Ashok Leyland extends LCV range and launches limited anniversary edition

Haryana EV policy announced

Ashok Leyland, a commercial vehicle manufacturer and the flagship company of the Hinduja group, launched BADA DOST i1 and BADA DOST i2, adding to its BADA DOST range. Plus, it has also launched BADA DOST Limited Edition, with industry first features in a commercial vehicle.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Today marks a special day for us, as we celebrate our second anniversary of BADA DOST. On this occasion, we are excited to deliver on our promise of expanding our BADA DOST range and launch the BADA DOST i1 and BADA DOST i2. LCV is a key growth area for Ashok Leyland, and the Bada Dost Range would play a pivotal role in expanding our domestic as well as international sales, and propel us in our journey to achieve our vision of being a global top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturer.”

Rajat Gupta, Head – Light Commercial Vehicle, Ashok Leyland, mentioned, “Our DOST and BADA DOST range have been some of the most successful vehicles in the segment. BADA DOST is a consumer-centric product and has earned the confidence and trust in the customer. We have 35,000 vehicles successfully running today. These new products will expand our offerings and cover a wider range of payload capacity and applications, thereby strengthening our LCV portfolio. Our aim is to continue to aggressively gain market share in the LCV segment.”

BADA DOST i1 and BADA DOST i2 – What do they come with?
The BADA DOST i1 and i2 offer a payload of 1,250 kg and 1,425 kg, respectively. They are designed to offer a wide deck of 1,750 mm and long deck of 2,596 mm – (8.5 ft) for i1 and (9 ft) for i2. The power, mileage, payload, load body length and loading space help customers earn more profit per trip. Both i1 and i2 are designed to have a low turning radius for better suitability for inter and intra-city applications and ease of adaptability to different terrains.

BADA DOST Limited Edition
The BADA DOST Limited Edition provides a central locking feature and keyless entry into the vehicle, along with anti-theft features. The focus is to provide features to enhance customer experience.

What’s more
These two products also feature an ARAI certified three-seater walkthrough cabin, offering comfort and space. The wide seat design can be converted into a bed that the customer can use to rest comfortably in between trips. The ergonomically positioned dash mounted gear shift lever, dual tone dashboard and digital instrument cluster offer a premium car-like experience. The vehicle is also equipped with ACs.

BADA DOST i1 and i2 – key features
· ARAI certified D+2 seating configuration
· Widest cabin in the category – offering comfort for the driver
· Lowest turning radius in its category – 10.6m on i1 and 11.3 m on i2
· A warranty of three years/one lakh km

BADA DOST Limited Edition – key features
· Segment first central locking feature - keyless entry into the vehicle, with anti-theft feature
· Seven-inch touch screen infotainment system, with mobile connectivity and bluetooth calling.
· Reverse camera.

Ashok Leyland, with its network of more than 1700 outlets, ensures that there is an authorised service centre every 75 km on major highways. An additional 53,000 touch points for aftermarket support, along with digital tools of Leykart, ALCare & iALERT, enables it to keep its ‘Ashok Leyland Quick Response’ promise of reaching customers within four hours and getting them back on the road in 48 hours.







 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Appoints David Hanna As New Director

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK Appoints David Hanna As New Director

David Hanna has been named Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK, effective 1 October 2025. He brings extensive two-decade automotive industry experience from both manufacturer and retail perspectives.

Hanna originally joined Volkswagen Group UK in 2014 and has since cultivated deep brand knowledge through significant roles within the Audi, Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles divisions, including Head of Network Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars UK. This strategic appointment marks a return to the light commercial vehicles sector for Hanna, where his proven leadership and historical involvement are expected to drive the brand's future growth and strengthen its market position.

Damien O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group UK, said, “I am delighted to welcome David to the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group UK in his new role as Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.  I’m sure he will bring strong leadership and considerable experience to this important role.”

Hanna said, “Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a fantastic brand with class-leading products and an incredible history. It also has one of the best team of retailers in the UK through its Van Centre Network. I’m excited to be able to lead the team in the UK, and am very much looking forward to working with them and the network again in order to continue the success of the brand.”

Tata Motors Launches New LPT 812 Truck

Tata LPT 812

Tata Motors, one of India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, has launched the all-new Tata LPT 812, its latest offering in the Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles (ILMCV) segment.

The LPT 812 builds upon the company’s capabilities and is claimed to be India’s first 4-tyre truck with a 5-tonne rated payload. It is built on the company’s LPT platform, which is claimed to provide the ruggedness of a 6-tyre vehicle, while offering the efficiency, agility and lower maintenance of a 4-tyre truck. It is available in multi-load body options for customers operating across industrial goods, market load, F&V and courier applications, among others.

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “The launch of the Tata LPT 812 sets a new benchmark in customer profitability in the segment. This category-defining truck addresses the growing need for improved productivity, while delivering superior fuel efficiency, ease of operations and maximum uptime. It reflects our commitment to understanding evolving market requirements and developing advanced solutions that drive long-term business growth for our customers.”

In terms of performance, the LPT 812 comes with 4SPCR diesel engine, producing 125hp and 360Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox and a booster-assisted clutch for smooth gearshifts. The truck comes with parabolic front suspension with an anti-roll bar, full S-Cam air brakes and tilt & telescopic power steering.

Tata Motors is providing a 3-year/300,000 km warranty as part of its aftersales assurance.

Ashok Leyland Opens New LCV Dealership In Jajpur, Odisha

Ashok Leyland LCV Dealership

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has inaugurated its new light commercial vehicles dealership in Jajpur, Odisha, which also marks the sixth such facility in the state.

The new facility is equipped with advanced tools, quick service bays and to service its extensive range of LCVs including – Bada Dost, Dost, Saathi, Partner and MiTR.

Viplav Shah, Head – LCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said, “Odisha has always been an important market for us, and we are delighted to strengthen our presence here with the new dealership in Jajpur. Our relationship with customers in this region has been built on trust, performance, and shared growth. The success of our Dost, Bada Dost and now the Saathi range, known for their superior mileage, performance, and reliability, reflects the confidence our customers place in us. With a strong network and an industry-leading service retention rate, we are thankful for the confidence our customers continue to pose in us. This new dealership is yet another step in our commitment to offering world-class products and unmatched service.”

At present, over 550,000 Ashok Leyland LCVs are plying across India.

Tata Motors Launches New Winger Plus At INR 2 Million

Tata Winger Plus

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.