Chennai-based Ashok Leyland, a prominent name in the commercial vehicle sector, marked its 75th anniversary with a series of significant announcements and unveils, including its electric vehicle offerings and a hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus developed in collaboration with Reliance Industries.
Electric LCVs for MSMEs and E-commerce
As part of the celebration, Ashok Leyland introduced the leV series of electric light commercial vehicles, which are a product of its electric subsidiary, Switch Mobility. These vehicles aim to provide a compelling value proposition for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), cottage industries, and the burgeoning e-commerce sector in India. Key highlights of the leV series include an exceptionally low total cost of ownership and a strong commitment to ensuring high uptime for users.
Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus
In addition to the electric light commercial vehicles, Ashok Leyland also showcased a new hydrogen fuel-cell electric bus. This innovative bus, with a length of nine meters, was developed in partnership with the National Thermal Power Corporation and Reliance Industries. The development of this hydrogen-powered vehicle reflects Ashok Leyland’s dedication to exploring eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Mahesh Babu, CEO of Switch Mobility, emphasized that the launch of the leV series represents a significant milestone for the company, known for its presence in the electric bus market. He highlighted that the series underlines Switch Mobility’s commitment to driving positive change within the industry.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility, reflected on the company’s remarkable 75-year journey, highlighting the transformative and innovative aspects of their story. He expressed the company’s excitement about the future and their determination to continue shaping the commercial vehicle industry.
Shenu Agarwal, MD and CEO of Ashok Leyland, noted the company’s consistent efforts to redefine industry standards, incorporating cutting-edge technology into its products and services, and collaborating with renowned names to provide customer-centric solutions. The 75th-anniversary celebration, according to Agarwal, symbolizes the company’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility.
‘Dream Drive’ Initiative
In conjunction with its anniversary celebrations, Ashok Leyland launched the ‘Dream Drive’ initiative. This initiative involves a journey across India, with ten of the company’s vehicles traversing five different routes and concluding at its manufacturing plants. Through this initiative, Ashok Leyland aims to engage with its extensive network of customers, dealers, suppliers, and partners, fostering direct connections with drivers, mechanics, and financiers.
Furthermore, ‘Manzil ka Safar,’ featuring the Stallion defense vehicles, embarked on a 4,000+ km journey from Kanyakumari to Leh. This expedition served to acknowledge Ashok Leyland’s enduring partnership with the Indian defense forces.