Mattruck coming to US

[dwink]

My dad saw these trucks in Las Vegas yesterday at the SHOT show and told me to check em out. I think they are made in China and retail around $12,000. Don't qoute me because I am going off of what I was told. The website has a limited amount of info and is www.mattruck.com.

[gbrad]

Two wheel drive.

However, this proves that there is a great deal of interest in this market.

gbrad

[greg0187]

It looks like its collapsing under its own weight. That is the sign of quality, let me tell ya. :D

[ValleyMiniTrucks]

I was shown this truck today in St George,Utah By the sales rep. For more info, he shared the log-in and password. Which is Dealer-Promo. Enjoy!

[greg0187]

Good Info. Although, I would never abandon the quality of a used Japanese veihicle for a new chinese one. Anyone who does is making a big mistake. Thats just my opinion.

-Greg

[ValleyMiniTrucks]

greg0187, I would also share that opinion,well stated!

[greg0187]

Here's the way I see it. Take it for what its worth. If and when mini-trucks become popular enough. You will have two choices, Just like you have now with ATV's, #1 Go to the dealer (Daihatsu, Mits, Zuk, Honda..etc..) or #2 buty a chinese one from Tractor Supply Company or Wal-Mart.

-Greg

[scesnick]

One of the big selling points of the Japanese minis ( atleast to me ) is the price. Now, If a would have to pay $12,000 for one, it better be street legal.
The MATT truck is not.
I would rather take that 12 grand and build the ultimate Japanese mini.
There is no doubt that the quality of the product would be much higher and the machine would be customized exactly how I wanted it.

[JRinTX]

I do not completely understand the Matt Truck. Is it a brand new, Chinese copy of a Japanese truck? Or is it a remanufactured or rebuilt Japanese truck. The website looks to me like an amatuer site. Sorta like the site I built...and I am definitely an amatuer!..:rolleyes:
Based on the picture of the "factory", it seems they would have spent a little more on a professional looking website. That "factory" must have cost millions! Notice that it is a rendering, not an actual photo.

And the "comparison" page does not even list a Matt Truck as a comparison??? The chart makes the Japanese mini truck look like the best deal..:D

The picture of the PowerSports building shows a bunch of Japanese mini trucks?

I'm confused....but maybe its just me...:confused:

[greg0187]

I noticed the same things. Especially the comparison chart. lol!

[scesnick]

I did also. Not to mention they said they can pump out one truck every 7 seconds !! wow !! hope they have a big demand or they are going to need a very big parking lot. The prices on the comparison chart where quite high also. a new Rhino in my area is going for around $9,500 not 12 grand.

[ValleyMiniTrucks]

The sales rep Bill Cunningham, tells me this is a composite truck with components taken from various Chinese Manufactures.After looking this truck over very carefuly I have reason to believe him.Their address is 143 Public Square Batesville.MS 38606- 901-737-6550

[JRinTX]

So, is the picture of the factory where they will be producing new Chinese Matt trucks for a dealer network in the US??

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

They are built from scratch exactly as you see them. They are setting up a dealer network to sell the products. No more competing with guys on ebay telling everyone how much you can buy a container for and guys selling mini trucks for a $200 profit. This is a protected territory product. Here are some pictures. I plan to sign up for them. No more screwing around with trying to make things fit. Left hand drive with an extended cab AM/FM . They also have a Van and a Crew Cab truck in the development process. Trucks will not be shipping until at least May.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/s_melchi/Mini%20Trucks/SHOTSHOWCAMOTRUCK.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a260/s_melchi/Mini%20Trucks/IMG_2005.jpg

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

So, is the picture of the factory where they will be producing new Chinese Matt trucks for a dealer network in the US??

Yes it's for the US.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I did also. Not to mention they said they can pump out one truck every 7 seconds !! wow !! hope they have a big demand or they are going to need a very big parking lot. The prices on the comparison chart where quite high also. a new Rhino in my area is going for around $9,500 not 12 grand.

Does that Rhino have Heat, A/C, Front and Rear Diff Lock, Ext. Cab, Front Brush Guard w/ Front Receiver Hitch, AM/FM Satellite Radio CD Player, 4 Off Road Lights? I could keep going if you want.

I am sick and tired of trying to fix these Kei Trucks up after they get here. It's a pain the ***. I want something that's ready to go when they unload it. Try getting a fat guy or a tall guy in a Kei truck. People hate the right hand drive. Basically they have designed a truck that gets rid of all the objections that we see when trying to sell someone a truck. Are you fat? Great it's extended cab. "I want Low Miles." How about no miles!! Most people don't want used stuff. They want something new. I am personally excited about it.

If anyone wants a deal on the Kei trucks I have left. I am freeing up capital to invest in these. The guy that is building them is from the United States. It's not some Chinese company that's importing them. For me that's a huge plus.

[Tom's Mini Trucks]

Here is another mini truck company : www (dot) tigertruck (dot) com.

[kmoneil]

That tigertruck dot com looks like a google spam site to me.

[Tom's Mini Trucks]

No google spam..just ran across another mini truck company and thought i'd share,,I did see one of these on e bay awhile back, so they must be in production.No idea of quality issues ect.,and I have never been much impressed with anything mfg. in China myself

[greg0187]

I'd be interested in some of their accessories. I really like the light bar.

-Greg

[JRinTX]

I am very cautious about any product made in China. Even if the guy is from the US, he is relying on manufacturing processes, materials and workmanship from China. I have quite a bit of experience with foreign made, industrial products. Most are not readily accepted in the US or European markets.

However, Japanese products have superior quality. Since WWII, the Japanese have become a leader in manufacturing quality and reliability. This is the reason Japanese products have such long life. At work we are often required to use Japanese components in our automation systems because of the undisputable quality. The metalurgical technology in China is very poor, resulting in inferior materials. I believe the Chinese will eventually work out all the problems, but that will be several years down the road.

