Mahindra & Mahindra group is in no mood to launch its Thar SUV in Australia after Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which owns a jeep brand, started legal proceedings against the Mumbai-based company, convicting it of design infringement.
FCA approached the Australia-based Federal Court. It heard the legal representatives of both the companies, on the 11th of May.
Furthermore, the Italian-American carmaker claims that the design, styling, front grille, front fender, and even the bumper of the Thar SUV assembles those of its Jeep Wrangler.
After Mahindra launched its brand new model Thar SUV in India, it commenced the sale of the same in several other countries including Australia.
Also, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, owner of the Jeep brand, did make efforts to stop Mahindra from launching their off-road SUV and also directed them to issue a written notice for 90 days if they wanted to launch their car in that country.
Although, a spokesperson from Mahindra specifies that they’ve filed their reply against the proceedings lodged by FCA.
“We have filed our reply in the proceeding commenced by FCA against us. There are no plans to launch the current model of the Thar in Australia. We would provide adequate notice to FCA, as is requested, if we were to launch any future model of the Thar in Australia,” says a spokesperson of Mahindra & Mahindra, as quoted by MoneyControl.
