Mahindra and Mahindra is the fourth largest auto manufacturer in India and already sells farm tractors in the U.S. But its plans to market two compact diesel pickup trucks in this country have been delayed several times, and their launch is now planned for December -- if a lawsuit doesn't get in the way.
The latest delay, for safety and emissions certification, caused Mahindra's agreement with its U.S. distributor, Global Vehicles to expire. Global Vehicles promptly filed suit to block any vehicle sales, charging that Mahindra had acted deliberately to void the agreement. Mahindra accused Global Vehicles of waging a negative public relations campaign and said it would be contacting dealers to make other distribution plans. Global Vehicles, meanwhile, is still referring to itself as the "exclusive Mahindra importer" and placed an order for $35 million of the trucks, which has so far gone unfilled.
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