Ashok Leyland Plans to Export Upgraded Partner Truck
Published On Jan 19, 2017
After an impressive launch of two much anticipated vehicles yesterday, Ashok Leyland is strategizing other moves for enhancing its presence in the international markets as well. The commercial vehicle maker is now planning to make the Partner truck with left hand drive also for export purposes.
Ashok Leyland had launched two vehicles yesterday, the Guru, an intermediate commercial vehicle that was unveiled during Auto Expo 2016 and the upgraded Partner light commercial vehicle with air conditioning, the first in the segment.
Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said during the launch that the CV maker had identified two segments where Ashok Leyland was “historically weak” and came up with these two products. Mr. Dasari also revealed that Ashok Leyland will be launching a new vehicle per quarter for the next couple of years.
Mr. Nitin Seth, President, LCV and Defence, Ashok Leyland, said that Ashok Leyland will be exporting the Partner truck soon as the company is currently planning on manufacturing the left hand drive model. The vehicle will be exported to Ashok Leyland’s existing overseas markets including Africa and GCC (Gulf Corporation Council).
The Partner truck will be paying royalty to the latter as the vehicle has been manufactured with engine technology from the latter.
The upgraded Partner 4-tyre and Partner 6-tyre trucks have gross vehicle weights ranging from 6020 to 7200 tons and have a rated payload up to 4.6 tons. A low loading platform height provides ease of loading and unloading goods and a powerful and fuel-efficient engine ensures better return on investment. The truck comes with three load body length options (10 ft, 11 ft and 14 ft) and three body options (cab chassis, fixed side deck and high side deck).
The vehicle comes with heavy-duty aggregates including a 5 speed overdrive synchro gear box, heavy-duty axle, and front parabolic and rear elliptical suspension. A modern cabin with safe and ergonomic interiors and tiltable power steering ensures optimum driver comfort.
