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.”

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Mumbai-headquartered commercial vehicle major Tata Motors has launched its all-new 9-seater Tata Winger Plus at INR 2.06 million.

The Winger Plus is aimed at customers looking to offer a premium mobility experience for staff transportation and growing tourist demands. It features such as reclining captain seats with adjustable armrests, personal USB charging points, individual AC vents and spacious leg room. Built on a monocoque chassis, it comes with wide cabin and large luggage compartment, at the same time providing car-like ride and handling, along with robust safety.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, “The Winger Plus has been thoughtfully engineered to deliver a premium experience for passengers and a compelling value proposition for fleet operators. With its superior ride comfort, best-in-class comfort features, and segment-leading efficiency, it is designed to drive profitability while offering the lowest cost of ownership. India’s passenger mobility landscape is evolving rapidly—from staff transportation in urban centres to the rising demand for tourism across the country. The Winger Plus is built to serve this diversity, setting new benchmarks in the commercial passenger vehicle segment.”

The Winger Plus is powered by a 2.2L Dicor diesel engine, which produces 100hp of power and 200Nm of torque. It is equipped with Tata Motors’ Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform that provides real-time vehicle tracking, diagnostics and fleet optimisation.

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Switch Mobility, a subsidiary of the Hinduja Group and a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, has commenced delivery of its Switch EIV12 low-floor electric buses to the Department of Transport, Delhi. The buses are part of a landmark 950-unit order awarded under the CESL tender and were officially flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The deployment marks a significant step in Delhi's transition toward sustainable urban mobility. Manufactured at Switch’s facility in India, the buses are a testament to the company's ‘Make in India for the World’ vision, combining global technology with local manufacturing.

Designed for Delhi’s demanding urban transit, the 12-metre buses can accommodate 39 passengers and are equipped with advanced safety and convenience features, including a wheelchair ramp, CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS tracking.

R G Venkataraman, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility, “We are delighted to commence delivery of our SWITCH EiV12 electric buses to Delhi, reinforcing the capital’s leadership position in sustainable urban transportation. These low floor electric city buses, engineered with advanced global technology and manufactured with pride in India, will significantly enhance Delhi’s public transport ecosystem while contributing to cleaner air and improved quality of life for millions of commuters. This deployment underscores our commitment to empowering Indian cities with intelligent, efficient and eco-friendly transportation solutions that drive progress towards a more sustainable future.”

The new buses utilise the company’s proprietary telematics system, Switch iON, for real-time monitoring and efficient fleet management. Additionally, they feature a streamlined, ultra-low-floor design for easy boarding and are equipped with a fire detection and suppression system for enhanced safety. This rollout aligns with the Delhi Government's aim to have the highest number of electric buses in India, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and provide safer commutes for millions of daily passengers.

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Piaggio Vehicles (PVPL), a subsidiary of the Piaggio Group and leading manufacturer of small commercial vehicles, has partnered Hinduja Leyland Finance.

The partnership aims to provide Piaggio Vehicles’ customers access to retail finance options on its three-wheeler range, including electric and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles in India.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, “India’s mobility landscape is evolving rapidly. From small entrepreneurs to fleet operators, a new class of owners is emerging, and they need financing that understands their realities. With this partnership, Piaggio and Hinduja Leyland Finance are bringing together the strength of two trusted brands to make vehicle ownership simpler, faster, and more accessible. Together this partnership can enable progress, powered by mobility that people can truly call their own.”

Sachin Pillai, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Hinduja Leyland Finance, said, “This partnership brings together our expertise in vehicle financing and Piaggio’s presence in the three-wheeler segment to help customers acquire and manage their vehicles efficiently. Leveraging our extensive network and reach across India, Hinduja Leyland Finance aims to provide solutions that support last mile connectivity, asset ownership, and income generation for customers across the segment. By combining our financing reach and agility with Piaggio’s product offerings, we are making the 3-wheeler ownership more accessible for the customers through a customised financing process”. 

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Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has opened a new 3S dealership for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in Agra, marking its fifth LCV dealership in Western Uttar Pradesh. Operated by channel partner Maya Autotech, the new dealership is equipped with advanced tools and quick-service bays to provide a superior customer experience. It will offer Ashok Leyland's full range of LCVs, including the Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and MiTR models.

It was just recently, the company entered the sub-2-tonne segment with the launch of the Ashok Leyland Saathi. Powered by a new-generation 45 hp engine, the Saathi features an industry-leading payload capacity of 1,120 kg and the largest loading area in its class.

On the other hand, the popular Bada Dost is available in five variants and is equipped with an 80 hp BS6 engine, offering high power, mileage, and payload capacity. The Dost range includes the Dost Xl and Dost+ XL, while the Partner is a fuel-efficient load carrier available in both 4-tyre and 6-tyre options. The MiTR bus, built on the same platform as the Partner, comes in staff and school bus variants.

Viplav Shah, Head of LCV Business at Ashok Leyland, said, “Uttar Pradesh has always been a key market for us, and we are delighted to deepen our presence here with the new dealership in Agra. Our journey with customers in this region has been shaped by trust, performance, and shared progress. The new dealership in Agra builds on the remarkable success of our Dost, Bada Dost and now the Saathi range, which continue to earn the trust of customers for their superior mileage, performance, and reliability. Our strong network and an exceptional service retention rate of nearly 70 percent reflect the deep confidence customers place in us. This dealership is another step forward in our commitment to deliver world-class products and unmatched service, ensuring an exceptional experience for every customer.”

Ashok Leyland’s LCVs were developed to meet the specific needs of Indian customers, combining modern technology with competitive pricing. The company has a significant presence in the segment, with over 550,000 LCVs currently operating across India.

All of these LCVs are manufactured at Ashok Leyland's state-of-the-art plant in Hosur. With a network of more than 1,700 exclusive outlets nationwide, the company aims to have an authorised service center every 75 km on major highways.

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