Mahindra picks up a cab-chassis

Tie up the Kelpie, unlatch the gates and disconnect the electric fence -- here comes Mahindra's Pik-Up cab/chassis.

The Indian-built one-tonne-plus cab-chassis expands the Mahindra range of 2WD and 4WD dual and single-cab utility Pik-Up models introduced locally in 2007.

It uses the same five-speed manual and 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine developing 70kW and 247Nm of torque.

Also available with two or four-wheel drive and with the choice of single and dual-cab configurations, the Pik-Up cab-chassis can be configured in various ways including tipper trays, canopies and trade-specific trays with tool boxes and secure drawers.

The cab-chassis picks up Pik-Up upgrades that include an improved air-conditioning system, ventilated front disc brakes and more comfortable seat belts.

All Pik-Up models have a towing capacity of 2.5 tonnes and a one tonne-plus payload.

"Australian drivers use their utes in such varied ways that we needed to make the personalisation of the vehicle as easy as possible for our end user," according to Claire Tynan, CEO of Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAA).

"Mahindra Pik-Up customers will be able to purchase the basic cab chassis model at a very competitive price," she continued.

The recently formed Mahindra Automotive Australia is a joint venture between Indian auto manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra and Australian distributor TMI Pacific.

At the Pik-Up launch in June 2007, the Chairman of TMI Pacific and the Tynan Motor Group of companies, Michael Tynan, said the Pik-Up sales target for the first 12 months was 600 vehicles.

"The feedback we've had about the (Pik-Up) vehicle since its launch last year has been extremely positive, and drivers love it. The cab/chassis variant will only strengthen the Mahindra Pik-Up's position in the market as customers continue to look for cost effective solutions during this time," Claire Tynan said.

Currently, Mahindra Automotive Australia lists more than 20 dealers in rural and metro NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and is shortly due to announce South Australian outlets.