If these trucks have been reverse engineered, manufactured and assembled in China, they will not be as reliable as the Japanese trucks. Sorta like the Chinese ATV knock-offs. They are a bargain when you buy them, but don't expect them to last like my 18 year old Yamaha 4-wheeler!

Just my opinion....results may vary...:)

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I am very cautious about any product made in China. Even if the guy is from the US, he is relying on manufacturing processes, materials and workmanship from China. I have quite a bit of experience with foreign made, industrial products. Most are not readily accepted in the US or European markets.

However, Japanese products have superior quality. Since WWII, the Japanese have become a leader in manufacturing quality and reliability. This is the reason Japanese products have such long life. At work we are often required to use Japanese components in our automation systems because of the undisputable quality. The metalurgical technology in China is very poor, resulting in inferior materials. I believe the Chinese will eventually work out all the problems, but that will be several years down the road.

If these trucks have been reverse engineered, manufactured and assembled in China, they will not be as reliable as the Japanese trucks. Sorta like the Chinese ATV knock-offs. They are a bargain when you buy them, but don't expect them to last like my 18 year old Yamaha 4-wheeler!

Just my opinion....results may vary...:)

I mean no disrespect. But who wants to have the same four wheeler for 18 years. Technology has changed so much in 18 years.

Hell I trade in my snowmobile about every two years because technology changes so fast. You don't want to be left behind by the guy with the new gear. I think the same thing applies here. Don't be left behind selling old beat up Kei Trucks that people are now selling on Ebay for pennies over what they paid for them. The Kei market is imploding as we speak in my opinion. Every one with two cents to rub together are selling them in their front yard. Things have changed. I think this is a great way to solidify a market that the Kei truck opened in the United States. A dealer network is what this industries needs. The inherent problems with the Kei market are being remedied by the MATTRUCK in my opinion. Parts, Warranty, Financing hooray.

There is definetely a market in the United States for a MATTRUCK. Just because it's made in China doesn't mean it's crap.

[MATTruck]

My name is Matt and this is my truck! The MATTruck was developed to correct the few issues surrounding the used mini truck industry that needed changing. I started a company over 2 years ago importing used mini trucks from Japan as a test market for my brand new product the "MATTruck". Although the used mini trucks performed extremely well and require very little service, there still was a need to provide the consumer a NEW product from a standardized industry. The MATTRuck is built to our specifications, designed by our company and will be managed by our company. MATTruck, LLC will provide Protected Territories, Protected Pricing, Nationwide Parts Distribution, Consumer Financing, Dealer Floorplan Financing, and a complete Warranty Program. All of these are missing from the current used mini truck industry. We currently have a few of our prototypes in several locations throughout the US and will be attending the Dealer Expo in Indiana next week. I encourage anyone interested to please feel free to stop by and talk with us. We truly desire to create a dealer friendly "Dealer Program" and welcome any feedback on our product.

[greg0187]

I hope you made the governors easy to remove. I don't think I would have bought a Japanese mini if it only went 25mph.

-Greg

[Micah502EFI]

Protected Territories, Protected Pricing, Nationwide Parts Distribution, Consumer Financing, Dealer Floorplan Financing, and a complete Warranty Program......

How many more USED mini trucks can you get your hands on to spend hours to get running and looking presentable? :frustration:

[gbrad]

I just returned from south east Texas with my '99 Suzuki. It was very muddy and sloppy in the deep river bottoms of the Neches river and long (80 to 125yds) of watery, loose sand, and mud with the consistency of gravy. How will the Matt truck hope to compete with that not having four wheel drive?

I'm pretty sure JR's comment about an eighteen year old four wheeler only refferred to durability issues, he's obviously aware of changing technologies and improvements.

The fact is that the Japanese designs are superior from an engineering standpoint. They are also proven by many years of really rough treatment. They (Kei trucks) are solid, industrial grade machines.

Tri State, it sounds like the problems you are refferring to have nothing to do with the equipment, but rather the choice of importers you dealt with, or the exporter if you brought them over yourself.

Let's just wait and see if the Matt truck can hang with the competition. I know for a fact that no two wheel drive vehicle would have made it through where we went earlier this week regardless of where it was manufactured.

Produce the results and then I'll be buying them, but right now my experience is the same as most others that have bought Chinese equipment. It lacks the engineering, usually in bearing related load surfaces and structural integrity due to poor metal choices. Things that are necessary for extreme durability. It does not last.

Just my opinion, born out of direct experience.

gbrad

[scesnick]

My name is Matt and this is my truck! The MATTruck was developed to correct the few issues surrounding the used mini truck industry that needed changing. I started a company over 2 years ago importing used mini trucks from Japan as a test market for my brand new product the "MATTruck". Although the used mini trucks performed extremely well and require very little service, there still was a need to provide the consumer a NEW product from a standardized industry. The MATTRuck is built to our specifications, designed by our company and will be managed by our company. MATTruck, LLC will provide Protected Territories, Protected Pricing, Nationwide Parts Distribution, Consumer Financing, Dealer Floorplan Financing, and a complete Warranty Program. All of these are missing from the current used mini truck industry. We currently have a few of our prototypes in several locations throughout the US and will be attending the Dealer Expo in Indiana next week. I encourage anyone interested to please feel free to stop by and talk with us. We truly desire to create a dealer friendly "Dealer Program" and welcome any feedback on our product.

With all due respect, we are still talking about a Chinese product here. You mention that the MATT Truck has a warranty, parts distribution program, financing, protected territories, dealer floorplan, protected pricing......

Now, I am just "Joe Blow" farmer, I do not sell anything. ( except a bit of hay once in a while ) None of those attributes really mean a hill of beans to me. Except maybe the parts dist. program. I need something reliable and cheap to tend to my horses and daily chores. I have owned a few chinese made vehicles/quads and none of them were reliable, and $12,000 certainly isn't
cheap. I could buy 2 Kei trucks for that price and sleep well knowing that they will perform when i need them to perform. They have been proven. Newer isn't always better.

