Mahindra Roxor Returns: US Court Rules in Favor of Indian Automaker

After a long-drawn legal battle, Mahindra can finally breathe a sigh of relief as a US court ruled in favour of the Indian conglomerate in the design infringement case filed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Group (now Stellantis). The court's decision allows Mahindra to resume selling its Roxor off-roader in the US, marking a significant victory for the automaker.

The Dispute: FCA's Allegations of Design Similarities

The legal feud began in 2019 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (now Stellantis) filed a lawsuit against Mahindra, claiming that the design of the Roxor off-roader bore a striking resemblance to its trademark-protected Jeep models. FCA contended that certain components of the Roxor were copied from Jeep, accusing it of being a "nearly identical copy" with similar design elements, including a boxy body shape and flat-appearing vertical sides.

The Impact: Temporary Halt in Roxor Sales

Following the lawsuit, Mahindra suspended the sale of the Roxor in the US market until the matter was resolved. The automaker faced a setback as it was directed by the court to make design modifications to address the alleged similarities with Jeep models.

The Court's Ruling: FCA's Motion Denied

After a series of hearings and legal proceedings, the Eastern District Court of Michigan delivered its ruling on July 19, 2023. The court declined FCA's renewed motion to enjoin the Post-2020 Roxor, denying Fiat's request to apply the "safe distance rule" on the off-roader's design. As a result, Mahindra Automotive North America, Mahindra's subsidiary, now has no restrictions on producing, selling, and distributing the Post-2020 Roxor in the United States.

Design Changes to Distinguish Roxor from Jeep

To address the design concerns raised by FCA, Mahindra made significant revisions to the Roxor's appearance in early 2020. Subsequently, further modifications were made later that same year to ensure clear differentiation from Jeep SUVs.

The Roxor's Usage and Manufacturing

It's important to note that the Mahindra Roxor is classified as an off-roader intended for private land use only. While it cannot be legally driven on public roads in some states, select states in the US permit its use on both public and private roads. The Roxor is manufactured at Mahindra North America's facility in Michigan, underscoring the company's commitment to the American market.

Final Thoughts: A Hard-Won Victory for Mahindra

The court's ruling comes as a relief to Mahindra, allowing them to resume sales of the Roxor in the highly competitive US market. With the legal battle now behind them, Mahindra can focus on further strengthening its presence and offerings, catering to off-road enthusiasts looking for adventure on private terrains across the United States.