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Mahindra receives EPA certification to sell diesel pickups in the U.S.

By Mike Levine, Pickuptrucks.com, Source: Cars.com

Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has received official certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allows its compact diesel pickups to be sold in the United States.

"The EPA just certified Mahindra," an EPA representative confirmed to PickupTrucks.com recently. "It's for their diesel pickup for the 2011 model year."

Emissions certification was one of largest hurdles facing Mahindra and its American distributor, Global Vehicles USA. It became a point of contention between the two companies after numerous delays launching the truck in the United States. Mahindra and GV USA are currently in litigation over the delays.

"We're very excited about getting certification," said Max Butler, vice president of marketing for Global Vehicles USA. "Our dealers are excited as well. This is great news."

Mahindra TR20 and TR40 pickups reportedly will be offered in two cab configurations: a two-door regular cab and a four-door crew cab. Both will use a slightly modified version of Mahindra's mHawk 2.2-liter inline-four-cylinder diesel engine that uses diesel exhaust fluid (urea) selective catalytic reduction to maintain emissions compliance. It's expected to have fuel economy ratings as high as 30 mpg and 1.3-ton hauling capability. Pricing is expected to start around $22,000.

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