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The 1980's diesel Rangers, Mitsu, Izuzu, LUV were a decent offering. (And internationally available (except USA) Hilux diesel)
My 'pretend' mini pickup ($300) hauls loads to 2000# and tows daily @ 42 - 46 mpg on free fuel http://www.city-data.com/forum/membe...0-caddy-rf.jpg
but my 8,800# CTD (Cummins 1st Gen) handle stuff to 40,000# GCVW - ($3000) / 12 - 24 mpg
I remember a few years back Mahindra was supposed to be bringing in small diesel pickups, and I was half-thinking about getting one. It never happened, as far as I know because of US gov't red tape.
We saw one in the Portland, OR area, I think it was, around 10 years ago. There was supposed to have been a dealer bringing them in, but I don’t know if that succeeded.
The truck was tinny as could be. I mean, tinnier than the early 1970s imports.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Originally Posted by pikabike
We saw one in the Portland, OR area, I think it was, around 10 years ago. There was supposed to have been a dealer bringing them in, but I don’t know if that succeeded.
The truck was tinny as could be. I mean, tinnier than the early 1970s imports.
And not eligible to be licensed for legal use on public roads. (in most states). Some States with ORV clauses may have provision to allow micro vehicles (no my state)s). Seem to find UTV's on SD and ID roads.
The cost to develop a small pickup, and bring it to market meeting safety standards, Cost of setting up an assembly line, parts supply established, etc. would be so big of an investment, that they know they would never sell enough to recover the costs and make a profit.
Just as people are moving from those small cars they build today to Light trucks (pickups, SUVs and Crossovers o get room and comfort, they will not buy those tiny limited use pickups in sufficient numbers to make a profit. They are a relic of the past.
I remember a few years back Mahindra was supposed to be bringing in small diesel pickups, and I was half-thinking about getting one. It never happened, as far as I know because of US gov't red tape.
It didn't happen because their 3rd world products couldn't meet the standards everyone else has to meet.
I drive a full size pick up pulling a 16ft trailer all day for work, the best part of my day is getting out of to go home. I never take it home and drive it as dd, couldn't pay me to do it. Parking it without a trailer is a pain in comparison to anything smaller. I am vaguely looking at a 17 Tacoma as it's about only size I might tolerate.
The dinky trucks are a bit easier to park, but I really do not park in difficult places all that often. i do not see how something that impacts you once a month or so outweighs benefits that impact you daily or at least weekly.
There is a market for smaller trucks like the original Ranger. Or maybe there used to be and that disappeared? Everyone seems to want bigger interior space and cargo room to carry stuff that they probably never do anyway.
Or, you know, stuff they want to keep out of the bed of the truck...
But I don't think there is much market. Toyota had it and Nissan did too...They stopped a few years ago...Because they weren't selling.
I'm not saying that automakers never screw up, but rarely are they so dumb to stop building a car that's selling decently and making money.
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