Sorry this is just my real world opinion.
But I hope you eventually prove me wrong and your product is a great success.

[1Poet]

$12,000.00 for two wheel drive, and, Made In China? C'mon, fella. You have to be kidding! If you want to be a dealer for those LPOC's, get it. However, I would much rather buy a used Japanese Kei truck and have it completely rebuilt and still have less than $12,00.00 in a real 4 whell drive vehicle.
I guess P.T. Barnum was right.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

The trucks are 4X4's. I am not sure where everyone is reading they are two wheel drive.

Directly from their website.
"The 4X4 system will include front and rear locking differential with the ability to switch between 2wd and 4wd."

[carverm98]

Just to clear things up, the MATTruck is Full 4 wheel drive. At the push of a button from 2wheel drive to 4 wheel drive.

[1Poet]

Still, guys, 12 K is more than a little high for a Chinese built truck, 4x4 or not. The steel is not as good no matter what anyone tells you. They may get it right in a few years, but why subsidize medeocre? Sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings, but I trust the Japanese a whole lot more than the Chinese.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

With all due respect, we are still talking about a Chinese product here. You mention that the MATT Truck has a warranty, parts distribution program, financing, protected territories, dealer floorplan, protected pricing......

Now, I am just "Joe Blow" farmer, I do not sell anything. ( except a bit of hay once in a while ) None of those attributes really mean a hill of beans to me. Except maybe the parts dist. program. I need something reliable and cheap to tend to my horses and daily chores. I have owned a few chinese made vehicles/quads and none of them were reliable, and $12,000 certainly isn't
cheap. I could buy 2 Kei trucks for that price and sleep well knowing that they will perform when i need them to perform. They have been proven. Newer isn't always better.

Sorry this is just my real world opinion.
But I hope you eventually prove me wrong and your product is a great success.


Where can you buy 2 2008 Jumbo Cab Kei Trucks outfitted like the MAT Truck for $12,000? Let me know because I am interested in buying as many as I can get my hands on. I have seen a 2002 Daihatsu Jumbo still stock with miles on it for $9450. That's a long ways from 2 2008's for $12,000.

[scesnick]

Where can you buy 2 2008 Jumbo Cab Kei Trucks outfitted like the MAT Truck for $12,000? Let me know because I am interested in buying as many as I can get my hands on. I have seen a 2002 Daihatsu Jumbo still stock with miles on it for $9450. That's a long ways from 2 2008's for $12,000.


I would be interested also., I never said they were Jumbo cab or 2008's. I said I could buy 2 kei trucks period. If I was to spend $12,000 for ANY vehicle it would be manditory that is be street legal.

[1Poet]

Sounds like JR might want to drop out of this forum and start a MATT truck forum!
The post said two kei trucks. He didn't specify jumbos. So be fair. There are any number of kei dealers that can sell two well equipped and reliable kei's for 12 thousand dollars. The point is, anyone can buy a Japanese mini, spend a little extra (maybe even a jumbo) and still have a better deal than a Chinese truck. The Chinese trucks will work for a while but there will be many red faces and unhappy folks that bought one when the excuses are flying.
JR, either support this forum or leave. This is titled, "Japanese MiniTruck Forum", last I heard.

[1Poet]

Sorry, JR. My bad. All that was directed to Tri State Mini Trucks.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I would be interested also., I never said they were Jumbo cab or 2008's. I said I could buy 2 kei trucks period. If I was to spend $12,000 for ANY vehicle it would be manditory that is be street legal.

But we were comparing Kei Trucks to the Mat Truck. So if you want to compare they should be outfitted the same.

[scesnick]

They are built from scratch exactly as you see them.


The website says they build one every seven seconds. :confused:


If the MATT truck is a quality piece of machinery, (and I hope it is) it will be nice to have different choices and competion is always a good thing.
But to be honest. If it is of quality construction, it will be the first motorized anything from China that I personally know of that is........

The whole appeal of the KEI trucks are the price. You get ALOT of features and durability for the low price. The MATT truck may ( or may not ) have the features but it doesn't have the price.

[scesnick]

But we were comparing Kei Trucks to the Mat Truck. So if you want to compare they should be outfitted the same.


O.K. then. Make a Mat Truck for the price of the Kei truck, and be sure to equip it with all the same features as the kei, You know, just to be fair...

I think this would be fair. Not sure who truck this is but I would doubt he has anywhere near 12 grand in it. To be honest, i will take this one any day over the unproven Mat truck.

http://www.carolinadatasolutions.com/odesa1_34071159_std.jpg

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

Any way this is getting way off base. The guy is building a pretty cool truck. If you like it great if not then so be it. I for one think it's a great idea. If it works then I hope to be a part of it. If it doesn't then I guess I still have the Kei trucks to sell.

Sesnick. Price is very low on the list of most consumers decision making process when it comes to purchasing something. I think I lose a lot of deals because the Kei trucks are used with miles on them. Most people that I have sold trucks to are very wealthy. So I seriously doubt the $12,000 is really a big deal. I have a ton of toothless hacks come in every day wanting to trade in their DUI scooter for a mini truck. I haven't sold one of them yet.

Any way. I will let you guys figure it out. I am going to look over the dealer paperwork for the Mat Trucks.

[myhijet]

I just took the time to read the last dozen posts or so. I went to the mattruck site and couldn't find where it claimed 4x4, just 4x2 rear drive. I think this looks like a copycat and someone playing catch-up could tend to cut corners. As for who would want to drive an 18 year old four wheeler, show me one that is still running at 18 years old not made by the Japanese. I'd be happy to drive it.

