Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland.
| Photo Credit: SUPPLIED PIC
Ashok Leyland (ALL) is planning to have a whole suite of alternativee fuel vehicles prepared throughout the subsequent 18 to 24 months, mentioned Executive Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja.
“As a company, we want to be sure that we have all the products with different fuel options available that the customer might want,” he mentioned throughout an interplay.
“Since we have developed the modular platform and introduced it in 2020, it is simple and much easier task for us to align the vehicles with the new or alternative fuels,” he mentioned.
Going ahead, as per the proposal, ALL portfolio might be of CNG, LNG, hydrogen fuel cell or ice engines, electrical and hybrid variations.
ALL had just lately commenced the supply of India’s first LNG-powered 12 haulage vehicles to Mahanagar Gas in Hosur and 10 hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC.
Asked in regards to the volumes, he mentioned they’re working with particular prospects by finishing up trials and testing by their necessities.
“At this point of time, we are not looking at large volumes. In the next 12-18 months, lot of trials will be done,” he mentioned.
While terming that their plan to produce sub-two tonnes vehicles is at a conceptual stage, he mentioned that they have been exploring that section and contemplating what’s the proper entry.
“In the long term, we want to make sure ALL is present in all segments of the market. As and when through right market studies, when we are able to find through right product configuration, we will enter it,” he mentioned.
“At this point of time, we are seeing substantial growth happening through Dost, Bada Dost even the Partner range and EVs coming through Switch Mobility as well,” he added.
“If we make an investment up to two tonnes, we will make sure that there is commonality of investment between diesel and EV. We will always ensure that we have multi fuel option in these vehicles. Otherwise, designing vehicles for EV becomes complicated,” mentioned CFO Gopal Mahadevan.
ALL at present has an export market share of round 9% to 10%. It has accomplished nicely in the primary half of the fiscal, in contrast with its friends and hopes to do higher in the second half as nicely, mentioned Mr. Mahadevan.
According to Mr. Hinduja, ALL is planning to develop its exports basket by foraying into the Philippines and South African markets and a few new merchandise are being launched in Saudi Arabia and Uganda as nicely.
In September, Switch showcased e-LCVs Bada Dost and Dost. They might be rolled out throughout This fall, Mr. Hinduja mentioned.
