The ongoing legal battle between Stellantis and Mahindra over sales of the Jeep-like Roxor in the United States has taken a new turn. Michigan’s Eastern District Court ruled that the post-2020 version of the Roxor can be sold in the US, according Automotive News.
The clash occurred in 2018. When Mahindra launched the Roxor in the US, there was initially a vertical slit in the grille which gave it a distinct aesthetic resemblance to the Jeep CJ model. Stellantis (then FCA) filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission to block small SUVs from entering the country. A judge ruled Roxor violated Jeep trade dress.
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Mahindra responded by redesigning the front of the Roxor by replacing the vertical slits with horizontal openings. In 2020, the US International Trade Commission approved an updated model to go on sale.
FCA appealed the decision, and the court ruled that the company was right about the Roxor design breaking with Jeep styling, even after Mahindra’s refresh of the vehicle. So, the case returned to the lower court.
The latest case turned things around again by freeing Mahindra to sell the post-2020 redesigned Roxor in the US.
The Roxor is not a legal vehicle in the US. Mahindra is selling it as an off-roader to work in places like ranches. The base model starts at $20,599. Power comes from a 2.5-liter turbodiesel that produces 62 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle uses a five-speed manual with a transfer case offering high and low ranges and selectable rear- or all-wheel drive. The Roxor has a payload of 349 pounds and can tow up to 3,490 pounds.
Mahindra is also offering an All-Weather model with roof and side windows starting at $28,739. Inside, there is an HVAC system. The powertrain is the same as the base version.