[scesnick]

I would guess that a TON of farmers would like, or already have a Kei truck or even a Mat Truck. I am also willing to bet that these farmers are somewhere in between wealthy and a toothless hack and $12,000 is alot of money to them.
People that think $12,000 isn't a lot of money are not the same people that are going to buy a Japanese or Chinese built,, non-street legal truck. They will most likely go with something ALOT more recreational. i.e. a Rhino, RZR, Prowler, and if they need the Mat for work, well then they are not as wealthy as claimed.

I believe the Mat truck is a 'Tweener product. To expensive for the every day hobby kei truck enthusiast and too "Chinese" and utility for the weathy.

[miniman]

I work for a company that has everything they can made in China, and so far nothing but headaches and junk has come of it. I don't want something that is made in 7 seconds. For 12K I could have two 99-00 kei's decked out and know they are going to run forever. As for parts, when something breaks I don't want to put another cheap chinese part back on. China competes by producing low cost, low quality goods, this is no different. It looks cool, thats' for sure but you can put a dress on a pig and it's still........

[myhijet]

$12,000 isn't a lot of money......if it is worth it. But why spend 12 when you can spend 5 to 8 and get the same benefit to the operation. My dad lives by the theory "let somebody else take the new off it". Same here, it don't have to be shiny, it has to work.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

Does anyone know what channel SPEED CHANNEL in HD is on Dish Network? I can't find it.

Now don't start talking about racing. They will want to throw you off the site.

[scesnick]

Is the HD a different channel than regular Speed?

[greg0187]

Don't you see. The main reason that this Mattruck is going to be such a big hit is the fact the the "toothless hack" will be able to FINANCE this truck. I'm no dealer but I bet there is alot of interest in owning one of these veihicles by people that cannot afford one. The world runs on CREDIT. BTW it is not very nice to refer to people as toothless hacks.
-Greg

[greg0187]

Oh. BTW I think the Chinese suck!

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

Is the HD a different channel than regular Speed?

No it's the same. Just like ESPN and ESPNHD are the same.

[okeitrucker]

Whoa, easy fella! It's one thing to complain about the quality of products coming out of China, but it's not acceptable when you start slamming its people. No matter where you go in this world, you will find folks struggling to make a living. That's what the workers in those Chinese factories are doing, trying to support families. It's not like they are the ones making all the decisions about what grade of steel to use or what have you, that's done by big business administration. The Chinese working folks are like anyone else, just trying to put food on the table. A lot of them are happy just to have the chance to work in a factory, even if it's using lead based paint to pretty up toys sent here. Anyway, I'm sure you get what I'm saying.

As far as Matt's trucks, we only have to wait and see how they hold up. If they prove to be decent, good for him. If not, maybe someone can try approaching a Japanese company to do something similar.

-Hiram

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

Don't you see. The main reason that this Mattruck is going to be such a big hit is the fact the the "toothless hack" will be able to FINANCE this truck. I'm no dealer but I bet there is alot of interest in owning one of these veihicles by people that cannot afford one. The world runs on CREDIT. BTW it is not very nice to refer to people as toothless hacks.
-Greg

Okay the Hack part might have been a little melodramatic.:);)

[jimhammer1]

Before I would consider becoming a dealer of any new product, I would want to review the "market research" to identify the potential market and see survey results of potential buyers. Saying that a market exists because the ATV market is falling and the used Kei truck market is growing is not evidence of a market for a new product. Rather, it is an assumption. Getting lots and lots of people to respond to a survey would be telling of how this new product would be received.
From the sample population here at the mini truck forum it seems overwhelmingly negative toward this product. It seems the general attitude of Americans toward Chinese products is not high at present. Simply thinking something is a great idea doesn't make it a good investment. I'm probably in what would be considered a "target market" (i. e. I own an ATV/UTV) and have not received any survey questions. It should not be difficult to get mailing lists of ATV/UTV enthusiasts, farmers, ranchers, golf courses, college campuses, and other potential users. It would be reasonable to ask people what they would want in this type of vehicle, what they would be willing to pay, is financing important, is country of origin important...Thinking a market can be created by advertising is an expensive approach and risky. I discovered in business that half of all marketing dollars are wasted - the problem is you can't tell which half.
I have found that if I am emotionally involved in a new idea, I let it subside until I can look at it in a clear unattached mode. It would also be prudent to present YOUR business plan for this new endeavor to YOUR banker, not theirs, and see if your bank would take a flyer on it.

[NorthTexasMiniTrucks]

Just to throw some more fuel on the fire - has anyone seen any info on the Tatanka trucks? I believe they are Japanese made (not sure on that) but are new trucks, left hand drive, 4x4, etc. very similar to the used kei trucks were are all using/selling right now. I believe they will be slightly higher than $12,000 but follow a similar business model as Mattruck. When I get back in the office I'll see if I can find some info on them.

[miniman]

I'm definitely not interested in any chinese vehicle, A used kei will out perform any new chinese vehicle any day. Besides, I'm still trying to figure out why you would spend 12K on one of those things when you could have two completely decked out kie's for the same price. As for the amount of money a resller makes, if you were only making 200 a truck you were getting hosed by your distributor, the max you should have been paying would be 3600.00ea for late 90s models.

[gbrecke]

Mattruck

I Noted a while back, a well known American was trying to put an agreement together with Chery, and after he shared his ideas and what they'd do together, Chery took his idea and shopped it, or at least that's what was repported..

Make sure you have a legal contract before you invest your time and efforts, these guys will drop you in the dirt if they find a sweeter deal.

so I think..

[gbrad]

I'm looking on www.mattruck.com and the spec sheet only lists two wheel drive. There may be four wheel drives available, but the website initially listed in this thread is where I got my information about the Mattruck being two wheel drive.

It would only make sense that it would be four wheel drive. The website just does not say so. That's where I got my info.

