The Hindu Business Line : Ashok Leyland launches factory built cab

NEW LINE-UP: Mr Vinod K. Dasari, Chief Operating Officer of Ashok Leyland, with `Comet-1611', launched in Hyderabad on Saturday. The model is priced at Rs 8.65 lakh. — Mohammed Yousuf

Hyderabad , Sept. 23

Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja group flagship company in India, has announced the launch of Comet 1611, a factory built cab that is customised to specific industry requirements.

The company is targeting the growing retail, oil and gas supply and consumer products with this vehicle.

The Chief Operating Officer of Ashok Leyland, Mr Vinod K. Dasari, said: "Extensive performance trails have shown it is 10 per cent more fuel efficient than the existing class of vehicles. With fuel accounting for over 60 per cent of the operating cost, Comet 1611 addresses top of mind concern of fleet operators."

Comet 1611 is designed for quicker turnaround that helps a consumer benefit from the truck from day one.

Though no sales target have been set, it would contribute significant numbers to the overall company sales target of 75,000 during the year, up from 60,000 last year, he said.

Expansion drive

Speaking to newspersons here after the launch, Mr Dasari said that the company has embarked on expansion of its existing facility with an investment of about Rs 500 crore.

It plans to establish two more manufacturing units in India.

A decision on one of the manufacturing units would be taken within three months. It is evaluating as to where this would be located. A new plant would cost about Rs 1,500 crore, he said, refraining to comment on the possible location. Referring to the recent acquisition, of the Czech company Avia, Mr Dasari said that it planned to compete with the established players in Eastern Europe leveraging the Avia plant. However, it would take at least two-three years to bring Avia products to India.

Mentioning about emerging trends, Mr Dasari said Comet 1611 and other products would increasingly be customer developed for specific requirements.

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