PRESSURE FOR RETAIL DEALERS COZ A.L STILE & PARTNER(LCV) ENTERED IN MARKET

• Dost LCV to be joined by a STILE, Multi-Functional Vehicle and PARTNER, a 6-tonne LCV

Two new-generation LCV platforms from Ashok Leyland were revealed today at the Auto Expo. The Multi-Functional Ashok Leyland STILE and the contemporary 6-tonne LCV Ashok Leyland PARTNER represent very different faces of the LCV spectrum. Following on the heels of the Ashok Leyland DOST, which has seen very strong response in the market, these new products will allow the Company, over the coming years, to address a very wide range of customer needs and applications.

STILE, is a modern Multi-Functional Vehicle (MFV) and will usher in a new class of vehicles for the Indian customer. It has been specially developed to address various applications like people carriers in the urban and rural areas, hotel shuttles, taxi services, ambulances, panel vans, courier services, inter-city and intra-city travel.

STILE sports a classy, sophisticated look with its sleek contours and structured edges. The monocoque body construction makes for a lower kerb weight contributing to its fuel efficiency, while for passengers, it translates into greater safety and excellent ride quality. The interiors wear a pleasing look with dual-tone treatment and superior ergonomics.  The low floor feature makes for easy entry and exit, while sliding doors on both sides allow for easy access in tight parking spaces. STILE will be available in both CNG and Diesel versions, with a wide choice of seating options of 2 and 3 rows.

PARTNER is the new 6-tonne LCV platform that was launched globally by Nissan Motor Company very recently, which has helped them gained precious market share in several global markets. The cab has a modern Euro-look, is spacious with advanced ergonomics, power steering and air-conditioning while a well-appointed interior has ample room for occupants and their belongings. The cab is also tiltable for easy serviceability. PARTNER is powered by a contemporary 120 hp ZD30-DDTI Common Rail Diesel (BS 4-complaint) engine that gives the vehicle excellent pick-up and good gradeability for faster turnaround. On display is a Refrigerated Truck which represents one of the application variants, some of the others being steel and aluminium containers and tippers.

The company has seen solid bookings for the recently launched Ashok Leyland DOST. To keep up the momentum in the small LCV segment, the company also showed its new DOST-CNG variant. This product will also enter the market shortly, catering to those markets where CNG is preferred or mandated.
“Right from the outset, we were determined not to remain a one product/platform or niche player in the LCV space. We are delighted to present two brand-new concepts on our two new-generation platforms that have been developed, close on the heels of the launch of our DOST platform,” said Dr. V. Sumantran, Non-Executive Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland and Chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd. “Both these new vehicles maintain our focus on offering Japanese technology and quality at Indian cost. Together with the addition of the DOST-CNG, expected to be launched in 2012, we hope to cater to a wide range of needs, and at the same time, address the growing expectations of the Indian consumer. ” he added.

The STILE and PARTNER platforms are scheduled for launch in mid of calendar year 2013. The Dost-CNG will reach the market in 2012.