The first joint development of Ashok Leyland and Nissan

The first product of the joint venture between Ashok Leyland of the Hinduja Group and Nissan Motor Company of Japan will be a 1.25-tonne LCV (light commercial vehicle) named DOST. It will bear the Ashok Leyland badge and will be produced at its facility in Hosur. Ashok Leyland DOST is expected to hit the markets in the second quarter of 2011. Powered by a specially-developed, 55 hp high-torque, 3-cylinder and turbo-charged common rail diesel engine, Ashok Leyland DOST will be available in three versions: a base version with manual steering, a mid version with power steering and a higher version which will have dual tone interiors, power steering and AC. The vehicle will be available in both BS-III and BS-IV versions.

Addressing a press conference V. Sumantran, Executive Vice-Chairman of Hinduja Automotive and Chairman of Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain, said that the joint venture would strive to deliver its customers “products of Japanese quality at Indian cost.” Ashok Leyland DOST would be sold through the newly developed LCV network of Ashok Leyland. At the time of commercial launch of DOST, Ashok Leyland would have 25 dealers in place. The joint venture would also look at export opportunities for its products.