I know three different people with Chinese made ATV type vehicles. One of them is a side by side similar to a Rhino in appearance. These people were fooled once and fell for the low intial price. None of them will be fooled again. Hence, very few repeat customers.

Their (my freinds) machines are plagued by structural inadequacies and poor metal choices in the designs of the vehicles. Those are baseline problems that are difficult, if not impossible to overcome by repairing.

So again, maybe the Mattruck will be different. I hope so, it would be an upward move for Chinese manufacturing.

Hopefully, the Mattruck will prove to be the exception.

gbrad

[gbrecke]

There have been a notable number of delays in Chinese automotive products that were to be exported but delayed. When there is additional information, it usually is tied to QC issues.

I was looking at a side by side off road vehicle made in China a few weeks back that was being distributed by a large Chain store here in the US. If you looked closely at the front suspension, the A arm travel was SEVERLY limited by a frame tube running an inch and a quarter under it. After staring at it nearly in a trance, I came to the conclusion that the designer must have had the level streets of Shanghi in mind, it would have been so easy to do it differently.

As per the 2WD 4WD thing, if they were selling 4WD units off the afore mentioned WEBsite, I'd think they would clearly mention that. Assume Nothing when shopping for Chinese goods.

So I think..

[JRinTX]

I noticed that my 18 year old Yamaha 4-wheeler generated a couple of responses! :D

I realize that newer equipment has new technology. Matter of fact, I just bought a brand new, 2008 Yamaha Big Bear 400 4x4. Sure it has cool new features like push button 4WD and diff lock, push button reverse, wrinkle finish racks, built in winch mounts and don't forget the Independent Rear Suspension (that is REALLY nice!!). But some things never change......the 400cc engine design is basically the same as 18 years ago! And my 1990 will keep up with the 2008 all day long. I know, my 16 year old son has tried to leave me on my 1990...but has not lost me yet!! ;)

But, Tri State Minis does bring out a good point. Today's society (especially the younger ones) seem to be more interested in the cool gadgets and "brand new", rather than dependability and longevity. So, a cheaply built, throw away mini truck may have a market. Kazuma sells enough Chinese ATVs to stay in business! I will never be interested, but others may....

just my opinion.

[gbrecke]

What you pay for a vehicle is really the difference between intial cost, and what you get out of it when you're thru prorated over time. What you get out of it, has a lot to do with the reputation of the vehicle.

We need not mention brand names, but we know what holds its value an what don't.

There are some things so good, it almost pays to buy new, because there's so little discount for buying a year or two old, reason is, they're still running strong years later.. sometimes 18 years later :-)

[zbadboy]

I just got off the phone with my distributor in Japan. I asked him about the China Trucks. He said the chinese won't even buy it. The best selling vehicles there are used Japanese vehicles. Makes you wonder. He said he has a friend in Malaysia that said the government there bought a bunch of the trucks and are unhappy with the quality. I agree with what has been said already as far as other motor vehicles they have sent to the US market. Cheap.......hell yeah........take a look at the springs on a chinese atv. they look like they took them out of a BIC pen.

[abcminitrucks]

I have been approached to be a dealer for these trucks, but in my opinion they are way over priced. I have had trucks priced from $3000 to $7000 and it took 3 times a long to sell the $7000 trucks and they were basically brand new. Just no market in my area for a truck this expensive, especially when you can get a really good used KEI truck for 1/3 the price.

[greg0187]

I have been approached to be a dealer for these trucks, but in my opinion they are way over priced. I have had trucks priced from $3000 to $7000 and it took 3 times a long to sell the $7000 trucks and they were basically brand new. Just no market in my area for a truck this expensive, especially when you can get a really good used KEI truck for 1/3 the price.

I agree. If you could buy a new Japanese mini in the US it would probably cost that much + Shipping. Typically Chinese products are 25% - 35% less expensive than its competition.

-Greg

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I don't think this product is going to target the same people that want a Kei mini truck. They are two different markets. Guys that buy mini's want cheap. I really don't see a customer coming in to look at a MATT truck turning around a buying a Kei. If he doesn't buy a MATT truck he is probably going to go buy a new Polaris, Kubota, Mule, Rhino et.. He is shopping new products not cheap products. I think it's two seperate markets. I still plan to sell used Kei trucks. But this opens up a totally different market for us.

Like I said the big fat Americans don't want a Kei truck it's just too uncomfortable to drive if not impossible.

[Gawdzuki]

Like I said the big fat Americans don't want a Kei truck it's just too uncomfortable to drive if not impossible.

WooHoo... I am not a Big Fat american... I am a lean mean used Japanese truck wanting machine. :D But still American.

I personally have a 1986 Suzuki Samurai (so I guess that would be 22 years old) that can run circles around most high dollar, push button, GPS, Onstar, etc etc trucks that can be purchased in todays market. I like telling them I bought it for 900.00 dollars... :p:rolleyes:

[Colin]

I'm a big fat American and I love my minitruck. :D

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I'm a big fat American and I love my minitruck. :D

I understand what you are saying. I am fat and I love them to. But they leave a lot to be desired to be considered a mass market product in the United States.

But I assume you aren't a dealer of Kei trucks. I don't want to lose a sale to a guy because the truck is made for a person half his size. One of the biggest problems we have as dealers is the cab size. It's a big issue when you try and sell a truck to a guy that's over 6 feet tall and over 250#. Which in our country and in my part of the country is pretty common. Indiana and Michigan rank as two of the states with the fattest people. So it's an issue around here. If I see a guy over six feet tall or someone over 250 walk in my door I know they probably aren't going to like the Kei truck because they can't get in and out of it easily. And if you are using it on the farm getting in and out quickly and easily is pretty important.

I am 5'10" and weigh 215 a couple weeks ago I was 228. If I was much bigger my belly would have been close to touching the steering wheel on some trucks.

