Ashok Leyland Demonstrates Futuristic Vehicle Range At Auto Expo 2023

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Ashok Leyland showcased its advanced mobility solutions at the Auto Expo 2023 today. The company demonstrated its futuristic vehicle range, powered by electric and hydrogen options.

According to Ashok Leyland, its products showcased at the Auto Expo 2023 are as follows –

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Ashok Leyland's BOSS Battery Electric Vehicle, designed for a green, sustainable world, runs on a battery that powers the motor that drives the vehicle. This vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery, which is charged externally, states the commercial vehicle manufacturer. To provide payload advantage, the vehicle comes with lightweight design.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
As per Ashok Leyland, its fuel cell electric truck is powered by hydrogen. In the fuel cell, atmospheric oxygen – along with hydrogen – produces electricity. This powers the power electronics, and further the motor that drives the vehicle. Ashok Leyland claims that this vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery with an external charging provision to run as a limited battery vehicle. To ensure maximum safety, the vehicle comes with a leak detection system.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (H2-ICE) 
According to Ashok Leyland, the Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV) is powered by a renewable and clean energy source, hydrogen. The sustainable vehicle, coupled with advanced technology, is powering a safer and smarter future. Ashok Leyland states that H2-ICEs are similar to conventional combustion engines and only a few tweaks are made to convert them to run on hydrogen. This vehicle is also equipped with Advanced Driver Assistant System (ADAS) for enhanced vehicle and road safety.

Liquefied Natural Gas vehicle
The automotive manufacturer’s dual-fuel vehicle, Liquefied Natural Gas vehicle, runs on LNG and CNG. As per the company, its smart and sustainable fuel system propels us toward a prosperous and greener future. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles work similar to gasoline-powered vehicles, with a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. Ashok Leyland claims that the natural gas is super cooled and cryogenically stored in liquid form in a tank mounted on the truck. LNG is typically preferred in heavy-duty vehicles to meet longer range requirements.

Intercity CNG bus
According to Ashok Leyland, its 13.5 m intercity CNG Bus (4X2), the longest bus in the segment, runs on India’s most powerful turbo charged CNG engine. In this vehicle, 1,500 litres (255 kg) of CNG fuel is stored in lightweight composite cylinders, which are safely mounted over the frame, and has a range of approximately 1,000 kilometres. The bus comes with a maximised luggage space of 11 cubic metres, highest among the CNG buses, states the commercial vehicle manufacturer. With 36 berths, it also offers 20 percent higher passenger capacity.

Mini passenger bus
Bada Dost Xpress is a mini passenger bus that prioritises environment, comfort and performance, as per Ashok Leyland. The automotive manufacturer claims that powered by the next generation engine, the bus is suitable for both, city and highway driving. Designed ergonomically to seat 12 passengers, the vehicle redefines passenger comfort with easy entry and exit. The grab rails, safety handles and anti-skidding flooring make walking inside the passenger saloon safer and easier, according to Ashok Leyland. It also offers optional features of AC and a vehicle tracking system (VTS).

While launching the new alternative energy products, Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Ashok Leyland has always been a pioneer in introducing state-of-the-art technologies in the commercial vehicle space. Through this futuristic and innovative product portfolio, we have once again demonstrated our technological leadership, and more importantly, our commitment to the clean mobility mission. The range of our new clean energy products, covering both the truck and bus segments, underscores our capability and readiness to lead the transformation in the road transportation sector. We will remain deeply invested in the cause of sustainability, aspiring to lead the market with our new-generation commercial vehicles.”

Sharing his views, Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, commented, “We are delighted to showcase our offerings here at the Auto Expo 2023. The automotive sector has seen a wave of technological upgrade in the last two years with green fuel being the future of the industry. Having one of the best R&D teams in the country, we want to continue our path to innovate and leverage new technology to be a leader in sustainable and environment-friendly mobility. Our aim is to make India's alternate fuel segment self-reliant and be one of the flag bearers of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign.”

