Mumbai, There is no dispute between Mahindra and Mahindra and US automaker Chrysler on the issue of Scorpio design, a spokesperson for the company said.

However, a source close to company said the Indian company will talk to the US automaker as there were media reports that Chrysler may take legal action against Mahindra for copying the design of its iconic model, Jeep.

Scorpio has been around since 2002 and there has been no controversy so far. Therefore, these reports are hard to comprehend, said a company source. The entire controversy must be viewed in the context of reports that Chrysler is in talks with Tata Motors and Fiat, he said.

No comments, says Chrysler

However, Chrysler declined to comment, leaving much to speculation. We hope youll understand that we cannot comment on this matter at this time, Mr Michael Palese, a spokesperson of Chrysler, told Business Line in response to an e-mail query.

As regards the reports of another dispute between Mahindra and Chrysler in South Africa regarding the use of Jeep in the ads put out by the Indian company, a Mahindra official said that it had won that case. Chryslers South African arm had complained against an ad run by Mahindra which uses its automobile marquee Jeep, saying it owns the trademark to the worlds oldest sports utility vehicle of World War II vintage.

Source : Business Line (Online Edition)   (8/13/2008)