[jimhammer1]

The mini truck is likely a vehicle for a niche market. Not everyone wants an ATV, a UTV, or a mini truck. In my part of the country it seems most ATVs are purchased and used for recreation. Seemingly speed is a selling factor along with ease of transporting them to a recreation area. The mini truck could have the best chance to be an even more versatile machine than the ATV/UTVs, if the government would eventually allow them to be licensed for the highway - which would increase their appeal and broaden their market. They are a pretty good off-road vehicle and a reasonable on-highway vehicle. They are not the best in either catagory, but arguably the most versatile for the price and they are dependable. It is not likely that any ATV or UTV manufactured solely for off-road use will ever be condoned by government for use on the open road, thereby limitting their potential market size. As the price of a barrel of oil rises there will be more pressure to allow high MPG vehicles on the road. I'll be waiting for the day I can drive my Carry down the highway at 40MPG to go to the hardware store. For the Interstate, I prefer the comfort and relative safety of larger vehicles. Until that day, I am enjoying my mini truck and it meets my needs. Now, if I could remember to go to the right side of it instead of the left side....

[abcminitrucks]

I sell my "Fat American" customers a diahatsu HiJet jumbo. Works great, 1/3 the price.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

I sell my "Fat American" customers a diahatsu HiJet jumbo. Works great, 1/3 the price.

You can't sell one outfitted the same as a MATT truck for 1/3 the price. Unless the truck is junk to start with.

Listen I am not trying to say the MATT truck is going to take over the Kei market. It's just a product that fixes a few issues with the Kei market in my opinion.

[zbadboy]

Let me say it again.......the Chinese won't even buy it. Remember the Hyundai Excel.............the only part of Excel was they all excelled to the scrap yards. Hyundai had to go back to the drawing board and seriously improve tooling and quality control. The Chinese are not even close to being where Hyundai was in the 80's.

I believe Tri States marketing thoughts have some merit. However, I feel the problem is with the product. I would be concerned with customers a year or two down the line complaining about quality issues. This could really damage a business for the long run. A family friend had a Hyundai dealership in the 80's............it went out of business exactly because of what I previously stated.

Good Luck.

Jeff

[abcminitrucks]

A good percentage of my market is Lancscapers, golf courses, security firms, colleges and such. They are not interested in a "outfitted" truck. I have sold several hundred trucks, from "plain Jane" to "pimped" and I know from experience that the "pimped" trucks have a very limited market....and sell much slower than the basic ones.....at least in my area. Most of my customers wanted to start with a base truck and customize it the way they want it...and save money doing it themselves. I have had a few that paid me to do it....but they spent no where near $12000.

They highest price truck I have ever sold is $6500....retail, and it took me almost 6 months to sell it. There is no way I could sell a $12000 truck, nor would I be interested in tying up that kind of money.

I assume when you developed your business plan, you did the demographic research and know your markets, but my area is not one of them.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

A good percentage of my market is Lancscapers, golf courses, security firms, colleges and such. They are not interested in a "outfitted" truck. I have sold several hundred trucks, from "plain Jane" to "pimped" and I know from experience that the "pimped" trucks have a very limited market....and sell much slower than the basic ones.....at least in my area. Most of my customers wanted to start with a base truck and customize it the way they want it...and save money doing it themselves. I have had a few that paid me to do it....but they spent no where near $12000.

They highest price truck I have ever sold is $6500....retail, and it took me almost 6 months to sell it. There is no way I could sell a $12000 truck, nor would I be interested in tying up that kind of money.

I assume when you developed your business plan, you did the demographic research and know your markets, but my area is not one of them.



First of all this isn't my main business. This is just for fun for me. So if the MATT truck thing were to not work I could care less. I haven't even signed up yet. I just think they have a good idea. No they aren't going to sell them to universities, golf courses and security firms. But like I have tried to say in so many words. It's going after a different market.

Do you have a retail location on a busy street? Or do you work from your home over the internet? Because I have a retail location on a major State Highway and most people I deal with are coming off the street not through the internet. They are shopping for something that looks like a camoed Polaris Ranger. Most of them have never even seen a Kei truck before. So if they are going to buy a Kei truck they want it to look like a Polaris Ranger.

If you are selling mostly on the internet then your customers are already educated about the products. Much different selling technique between the two. 90% of what I do when someone walks through my door is education. Most of them want to drive them on the road so I get that out of the way first so I don't spend a whole hour and then find out they want it to replace their "DUI Scooter".

Most of my business has been hunters that want it decked out. So maybe that is the biggest difference. Maybe that's why I am getting such resistance from the Kei dealers on this forum about the product. My customers have wanted the trucks vinyl camoed, lifted, snow plows the whole nine yards. I have sold very few plain Jane white trucks. So for me in my area the MATT is very appealing. Because the truck comes out of the container exactly the way my customers want them. Because let's all face it. The aftermarket parts part of this business is a complete pain in the butt.

[ddimports]

it is all about supply and demand
some people want cheaper used, others want more expensive and new
just for those reasons alone!!
Mattruck is going head to head with the side by sides that are already out there. If they can survive great if not who cares. the jdm's are cheap, great quality but are not for all people. We in north America let the consumer decide!!
i love free enterprise !!!!

[Colin]

I am 5'10" and weigh 215 a couple weeks ago I was 228. If I was much bigger my belly would have been close to touching the steering wheel on some trucks.

Wow, which trucks are those? I'm 6'4" 310lbs or so and my fat gut is several inches from the steering wheel in my Subaru. :eek:

Colin

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

The Suzuki's are pretty tight.

[Micah502EFI]

Wow, which trucks are those? I'm 6'4" 310lbs or so and my fat gut is several inches from the steering wheel in my Subaru. :eek:

Colin

The MATTruck's cab is wider, longer and taller than the mini truck cabs you are use to. They are made for Big American Men who want push button 4x4 with locking diffs front and back.....and all the bells and whistles.

