288 American Dealers Sign Up To Sell Vehicles From India

A total of 288 U.S. dealers have signed up to sell two diesel SUVs and a pickup truck built by Indian auto maker Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd., according to importer Global Vehicles' CEO, John Perez.

The count approaches the 300 target set by Perez for March and has brought the Alpharetta, GA-based importer about $40 million in committed franchise purchase fees at the rate of $125,000 to $150,000 per agreement, Perez said.

Global is “on track” to start U.S. sales in 2009, says Perez, a former Atlanta Dodge dealer. Three more vehicles are being readied for the U.S. market in a 2011-2013 timeframe: a diesel crossover, a new diesel pickup and SUV on another platform.

Perez said that most of the first Mahindra dealers are dualed with other franchises and the importer is planning a separated Mahindra area inside such stores.

Already a tractor producer with a U.S. plant, Mahindra has submitted the first passenger vehicles to federal regulators for emissions and safety certification.