Indian 4x4 heading to New Zealand showrooms

author: FutureCar Staff    

As Mahindra prepares to enter the New Zealand market once again, the company is considering expanding its model line-up to include the Thar, a popular off-roading vehicle with a cult following. Interestingly, the Thar might also be offered as an electric vehicle.

The Thar has a rich history, originating from Mahindra's production of the Jeep Willys in the late 1940s. Today, both the Thar and its agricultural cousin, the Roxor, are still being produced in significant numbers.

Despite previous attempts to introduce the Thar in Australasia, legal challenges from Jeep's parent company, Stellantis, have prevented its entry due to its resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler.

Mahindra's automotive division president, Veejay Ram Nakra, did not comment on the Thar's status in Australasia during a recent roundtable discussion with New Zealand media. However, it is understood that Mahindra is eager to launch the Thar in New Zealand as a competitor to other rugged off-roaders like the Suzuki Jimny and the upcoming GWM Tank.

In 2021, Mahindra and Jeep clashed over the Thar's launch in Australia. Mahindra had expressed its intention to introduce the Thar in the country and even brought one in for testing. However, Stellantis filed a court case, leading Mahindra to confirm that it would not sell the current Thar in Australia. Stellantis expressed satisfaction with Mahindra's decision but required prior notice for any future Thar models in Australia.

Mahindra may be waiting for the next facelift of the Thar to differentiate its appearance from the Wrangler and potentially include full electrification.

Recently, Mahindra unveiled the Thar.e Electric Concept in South Africa, which features a different platform from its internal combustion engine counterpart. The design of the Thar.e is futuristic and distinct from the Wrangler, with unique grille, headlights, and tail lights. The electric version will have a dual-motor powertrain and four-wheel drive. Reports suggest that a production version of the Thar.e will be launched in India in late 2024 or early 2025, with a potential release in New Zealand around the same time.

The current Thar is available as a short-wheelbase two-door model with diesel and petrol engine options. Mahindra is also testing long-wheelbase five-door versions of the Thar to cater to a broader audience.

Jeep's legal battles with Stellantis in Australasia mirror similar disputes in the United States over the Roxor, which Jeep sells as a UTV. Stellantis has sued Mahindra multiple times over the Roxor's design, winning the case for the 2018 and 2019 models. However, Mahindra was allowed to produce and sell the 2020 and future models in North America, as ruled by the Eastern District Court of Michigan last month.

FutureCar Staff