[JRinTX]

I am still amazed by the picture of the "factory" that is in the dealer info section!

Several pages back there was a post from a guy named MATTruck (only 1 post..ever). Did he actually shell out the funds for this factory to build Chinese mini trucks? That is a very impressive drawing of a factory. Lets hope he has a good handle on the market because he is the one that is taking the giant risk! :eek:

Or he may be one of those people that my dad used to say "has more money than sense". I know a few like that.... sometimes I wish I was one!!;)

[Qarle]

And I would take ANY American truck over either.

[scesnick]

And I would take ANY American truck over either.

When you find an American mini truck let me know, I want one too.But until then, these are the only choices.

[myhijet]

I tried to post this last night but it wouldn't work.
If one was to compare apples to apples, what does a new kei run in japan in us $? Anyone care to speculate what a 10-15 year old mattruck would be worth? Compare that to a used mattruck.

[Delorean]

When you find an American mini truck let me know, I want one too.But until then, these are the only choices.



Cushman made one

[slimbad]

1. The "American" company Cushman was bought and owned by a British company (Ransomes Jacobson LTD) during the 1980's thru 1998. It was acquired by an amercan Congl. Textron (98-present). All throughout the Cushman was and is powered by Suzuki engines. Cushman's White truck and Vans are currently powered by a 660cc EFI Suzuki motor.

2. Toro Workman series utility vehicle use the Mitsubishi 3G83 660cc engine. There earlier larger engine (950cc Briggs and Stratton Daihatsu LLC engine).

3. GM has turned its Powertrain Division over to Isuzu (which GM now owns 49% shares) for development of GM's diesel engines and driveline components.

4. It started "in the early 1970s when the Mazda pick up truck was imported to the North American market by Ford and called the Courier. From 1972 to 1983, the Courier was part of the Ford line up, but in reality it was a Mazda.

From 1984 on, Ford decided to build its own small pickup truck and the Ranger was born. Mazda, meanwhile, redesigned their truck and sold it separately until 2002. When time came for a new Mazda truck, Mazda tapped Ford and the current Ranger was rebadged as the Mazda “B” series.

From 1991 to 2001 Ford's Explorer was rebadged and sold as the Mazda Navajo. Only a two door version was available and the line was eventually dropped as Mazda concentrated on their own SUV, namely the Tribute."

5. And finally what is this coming out of Orlando, Fl?

http://www.realpages.com/sites/customcarriages/page4.html

Sorry so longwinded, but throughout you don't see much American/Chinese product mergers. Might be a quality issue. Anyway, later......slim

[fremontminitrucks]

I posted a cushman question a few days ago, i don't think they make the little mini truck anymore, does anyone have any info on this?

[greg0187]

I tried to post this last night but it wouldn't work.
If one was to compare apples to apples, what does a new kei run in japan in us $? Anyone care to speculate what a 10-15 year old mattruck would be worth? Compare that to a used mattruck.

I was on the Daihatsu web site awile back and base price new was $10,500.00 US.

[dayspowersports]

i would bet this is a Chinese copy of a Japanese truck. i have looked at some of the tiger trucks. its hard to beat a japanese product. we sell the chinese atvs and they are not the japanese quality. just my 2 cents worth.

[Micah502EFI]

MATTruck has revamped their website.
Under Products, look at 2009 model.
Lots of pics and video.
They seem to still be working on this new site.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

They have been and continue to work on their website. When the whole Matt truck thing was posted here on the forum they really weren't ready to "go public" per say. But it happened and the website wasn't ready.

[tallahasseeflminitrucks]

Mattruck looks like a Tatanka truck which are made by the Chinese. Might have some little changes done to it.

The Mattruck is a great looking truck and we hope it will hold up and perform like the kei trucks. We cant wait to get our hands on one to see how our customers react.

Torrey

[De-icer]

It's neat looking but I still don't think it's going to sway folks away from Kei trucks. For 12K I better be able to drive it on the road in all 50 states and it's chinese.

[Tri_State_Mini_Trucks]

People spend way over $12,000 for UTV's already and they aren't even close to being able to drive them on the road. The market is there. I think people will be lined up to buy them. With the number of dealers signed up already it seems like a large number of people believe they will sell also.

[1Poet]

With so many things being made in China, you would hope that quality would improve. However, If the Matttruck does well for any period of time, the day will come when it is ultimately compared to a Japanese Kei truck. If Matt thinks these trucks will outlast a Kei, I believe he also thinks the tooth fairy has been to see him. Only time will tell, but my hard-earned money is on the Japanese. No One, NO ONE, makes a higher quality vehicle than the Japanese. Look at Toyota in the marketplace. Where are the Chinese? The kei class trucks are better after ten or fifteen years than the Mattruck is new. As I said though, time will tell. Let's see what a ten year old Mattruck is like. BTW, kinda funny that these $12,000.00 trucks are copies of the Kei. The only thing original is they have a "Jumbo cab" standard. I won't try and be PC like some have on this forum. Anybody fool enough to invest in a Chinese truck like this should realize they are ultimately financing those folks who are out to destroy us. "Come on and invest in our trucks. The Chinese won't hurt us. They are our friends, and I am an American." I don't wish you the best. At least the Japanese are not actively building missils that are to be targeted at the US mainland.

[tmikewww]

The Chinese are our friends? Did you get a little excited and type one thing and mean something else? Or, did I miss-read something?

[1Poet]

No, I wrote what "Matt", the American who is dealing with the Chinese, is telling us to believe when he promotes his line of Chinese trucks. That's why the words were in quotes. Call it like it is, Mattrucks success will help the Chinese Communists in there stated goal to dominate the US.
No, I am not a radical, just a conservative American who studies history and watches what is going on in the world. Matt is either very naive or is one of those "useful idiots" as the Communists refer to in their manifesto.
I will tell everyone I know NOT to buy a Mattruck due to two factors: 1) they are priced too high for what they are and 2) They are manufactured in a country that is an avowed enemy of the United States.
Those on this site that defend Mattrucks should buy just go ahead and "drink the coolaid" and leave this forum. Most on this forum would never consider a piece of junk from China when we know the quality of the little Japanese trucks. Goodbye TRi State Minitrucks. Start your own forum. Call it Mattruck Mini Truck Forum, then see the hordes that join.

