Ashok Leyland has always been at the forefront of innovation, continuously driving the industry forward with cutting-edge technology and indigenous advancements. Our unwavering commitment to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) is one of our greatest strengths, setting us apart in an industry where global collaborations are often the norm. Unlike many of our competitors who depend on international partnerships for key technological advancements, Ashok Leyland has developed and managed its core technologies entirely in-house, reinforcing our vision of a self-sufficient and technologically independent India.
One of our most significant achievements is in the area of engine technology. We take immense pride in being the only commercial vehicle manufacturer in India with proprietary engine technology, whereas other manufacturers frequently rely on external collaborations for their powertrains. Our engines are designed, developed, and manufactured with world-class expertise, ensuring superior efficiency, performance, and reliability. This in-house capability not only enhances our competitive edge but also gives us complete control over innovation, quality, and future developments.
In a recent conversation with Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (MNHCV), Ashok Leyland, he highlighted the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence in advanced technology, superior design, and enhanced safety in buses. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Ashok Leyland is consistently pushing the boundaries of engineering to develop future-ready mobility solutions. Our next-generation buses are designed with state-of-the-art features, ensuring better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and improved passenger comfort, all while prioritizing safety through advanced braking systems, intelligent driver-assist technologies, and robust structural integrity.
Q: To begin with, we would like to talk about the recent launches by Ashok Leyland at Bharat Mobility Global Expo. We have seen the introduction of Garud, among other innovations. Could you share more details about the features of these products and how they set Ashok Leyland apart from the competition?
Garud is the first-of-its-kind product in India. It is a 15-meter-long sleeper luxury coach with 42 berths, designed to offer a comfortable and spacious travel experience. It is the first-of-its-kind in the industry, featuring advanced technology, superior design, and safety features that ensure passenger convenience and reliability. The bus is available in both chassis and fully built versions, allowing flexibility for operators depending on their needs.
When we compare it with the competition, there is currently only one other player in the market offering a 42-berth bus. Ashok Leyland has been working on this product for the last three to four years, and we believe that Garud will redefine intercity transportation. Our extensive trials and customer clinics have shown a high level of excitement from customers, reinforcing our belief that this innovation will significantly impact the intercity travel segment.
Q: How is Ashok Leyland revolutionizing bus design with its modular approach?
We are the only company in India that has implemented a modular design. We introduced modular architecture with the launch of our BS6 trucks. The primary objective of modular architecture is to enhance flexibility in vehicle manufacturing, allowing us to cater to various customer requirements efficiently. With this approach, we can design and produce vehicles more effectively based on specific applications demanded by customers. Additionally, modular design reduces inventory at dealerships and improves the response time for vehicle repairs and servicing, ensuring faster customer service.
Q: When it comes to technology, what is one breakthrough innovation that Ashok Leyland is particularly proud of, and how has collaboration played a role in technological advancements?
Ashok Leyland has always been an innovation-driven company. We have introduced several firsts in the industry, such as multi-axle trucks, and now with Garud, we are once again leading the way. One of the aspects we take immense pride in is our commitment to Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Unlike some of our competitors who rely on international partnerships, we have developed and managed our technology in-house. In fact, we are currently the only manufacturer with our own engine technology, while other companies often rely on partnerships for their engines. This self-reliant approach has allowed us to create home-grown technologies that cater specifically to the Indian market and its unique needs.
Q: After-sales service is often a crucial aspect for customers. What measures is Ashok Leyland taking to enhance its after-sales service network?
After-sales service is indeed one of the most critical aspects of our business. Customers continue to choose us only if they are satisfied with our service. To give you a perspective, our market share in the commercial vehicle segment is around 30-31%. Two years ago, we had about 600 service outlets across India. Over the past two years, we have almost doubled this number, and today, we have approximately 1,000 outlets. Each of these outlets employs more than 100 people, which means we have a robust workforce of nearly 6,000 individuals dedicated to serving our customers.
A major focus of our expansion has been in North and East India, where we were previously not as strong. While we have traditionally had a dominant presence in South and West India, we have been making significant inroads into North and East India. We are proud to say that Ashok Leyland now has service centers in Ladakh and across all seven states in the Northeast. This expansion aligns with the growing infrastructure development in these regions and ensures that customers have access to timely support.
Beyond expanding our network, we have also embarked on a Service Excellence Program aimed at digitizing our dealership and workshop operations. Our ultimate goal is to enhance customer satisfaction. At present, we are ranked second in customer satisfaction, but our entire team is committed to making Ashok Leyland the number one brand in this aspect.
Q: Looking ahead, what is the long-term vision for Ashok Leyland in the next five years?
Predicting the future for the next ten years is quite challenging, given the dynamic nature of India’s commercial vehicle industry. The landscape is constantly evolving with new policies, emerging trends, and shifting customer demands. However, what we can confidently say is that Ashok Leyland will continue its legacy of bold innovation. We have always been known for introducing groundbreaking products, and this will remain our focus in the coming years. Whether it’s trucks or buses, we are actively working on numerous new products, and we are confident that the market will respond positively to them.
The Indian bus market is undergoing a transformative phase, particularly post-COVID. With economic recovery and increased mobility, we have observed a significant surge in demand from both government and private sectors. More people are relying on bus transportation, both for intercity and intracity travel, leading to higher demand for reliable and efficient buses.
Ashok Leyland has been a market leader in the bus segment, and we are very optimistic about future growth. To cater to this increasing demand, we are expanding our manufacturing capabilities. We have a new plant coming up in Lucknow, and we are also reviving our Andhra Pradesh plant, which will help us scale up our production and meet the growing requirements of the market.
Q: With the industry shifting towards sustainability, are you exploring alternative fuel technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells or electric buses?
Sustainability and alternative fuels are at the core of our long-term strategy. We are continuously investing in research and development (R&D) to explore new technologies such as electric, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel solutions. We believe that the future of mobility lies in cleaner, greener transport, and we are committed to leading this transition in India’s commercial vehicle industry.
Q: Coming back to your new plant in Lucknow, when do you expect production to commence?
We anticipate production to start by the end of next year. The establishment of this facility aligns with our vision of increasing production capacity and meeting the growing demand for buses in India. The plant is expected to have a production capacity of over 200 buses per month. This will significantly contribute to our overall output and help us cater to the rising demand in both urban and rural transport segments.
Q: What are some of the key challenges facing the bus industry today?
The bus industry is expanding rapidly, with an annual growth rate of approximately 26%. One of the primary challenges we face is the execution of large orders efficiently. We have been receiving substantial orders from state transport corporations and private fleet operators, which necessitate scaling up our production and logistics capabilities. Ensuring timely deliveries while maintaining product quality is a challenge we continuously work to overcome.
Q: Research and development (R&D) is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. What initiatives has Ashok Leyland taken in this regard?
Our state-of-the-art technical center in Chennai is the backbone of our R&D initiatives. This facility is dedicated to product design, innovation, and technological advancements. Our focus is on enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and sustainability while keeping costs competitive. With the rapid evolution of mobility solutions, our R&D team is constantly working on new models and fuel-efficient technologies to stay ahead in the market.
Q: Safety is a major concern, particularly for school buses. How does Ashok Leyland ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards?
Safety has always been our top priority. All our buses, including school buses, are rollover compliant and adhere to the highest safety standards. Additionally, the government has recently mandated electronic stability control for all new buses. We have been proactive in implementing these safety features even before the regulations were enforced. Our commitment to safety ensures that our buses provide a secure and reliable travel experience for passengers.