-up truck for the US market and the brand has been boasting this plan for quite long time. Apart from that, there would be an UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) from Mahindra in US market. However, the brand is yet to publicly disclose its detail plans.
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Just a few weeks ago, Mahindra has tied up with American auto major Ford in order to explore the electric vehicle technologies. It would be interesting to see if the partnership spawns out some product in US market as well. However, there is no such confirmation from both sides so far and this is just a speculation.
Source: Autocar Pro