Eicher Trucks & Buses Partners MoRTH For Delhi-NCR Fleet Modernisation

MoRTH - VE Commercial Vehicles - VECV

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the replacement scheme for commercial vehicles in the Delhi-NCR region.

Under the agreement, Eicher Trucks & Buses will provide an 8 percent discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible vehicles. CV customers can also receive additional support regarding motor vehicle tax, registration fees, interest subvention and fuel benefits, as defined by the scheme criteria. The process will be managed through a digital platform integrated with the VAHAN database and the vehicle scrapping ecosystem.

S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “For over 4 decades, Eicher Trucks and Buses customers have driven modernisation in the Indian CV industry. Carrying this tradition, Eicher Trucks and Buses is pleased to join hands with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on their path-breaking policy to replace old and polluting vehicles from the NCR region. Eicher customers will gain from the substantial incentives offered by the Government of India and State Governments of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan under this program."

Ashok Leyland Introduces New Truck Range With Air Suspension

Ashok Leyland - Air Suspension

Chennai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has introduced a new range of trucks equipped with air suspension, which includes three models: the AVTR 4925 10x2 MAV, the AVTR 4625 10x2 MAV and the AVTR 4525 8x2 MAV. These vehicles offer payload advantages of up to 4 tonnes.

The trucks are designed to provide stability, reduce vibrations and improve tyre life. The company says that the suspension system requires no greasing, facilitating maintenance-free operations.

The new air-suspension-equipped truck range is available in cowl and cabin options with various loading spans. Standard features include Intelligent Vehicle Acceleration Control (iVAC) and Automatic Traction Control (ATC) to assist with fuel efficiency and traction.

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, "Ashok Leyland has always been a technology leader in the Indian CV industry. Since our inception we have been known for introducing technology solutions that create meaningful value for customers. With the launch of the new Air Suspension technology in trucks, we are reinforcing that position. These new trucks offer best in class payload capability, improved comfort, and better performance, helping our customers improve productivity and profitability."

Sanjeev Kumar, President MHCV, Ashok Leyland, added, "Customers today are looking for vehicles that provide better efficiency, reliability, and value throughout their operations. Our new air suspension range has been developed keeping these requirements in mind. With benefits such as improved vehicle stability, reduced vibrations, superior ride comfort, and improved tyre life, these trucks are designed to deliver a better ownership experience for customers."

Force Motors Partners Ministry of Road Transport & Highways For Delhi-NCR Vehicle Scheme

Force Motors - MoRTH

Pune-headquartered Force Motors has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) to participate in the Commercial Vehicle Replacement Scheme for the Delhi-NCR region.

The scheme facilitates the replacement of BS-IV and older trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with BS-VI or electric vehicles to lower emissions. Under the agreement, Force Motors will provide benefits to customers through its dealership network in the region.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, said, "Force Motors is pleased to partner with the Government of India in this important initiative to modernise the commercial vehicle fleet in the Delhi-NCR region. The scheme aligns with our commitment to delivering cleaner, more efficient mobility solutions. We look forward to enabling fleet operators and customers to transition to the latest generation of commercial vehicles through this collaborative initiative."

Ashok Leyland Opens New LCV Dealership In Maharashtra

Ashok Leyland LCV

Chennai-headquartered automotive major Ashok Leyland has inaugurated a new dealership for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) in Ratnagiri. This facility is the 16th LCV dealership in Maharashtra, adding to a distribution network of 950 touchpoints across India.

The new dealership is operated by Lavekar Motors as a 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) facility, which features 8 service bays and is located near Mahanagar CNG Pump.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland Ltd. said, “Maharashtra has always been an important market for us, and we are excited to further strengthen our presence in this region. Our relationship with customers is built on trust, performance, and shared growth. Our products are known for their superior mileage, reliability, and performance with a robust network and an industry-leading service retention, we take pride in the continued confidence our customers place in us. The opening of this new dealership marks yet another step in our commitment to delivering world-class products and unmatched services to our valued customers.”

Till date, Ashok Leyland has sold over 600,000 LCVs in India, which are manufactured at the Hosur plant.