Chennai: Ashok Leyland, India’s premier commercial vehicle manufacturer and part of the Hinduja Group, has announced the acquisition of a substantial order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings (TN STU’s) for 1,666 buses. This order marks the largest procurement of Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) buses from a State Transport Undertaking and underscores Ashok Leyland’s dominant presence in the bus industry.
Partner for TN STU’s
The long-standing partnership between Ashok Leyland and TN STU’s has solidified the brand’s position as the preferred choice for the state’s transport needs. Currently, more than 18,000 Ashok Leyland buses operate within the TN STU’s fleet, constituting over 90% of the total fleet.
Innovation and Passenger Comfort
These newly ordered buses are designed to prioritize passenger comfort and will be equipped with the advanced iGen6 BS VI technology, showcasing a robust 147 kW (197 hp) H-series engine. This cutting-edge engine is anticipated to enhance safety, elevate passenger comfort, and significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Commenting on this achievement, Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed his delight, “We are delighted to have received the single largest BSVI order from Tamil Nadu State Transport Undertakings. Our ability to deliver value, combined with our state-of-the-art technology and innovative solutions, not only cements our leading position in the Indian bus market, particularly with STUs but also empowers us to explore new horizons as we strive to meet the rapidly expanding public mobility needs in our country. Our deep understanding of our markets and customers is what sets us apart and has been instrumental in our success in winning these orders.”
Sanjeev Kumar, President- M&HCV, Ashok Leyland, further added, “We are thrilled to have received the single largest order for BS VI buses from TN STU’s, with whom we share a long-standing association spanning decades. With this order, we are bound to cross the prestigious milestone of over 20,000 of our buses operating with TN STU’s. This is a testament to the reliability, durability, and robustness of our buses. The cost of ownership and the product experience that we deliver are the best in the industry.”
Solidifying Leadership in the Industry
Ashok Leyland is the world’s fourth-largest bus manufacturer and holds the distinction of being India’s largest bus manufacturer. This order stands as a pivotal step in reinforcing its leadership status, reaffirming the consistent trust placed in Ashok Leyland by Tamil Nadu STUs.
This notable accomplishment underlines the brand’s commitment to providing outstanding products and services, which have been pivotal in securing and maintaining long-term partnerships like the one with TN STU’s.