Synopsis: Ashok Leyland is actively building a strong sustainable portfolio by investing in EVs, CNG, LNG and hydrogen-based solutions. With the presence in more than 50 nations – Africa (Sudan (South), Ethiopia, Kenya etc.), Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia), India, UK and more, Dheeraj Hinduja (Executive Chairman), in accordance with the regional partners is working extensively for a greener and sustainable future.
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja group is noted the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India. Besides that, theyare also the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and the 19th largest manufacturers of trucks. Their portfolio now ranges beyond diesel trucks as it now includes electric vehicles such as light and medium-duty trucks, and buses.This is a strategic move, under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dheeraj Hinduja that will position the company as a frontrunner in sustainable commercial mobility. They also haveproducts that use alternative fuels like CNG, LNG, and hydrogen.
Ashok Leyland’s sustainable portfolio
Ashok Leyland, the automotive arm of the Hinduja Group that has been constantly integrating traditional strengths and new technologies to toil towards the future of commercial vehicles. Dheeraj Hinduja has also highlighted the need to focus on the game changing automotive technologies to help create a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment. The company has already been noted as a leader in the diesel truck market, however, this time they are working on the diversification including EVS, CNG, LNG and hydrogen solutions. Through this, the companyis fulfilling short-term requirements of diesel trucks and the sustainability in the long-term.
Expansion of alternative fuel portfolio
The EV expansion by Ashok Leyland is being carried out by their EV subsidiary, SWITCH Mobility, which has already acquired a powerful pace in the electric bus and truck market. Ashok Leyland is also actively developing a range of vehicles that are not limited to diesel and EV. They have developed CNG, LNG, and hydrogen powered vehicles, which are being viewed as the interim solutions to the emissions minimisation and also use of the current infrastructure. The hydrogen powered vehicles are also being developed in both the fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engines with the flexibility to suit various requirements of the market. It is also believed that the LNG trucks will offer more range and reduced operating costs and thus are appealing to long-haul freight.
The company has recently also stated that it is ready to introduce a new series of heavy-duty diesel trucks that will have a power rating of 320 HP and 360 HP. For this, they have strengthened its base manufacturing plan and at the same time they are positive with the prospects of further growth in the remaining part of the fiscal year.
Strategy for diversification
Ashok Leyland is supporting this diversification by investing in R&D capacity that would reduce time-to-market and responsiveness to regulatory changes. They are also increasing their production base, such as buses and alternative-fuel vehicles. This two-fold emphasis on innovation and capacity growth makes it possible to provide products at scale without compromising quality and reliability promised bythe company.
With the guidance of Dheeraj Hinduja, Ashok Leyland is positioning itself well to embrace the tailwinds of demand and innovation of sustainable technologies through providing a balanced combination of diesel and non-diesel vehicles. This has already reduced the cost of ownership since GST rates have been reduced and increased the demand of trucks and buses. Ashok Leyland is also future proofing its portfolio by diversifying to green technologies thus complying with global trends on sustainability.
Ashok Leyland’s journey of expansion is not just limited to diversifying its portfolio, it’s also about expanding its footprint across the world. With presence in more than 50 nations, the company is being noted as the pioneers of the automotive industry. The company’s presence in African nations including Sudan (South), Ethiopia, Chad, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and many more, through a distribution channel also signifies their strategic ways of making the company a global name.