[De-icer]

This truck isn't anything new, it's a chinese Tatanka truck that anyone can import. It was funny, as I read through the faq's on the mattruck site one question was where is your truck made and it simply stated "In our factory to our exact specifications" It didn't say where that factory was (china) and now that question is no longer an faq. LOL

[hamradio]

Yes, they are overpriced. What I like is, they'll get bought, they'll get trashed, and will be broken. In 5-10 years from now, if they're popular, there'll be quite a few floating around with dead engines, transmissions, etc, for cheap, to swap engines into. :D

And no, china is not going to take over america by selling knockoff minitrucks.

[De-icer]

Am I wrong, it's just a Tatanka truck isn't it?

[ATVtruck.com]

If it was me I would specify 4wd.

[Mini Truck Exporter]

Please tell me these trucks are not "LEAD BASED"!

[Micah502EFI]

Hey,

MATTruck has a new website.
From what I see in the specs, they have a bigger cab and don't seem to be anything like the Tatanka.
They only come in 4x4

[1Poet]

The Mattruck site is a little lame. The videos are not up, (they were before), and there isn't all that much info, except we now know they are full time 4x4. If you remember the toy recalls due to lead, the pet food poisonings and the a-bomb, then you will LOVE the Mattruck! I think Matt might want to ask the Chinese to bring there "state of the art" manufacturing over here and support some Americans instead of oppressing there own people. Oh, excuse the non-pc comments. I must have forgotten that this is a free country.:frustration::eek:

[JRinTX]

The Matt truck looks alot like a Tiger truck. Check out http://www.tigertruck.com.

But, I have to agree the Chinese built trucks will not be dependable. I work in the automation industry and it is a well known fact that the Chinese lack the quality of both US and Japanese built products. We have customers that include in there equipment specifications "no Chinese materials or components". It is because China is years behind in materials engineering. They have very limited knowledge of metallurgy and produce inferior steel based products. They may eventually catch up with modern engineering practices, but they have a long way to go!

[greg0187]

Just got back from Mexico. I saw plenty of these Hyundai's. They look similar in size to the Tiger Truck.

-Greg

http://www.minitrucktalk.com/galleries/data/500/medium/IMG_7420.JPG
http://www.minitrucktalk.com/galleries/data/500/medium/IMG_7421.JPG

[Micah502EFI]

Wow! All this Negativity......
You wouldn't know a good thing if you saw it cause you will Immediately Slam it in to some Stereotypical catagory! "Chinese"
I do my homework before making a decision about a new product......Some of you fly off the handle,jump to conclusions, and just assume! My wife does that Too

[JRinTX]

Micah,

My comments above concerning equipment manufactured in China is not based assumptions or stereotyping. My "Negativity" is based on current, actual experiences with Chinese equipment. Their engineering, manufacturing and quality control practices are FAR behind those of the US and Japan.

All I am suggesting is that you use caution until you have experience with Chinese equipment and have done some long term testing.

[gbrecke]

Micah,

10 or more years experience here, I have studied Japanese QC for 40 years, Chinese and Indian QC for at least 10 years. regardless of price, I'll take the Japanese made stuff even with lots of miles on them over new Chinese or Indian, they'll catch up.. but it's a ways off. With their QC practices; you can get a decent one, or a really bad one.. you just never know..

Passing that bad one onto your customer, let me tell you, there's no reward there.

[PaulChristenson]

Wow! All this Negativity......
You wouldn't know a good thing if you saw it cause you will Immediately Slam it in to some Stereotypical catagory! "Chinese"
I do my homework before making a decision about a new product......Some of you fly off the handle,jump to conclusions, and just assume! My wife does that Too

Well if these trucks are manufactured similar to their Farm TRACTORs...Run for the hills...:D

My buddy bought a Chinese special against everyone's advice and the best story I can tell here, is that when he changed the oil, we found chinese newspaper in the filter container...:D

[jimhammer1]

I purchased a chinese tractor four years ago. It arrived in crates and required putting it together. I joined the chinese tractor owners association forum (CTOA). I changed all fluids, battery, and filters before I started it. It has run strong ever since with a lot of use. 28 hp, 4x4 diesel, FEL, brush hog, PTO chiper, auger, gannon, ROP, sun shade and wheel weights. Total cost delivered less than $12,000.00. Here in San Diego County a Japanese tractor with just FEL was $22,500.00. The Chinese filters, fluids and batteries are not as good as American, but that was easily overcome. Their wiring harness and gauges can be changed if you want an accurate reading. It was a good buy for the price.

[gbrecke]

Lack of QC, or poor QC practices does not mean they're all bad, it means they're not all good. Example: Bearings are a problem in China right now. I'm starting to see Japanese bearings used in product assemblies out of China, the failure rates of Chinese bearings were too high for some Chinese companies to bear. China makes a lot of really good bearings, with a few bad ones thrown in, that's the problem, you don't know which ones you are getting. Replaciing the bearing is little problem, paying to have it replaced, now that becomes a logistical nightmare for a dealer. Some address this problem by passing on the factory warranty, just return the item to QZ, China and we'll take a look at it, they might say..

I know of one Chinese tractor engine used in a generator set that has a repported 30,000 hours on it, no bad!

[PaulChristenson]

I know of one Chinese tractor engine used in a generator set that has a repported 30,000 hours on it, no bad!

Yeah, but there are thousands of Onans chugging along without a second thought about their reliability...:rolleyes: