AUBURN HILLS — Chrysler Group plans to offer more small-engine versions of its cars and trucks as its U.S. sales decline amid rising fuel prices, the unit’s chief executive officer said Friday.

The automaker plans two new models with standard four-cylinder engines by the end of 2006, CEO Tom LaSorda said in an interview at the unit’s headquarters in Auburn Hills. Chrysler has four such vehicles now. It also may add four-cylinder versions of models that now use only larger engines.

Chrysler’s sales declines have let Toyota Motor Corp. move past it in the past two months for the No. 3 rank in the U.S.

Toyota has benefited from a consumer shift to cars from sport-utility vehicles, minivans and pickup trucks as average gasoline prices stay near $3 a gallon. Chrysler, like U.S rivals General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co., depends more on light-truck sales than Asia-based automakers.

“We’ve seen a shift, and the industry has seen, from trucks into cars, and we haven’t been very good at talking about fuel economy,” said LaSorda, 51.

The automaker may also add a subcompact to compete with new models such as Toyota’s Yaris, LaSorda said. He didn’t give details of which vehicles that now offer only six- or eight-cylinder engines may get four-cylinder versions.

Chrysler’s U.S. sales fell 2.5 percent this year through May, after it was the only U.S.-based automaker to post annual increases in 2004 and 2005. It plans to introduce nine new models in this year’s second half and began meetings this week with U.S. dealers to outline a new marketing strategy.

Offering more small-engine vehicles is part of Chrysler’s efforts to boost sales without having to resort to more incentives such as rebates and discount loans.

LaSorda declined to give details of the new marketing strategy. It comes after Chrysler said this week that it would revamp its sales operations when Senior Vice President Gary Dilts and Vice President Raymond Fisher retire next month. Steven Landry, now head of DaimlerChrysler Canada, and Michael Manley will head the reorganized sales and field operations.

“We’ll come out in early July and surprise the marketplace,” LaSorda said. Asked if the strategy will include additional sales incentives, he said, “I wouldn’t see any major shifts in incentives between now and the end of the year.”

David Healy, a Burnham Securities analyst in Sierra Vista, Arizona, said he expects Chrysler to be the first to revive the employee-discount programs offered by U.S. automakers last year, or to provide no-interest financing on all cars and trucks.

“They may have to at least go with zero interest across the board,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of vehicles that have been on dealer lots a long time and they have to move them.”

Chrysler has used no-interest loans on some vehicles, as well as $1,000 cash for dealers on cars and trucks that have sat on their lots since before Dec. 31. The dealer program ends this month.

As much as 10 percent of the inventory on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers’ lots may be vehicles they’ve had since the end of 2005, according to David Lucas, an analyst at Autodata Corp. in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Sales of the four-cylinder Dodge Caliber small car, introduced in late February, doubled to 12,422 in May from March, its first full month on the market.

Chrysler in the second half is slated to add the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot small SUVs. Both have Chrysler’s new four-cylinder World Engine, made in a new joint-venture plant in Dundee that can make 840,000 engines a year.

* Breakthrough Jeep� vehicle conquers all-new territory
* Jeep Compass’ modern, urban design appeals to new Jeep buyers
* Interior features utility, flexibility and loads of cool innovations
* Value abounds with excellent fuel economy and long list of standard safety features

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jun 16, 2006 -

The Jeep� brand is expanding into new territory with the 2007 Jeep Compass � an all-new modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers fun, freedom, utility, excellent fuel efficiency and Jeep 4×4 capability at a terrific value. Jeep Compass combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup.

Compass is the first Jeep vehicle to offer fuel economy near 30 miles per gallon on the highway � fuel-economy numbers not often found on an SUV. Compass also will be the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics. And with Compass’ starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $15,985 (including a $560 destination charge), the Jeep brand continues to grow by offering an affordable, modern-styled compact SUV designed to bring new customers to the brand.

“With Compass, Jeep continues to expand globally by offering a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and affordably priced Jeep vehicle designed to reach youthful customers who may not have previously considered the brand,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President � Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Compass is a new type of Jeep vehicle for non-traditional Jeep buyers. It allows the brand to compete in the fast-growing compact SUV segment, where there is increasing market demand for fuel economy, ride comfort and efficient packaging in an SUV.”

Jeep Compass contributes to the Jeep brand’s global lineup expansion to seven SUVs, including the Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Jeep Cherokee outside North America), Jeep Patriot, the legendary Jeep Wrangler and the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door.

The newest Jeep will be available in both Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available in the United States with front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive capability and will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the third quarter of 2006. Four-wheel-drive models will begin to arrive in volume markets outside North America in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Conquering New Territory
Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2005 calendar year was 368,000 units, up from 297,000 units in 2004. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to approximately 600,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to more than 814,000 units by 2016.

With the all-new Jeep Compass, Jeep is targeting single or recently married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, who are independent and family-oriented. These U.S. buyers skew female and earn a median income of $60,000. Fifty percent are college educated. Upscale, fashionable and refined items fit their lifestyle. They want a sophisticated and modern vehicle that allows them to break from the routine, and Jeep Compass is designed and engineered to exceed their needs.

A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep Styling
Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered it.

“Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President � Design. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep vehicle that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name.”

Compass features the Jeep brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia, gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance. The Jeep Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms, delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass’ dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

Jeep Utility Built Inside and Out
Jeep Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has 39.4 inches of rear seat leg room, 53.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

* Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
* Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on standard radio
* Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
* Sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
* Available 115-volt outlet in the center console that can power small electronics
* Available fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for versatility
* Flexible 60/40 fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
* UltraFloor� durable vinyl load floor that is both removable and washable
* YES Essentials� seat fabric � an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration
* Available navigation system that uses Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite technology to offer turn-by-turn route guidance with voice instruction, automatic re-route calculation and enough memory to store 100 addresses (late availability)

Jeep 4×4 Capability and Safety
Jeep Compass is the first Jeep vehicle available with both a standard front-wheel-drive system and an available four-wheel-drive system called Freedom Drive I.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

Jeep Compass also demonstrates that capability and safety go hand in hand. Standard safety features on all Compass models include:

* Side-curtain air bags
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
* Brake Assist
* Electronic Roll Mitigation
* Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with rough-road detection
* Brake Traction Control

Compass’ standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide an excellent 60�0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 127 ft.

Jeep Compass features standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-season touring tires. Available all-terrain outlined white letter (OWL) tires also are available and contribute to Compass’ 8.4 inches of ground clearance, a 20.6-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. The Jeep Compass Limited model features standard 18-inch aluminum wheels and all-season performance tires. An 18-inch aluminum chrome-clad wheel also is available as an option on the Jeep Compass Limited.

World-class Engineering
The 2007 Jeep Compass’ powertrain delivers world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

Compass features a standard 172 horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. Dual VVT is a technology not typically available on vehicles sold in the United States in the Compass’ price class.

Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available AutoStick� feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 � 8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle.

A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will be available in key diesel markets outside North America.

2007 Jeep Compass Production
Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass began in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172 horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Jeep Compass is built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.

Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand’s 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. In 2006, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide versatile, innovative four-wheel-drive vehicles with the introduction of the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep brand vehicle sales increased 12 percent in the United States in 2005 to 476,532 units (their highest total since 2000) compared with 2004 sales of 427,329 units.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)
The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. By optimizing the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

Just when you think it’s going to be tough to find an interesting article for the day, POW!… one drops right into your lap.

Courtesy of the folks over at www.greencarcongress.com, this in-depth look at the 3.0 CRD diesel engine from DC is worth reading.

A new 3.0-liter turbo Common Rail Diesel (CRD) will make its debut in the recently announced 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee next year.

A Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT) with electrically adjustable blades acts like a small turbocharger under launch conditions, but has the desirable characteristics of a larger turbocharger at higher engine speeds. The benefit to customers is enhanced response at low engine speeds.

SPECS

3.0 CRD Engine
6-cylinder, 72� V
Displacement - 2.985 L
Bore x stroke - 83 x 92 mm
Compression ratio - 18:1
Power - 218 hp (160 kW)
Torque - 377 ft/lbs (510 Nm)

Can’t wait to see one of these with a tuning box!

Great road test by a fellow Canadian on the 2006 Liberty diesel.

Here’s a bit fo the road test - you can read the full test after the jump where it was originally posted.

I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that bumper sticker or windshield banner which reads “It’s a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand.” on the back of a muddy old TJ. I don’t own a Jeep, it’s been a while since I’ve ever driven one, and no, you bunch of mud slinging maniacs, I don’t understand. That being said, I spent some time trying to figure it out, meaning among other things, getting really dirty. Here’s my story.

The Liberty CRD annihilated the trails I bring SUV testers to. It proved, without any doubt, that if you want to tackle challenging terrain, all wheel drive probably isn’t going to cut it. The last AWD I tried back on these trails (I wont tell you what it was) proved to be a nice warm place to wait for assistance to show up and push, because I simply could not Escape without having the control of a locking center differential. Another important bit of off-road hardware is…

Full road test here.

OK, to be fair, it’s a bit more than “a Jeep Jamboree”. The Land Rover Experience happens at select locations and at select times during the year. They are 100% first-class events with 5-star accomodations and dining - hell, this one took place at the Biltmore Estate - hardly a tent in a field…

The guys over at Autoblog in the UK were lucky enough to snag an invite and are running a multi-part story. Here’s the teaser - more after you jump to them…

Over the last few years, the concept of ‘brand building’ has driven itself to the top of the list as arguably the key to automotive marketing and advertising. As such, driving schools have come to the fore among premium brands as favored tools in automakers’ effort to build brand loyalty, exclusivity, and that crazy little thing called ‘buzz.’

Sadly, as the evening was already drawing close upon us, mucking about in Britain’s finest off-road togs wasn’t on the menu for the day, so we repaired to the adjacent winery for a brief tasting before heading to dinner. Given its majestic surroundings, it’s understandable that…

Full story here at Autoblog

Reported on the newswire today is that federal regulators are pushing for a probe into unintended acceleration issues with some Grand Cherokees. Naturally DC counters with the idea this is driver error.

Now, if we look at the actual demographic of those who buy new Grand Cherokees we’ll see they’re usually older and affluent. I don’t know about you, but I see far too many of the “older & affluent” set doing completely stupid things while driving their Mercedes, Cadillacs and other high-dollar, big vehicles. Not much of a stretch to think that Pops hit the gas too hard when nudging up and over that little hump leaving the car wash…

Worse, if this happened to you and someone died, what would YOU say happened? A vehicle fault, or your own fault?

Connecticut urged federal regulators to probe possible acceleration flaws in late-model Chrysler Jeep Grand Cherokees after a 52-year-old man was run over and killed by one in a car wash.

Chrysler, a unit of DaimlerChrysler, said such incidents are usually caused by driver error, specifically by drivers who believe they are applying the brakes when they are actually pressing the accelerator.

More here…

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and State Rep. Patricia Widlitz, D-Guilford, today called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to investigate sudden acceleration problems with late-model Jeep Grand Cherokees.

Newman, owner of Connecticut Car Care in Milford, said, “I have been operating multiple car wash locations for almost 20 years. Over that period of time and the few million or so cars washed, I have had only four sudden acceleration incidents and all four of these incidents involved Jeep Grand Cherokees. It is a statistical impossibility. I know many other car wash operators who can make the exact same claim.”

Man, it seems when the rug is lifted, all kinds fo crap can be seen under there.

Jeep is now recalling some Grand Cherokees because of a defective fan blade it seems - read on…

Jeep Grand Cherokees recalled for fan blades

DaimlerChrysler AG said Tuesday it was recalling 131,500 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles because the plastic blades in the engine’s cooling fan could separate and cause an injury. The recall, the second in two days involving the SUV, is for 2000 and 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees with 4.0-liter engines.

Marc Ward, an avid Land Rover enthusiast is launching an auction this month destined to make eBay history, since it features one of the most unusual high-value items ever offered on the popular auction site - the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own your own Dakar racing team.

Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) June 14, 2006 — Marc Ward, an avid Land Rover enthusiast from the idyllic island of Barbados will be launching an auction this month destined to make eBay history, since it features one of the most unusual high-value items ever offered on the world�s most popular auction site. Unlike the attention-grabbing �oddball� auctions that often make their way into eBay lore, this auction is for a real once-in-a-lifetime opportunity � the chance to own your own Dakar racing team, featuring a customized classic TomCat race and two rebuilt, customized Defender110 support vehicles.

THE YEAR 2000 was the beginning, both of a new millennium and a new dream � Marc Ward�s �Xtreme� Land Rovers! It all started when Marc decided to turn a dream into reality� to build a �team� of the most extreme Land Rovers ever built outside of Land Rover�s own shops.

First on the drawing board was a street-legal endurance racer capable of anything from a drive to the supermarket to winning the 7,000-mile Dakar Rally. Next up, two amazing support vehicles later dubbed �the Rhino Chasers,� featuring a custom-built trailer made from the rear quarter of a Defender 110. Together, these would be the ultimate in speed, strength, convenience, quality, comfort and exclusivity! It took three years, countless hours of brainstorming, planning and collaboration � and now they�re available for sale to the discriminating enthusiast!

Marc shipped in all new body pieces from the UK. All three chassis were painted with the same coal tar epoxy used on supertankers, which Marc chose for its excellent moisture-resistance. The paint also acts as an extra insulator to prevent galvanic corrosion. Next came the custom roll cages, designed to withstand a tumble down a ravine. Simon Gilmore of SRG Engineering and a top rally car builder himself took 3 months to build these cages to full FIA specs.

Marc acquired 3.9-litre fuel-injected V8 engines to power the two Rhino Chasers. For the racer, Marc went to a 4.6 litre Cross Bolted Range Rover V8 Engine featuring stage one heads and stage two valves, with a Lucas gems hot wire type ignition system. This is a single fuel rail design similar to the one used in the BMW straight six X5 and is ultra reliable. Then he added a Range Rover Transverse Gearbox, Low+High and Lock or unlock diff., Front Range Rover Axel with Teflon Balls, Rear Range Rover Axel with Detroit Soft Locker, and Headman Headers going into 2 flow master mufflers. Topping that off are an Earls custom Oil Cooler, 2 Bosh 12 V High Capacity Fuel Pumps on Separate Circuits , 2 Billet Reusable Eldebroc Filters and an Aeromotive Fuel Regulator set at 50 PSI. Drew Bowler supplied a TVR chip which will turn the engine into a snarling monster � but has not been installed as yet.

Marc�s friend Drew Bowler, considered one of the finest off-road racers in the world (Bowler Offroad, Derbyshire, England) provided R380 gearboxes and transfer cases that had only been used briefly in test vehicles at Solihull, where they had been meticulously maintained. This is a 5 speed constant mesh transmission custom-designed for four-wheel applications. The full list of custom, state-of-the-art specs is too long to list, but is available on Marc�s website, www.XtremeLandRover.com. You can be sure that every luxury has been thought of.

The auction began on June 11th, 2006 at 9:30 PM EST, and will run for ten days and re-listed if necessary. It can be viewed by going to eBay Motors auction number 4650305553, or click here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4650305553&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

You can preview the vehicles, with detailed specifications and over 100 high-resolution photographs, at:
http://xtremelandrover.com

While the auction is running, interested bidders and/or their representatives can have the opportunity to inspect the vehicles on request. The TomCat racer is stored in Florida and the Defender 110 support vehicles are on display in California.

