Public RelationsAshok Leyland working on better bus platform
Ashok Leyland is working on a new bus platform, which “will offer a higher level of comfort and safety in public transportation”, says R Seshasayee, managing director. Its portfolio includes high-floor buses comprising the Viking & Cheetah series, vestibule and double-decker buses, semi-low-floor buses, and airport transfer air-conditioned coaches. Seshasayee was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the company’s U-Truck series.
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Ashok Leyland, which entered into a 50:50 joint venture with US-based John Deere Construction & Forestry Company in 2008, will commence the manufacture of backhoes, wheel loaders and excavators in January 2011 for both the domestic and export market. “We have identified the land for this joint venture close to Chennai,” says Seshasayee.
On the company’s foray into light commercial vehicles (LCVs) through a joint venture with Nissan, Seshasayee says the LCVs will be rolled out both from Leyland’s plant at Hosur and from Nissan Renault’s upcoming plant on the outskirts of Chennai, which constitute the first phase. “In the second phase, we would roll out LCVs from the JV’s new plant, which is also located close to Chennai.” It is a 51:49 JV, named Ashok Leyland and Nissan Vehicles Pvt Ltd.
On branding, Seshasayee said there will be no dual branding. “LCVs carrying the Ashok Leyland brand will be positioned as value propositions, while those badged as Nissan will be positioned in the premium segment. On the distribution aspect, there could be shared dealerships. The LCVs will be available in the commercial market from 2011.