Roxor SUV concept approved for US sales, Win to Mahindra in fight vs Jeep.
Key points:
- Mahindra says that Roxor will have many design changes in 2020.
- Due to its design similarities with its Wrangler, Jeep claimed that Roxor should not be sold in the US.
For some time now, Mahindra, as well as Jeep, have been shooting at each other with the latter accusing the Indian business of ‘copying’ the concept of its Wrangler in the Roxor SUV.
Jeep has tried to stop Roxor’s selling in the US, but in support of Mahindra, a recent judgment has turned on the green signal.
Roxor is listed in the US:
Roxor is classified in the US market by Mahindra as a versatile SUV, one that is not only designed to solve a wide range of terrain problems, but also one that is considerably more affordable than the Jeep Wrangler. However, it is in its architecture that the controversy lies.
The announcement by Reuters:
Jeep claims the design language of Roxor is a clone of its Wrangler and Fiat Chrysler Car, the parent company, has taken legal paths to avoid the selling of Roxor.
However, Reuters announced that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) approved the decks for the selling of Roxor and claimed that its concept does not compromise the intellectual property rights of Jeep for the Wrangler.
In particular, Jeep figured out that the boxy body shape, round lights, and the front grille of Wrangler are distinct from the brand.
Mahindra to issue comment in the US:
Mahindra was swift to issue a comment in the United States. “The ruling legitimizes Mahindra’s redesign of the highly popular Roxor off-road vehicle. Mahindra is now authorized to manufacture as well as distribute the revamped 2021 Roxor,” it reads.
FCA is unsatisfied with the commission’s judgment:
In expressing dismay, FCA was prompt too. “While FCA is disappointed with the commission’s judgment concerning the redesign, we assume we will be successful in protesting this judgment.”
What may have gone in Mahindra Roxor is that even the company has said that the 2020 model’s design has been refreshed which should ease worries that any other car manufacturer may have.
This was after ITC barred the car’s selling because it breached the intellectual property rights of the 2019 FCA Jeep brand design.
