Mahindra Roxor all-weather model. Mahindra
In June 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission initially sided with FCA, alleging that the Roxor infringed upon Jeep’s trade dress (its visual aesthetics) and proposing a prohibition on importing and vending Roxor components. Mahindra’s response was a thorough redesign of the Roxor for 2020, meeting the approval of the ITC.
According to Bloomberg, the Eastern District Court of Michigan has now ruled in favor of Mahindra, allowing the Roxor’s sales to resume. In a decision rendered on July 19, the court reportedly rejected Jeep’s plea to mandate adherence to the “safe distance rule,” which would have necessitated further alterations.
Mahindra Roxor off-roading in a forest. Mahindra
This development paves the way for the Roxor to persist in the expanding side-by-side market, offering a more economical alternative to road-legal off-road vehicles. The Roxor also boasts the allure of being smaller and mechanically less complex than SUVs such as the Wrangler or Ford Bronco, and is even eligible for road registration in certain states. However, the legality varies considerably across the nation and occasionally even within specific jurisdictions.
One thing is certain: encountering a Roxor navigating through trails in your vicinity won’t be uncommon. And if you reside in a region that permits their registration, you might even spot one at a drive-thru.
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