Mahindra Gears Up for U.S. Launch

Come December, Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. plans to have its pickup trucks on showroom floors in the U.S.

Last week Mahindra got the OK from the Environmental Protection Agency to sell its 2.2-liter, four-cylinder compact pickup truck in the U.S. The truck’s U.S. debut has been delayed since August 2009, when it failed to receive regulatory approval.

Mahindra plans to introduce its Scorpio utility vehicle in December 2011 and a new SUV with gas-electric hybrid option by 2013.

Meanwhile, Mahindra has announced intentions to buy a majority stake in bankrupt South Korean automaker Ssangyong Motor. Market analysts have pegged the deal’s price tag at more than $400 million.