Sample Specs:
Land Rover Hybrid Racer, 1972/2005:

* Range Rover 4.6 L. Cross Bolted Stage 2 V8 Engine
* Range Rover Transverse Gearbox
* R.380 Five Speed Gear Box
* Custom Drew Bowler Tom Cat Tube Frame mated to Defender 100� chassis
* 2.5″ steel-bodied Nitrogen charged FOX Reservoir Shocks
* Custom Land Rover Double Diaphragm Servo Brake System
* Custom Halon Fire Surpression System
* And much, much more!

For more information and full specs on all vehicles, please visit the website at www.XtremeLandRover.com. To schedule an interview with Marc, please contact at P.J. Ward (561) 865-9247.

Land Rover is inviting photographers to go �Wild� with it�s sponsorship of the 2006 International Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) competition. Entrants are advised to try to catch the judges� eye with a portfolio containing �wild� travel images that encapsulate the excitement and adventure of wildlife, dramatic landscapes or climates and extreme sports.

The UK�s leading 4×4 manufacturer has supported the competition for the last three years. It is open to amateur and professional photographers alike and which regularly attracts over 10,000 images from photographers in more than 40 countries. TPOTY has 4 portfolio categories and one single image competition, and there is a special category set-aside for those budding photographers under 17 years old.

The successful photographer will win an adventure for two to explore both the wildlife and citylife of Brazil, organised by Audley Travel and courtesy of Land Rover. In addition they�ll be able to edit the images with Adobe�s Photoshop CS2 software and share those images withthe world from a custom built website from Iridius.

The total prize package is worth over �50,000, with other category prizes including trips to India, The Bahamas, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Mozambique, plus professional-level photographic equipment from Adobe, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Hewlett Packard and Mamiya.

2nd place winner in the �Wild� category will get a Wacom Intuos3 A5 Wide pen tablet and an HP Photosmart Pro B9180 printer, while the Highly Commended entrant will receive a Lee Filters Starter Kit and Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet Paper and the Commended entrant will win a copy of the new TPOTY book, Journey Two, in hardback, plus Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet Paper.

Entries for TPOTY 2006 are now open, and close on September 9, 2006. Full information and entry forms are available from TPOTY or by sending a stamped addressed envelope to 23A The Business Centre, Earl Soham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 7SA.

Mahindra started building Jeeps under license back when dirt was new.

Today, this specialist 4×4 firm that quit the UK in 1996 is to return, hoping to cash in on the boom in Sport Utility Vehicles, writes Richard Yarrow…

The company is Mahindra, of Mumbai, India, and will relaunch in Britain next year with the Goa.

It’s a seven or eight-seat full-sized off-roader with a 2.6-litre 115bhp common-rail turbodiesel engine. It’s likely there will be just one trim level, GLX, with central locking, air-con, power windows, two airbags and optional leather upholstery. Bosses hope to sell up to 1,000 SUVs a year in Britain. The car has just gone on sale in Spain for �21,000 (�14,300).

Pawan Goenka, president of the firm’s automotive division, is in negotiations to find a UK distributor. “We are looking to create a dealer network, but we won’t be in multi-franchise showrooms. Whoever becomes our distributor will have to open Mahindra sites. We have minimum standards, and each must be able to display three cars comfortably. We want people to be able to walk around the cars because we are creating an image for the company, but also for India.”

Mahindra was founded in Mumbai in 1945. After years of selling Jeep Wrangler lookalikes built under licence from Chrysler (now DaimlerChrysler), it launched its first in-house vehicles in 2002.

Last year the company topped 150,000 sales globally. Most were in India, but as well as Spain, the firm has recently set up shop in Italy and France. Belgium is next, then the UK.

For many British customers - particularly those who remember the CityRover, a rebadged supermini from Mahindra’s rival Tata - taking an Indian car seriously could be hard. “This is one thing we have to overcome.

We don’t want to be coloured by other companies, but we have generally found that once people get to know our product, it doesn’t last too long,” said Dr Goenka.