Mahindra Thar has been a roaring success in the Indian market since its launch on October 2, 2020. The new-gen model has received tremendous response from the Indian buyers. In December 2020, the SUV received 6500 bookings illustrating the popularity of the new SUV. As per various media reports, the waiting period has stretched to 10 months with the SUV already sold out till May 2021. Going by the reports surfacing in various media outlets, global chip shortage is the primary reason behind the extended waiting period. Various automakers like Ford, Volkswagen, Nissan, Toyota are suffering from the same chip shortage. The global chip shortage could lead to losses amounting to billions of dollars for the automakers across the world.
There has been no word yet from the homegrown manufacturer on the reason behind the long waiting period. The off roader has been spotted arriving at the dealerships, but the customers are not receiving the same. The reason is the dispatched vehicles to the dealerships are missing the infotainment system. The top-end variants are coming without the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is happening due to shortage of automotive semiconductor chips. The touchscreen can be fitted at the dealerships, but it comes as a standard feature with the SUV. Currently, the hardtop petrol variants buyers will have to wait for almost 10 months to receive the vehicle while the hardtop diesel models also attract a waiting period of 9-10 months. The Thar convertible top models are available with a waiting period of 5-6 months. The entry-level AX Std, AX and AX (O) trims have been discontinued from the Thar’s line-up.
We can expect clarity from the automaker in the coming days regarding the delay in vehicle deliveries. Mahindra has also increased the production capacity at its manufacturing unit to cope up with the rising demand in the Indian market. The buyer will have to wait for the chip shortage to end before deliveries can pick-up pace.
The New-Gen Mahindra Thar retails in two variants- AX (O) and LX. The buyer can choose from two engine options- a 2.2-litre diesel mill and a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol. Both the powertrains offer transmission options of a 6-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearboxes. Recently, new Mahindra Thar received a price hike in the bracket of Rs 20,000 - Rs 40,000. Now, Mahindra Thar price starts from Rs 12.10 lakh (ex-showroom), India.
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