History | Ashok Leyland - Ashok Leyland Corporate
History
History
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The Birth of Ashok Motors
Founded by Raghunandan Saran, Ashok Motors was set up in collaboration with Austin Motor Company, England and incorporated on September 7th for the assembly of Austin cars.
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The first A40 assembled
Production began in September at the factory situated at Ennore, north of Madras, and soon the first indigenously assembled A40 Austin car was rolled out.
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Ashok Motors and Leyland, UK agree to collaborate
An agreement was reached between the two companies and Ashok Motors got sole rights to import, assemble and progressively manufacture Leyland trucks for seven years.
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Assembly of Leyland chassis commences
The first Leyland chassis assembled by Ashok Motors at Ennore were four Comet 350-engines tippers sold to the Mangalore Tile Factory.
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Government approval for manufacture of commercial vehicles
The Government approved the progressive manufacture of Leyland commercial vehicles and a license for the manufacture of 1,000 Comets a year was granted.
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Ashok Motors becomes Ashok Leyland
Named after Raghunandan’s son, Ashok, the company was renamed ‘Ashok Leyland’ with equity participation from Leyland Motors, Ltd.
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India’s first double-decker arrives
‘Titan’ - The first Indian-made double-decker with 50% indigenous components was launched.
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A revolution in steering
For the first time, power steering was featured on commercial vehicles.
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A specially designed vehicle for the Indian Army
1,000 numbers of the 6x4 ‘Hippo’ Tipper was designed and delivered to the Indian Army based on its specific requirements.
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Production target upped to 10,000 vehicles a year
The license to manufacture 10,000 vehicles a year was granted
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Turnover tops Rs. 1,000 million
Ashok Leyland’s turnover for the first time crossed Rs. 1,000 million
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The Viking appears
The ‘Viking’, the first ever bus with an alternator and a unique front overhang that facilitated front entry hit the Indian roads
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A Cheetah bounds into the frame
India’s first rear-engine bus – ‘Cheetah’ was introduced with mixed reactions from drivers. While it cut off much of the heat, their complaint was that they “could not hear the engine!”
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Hosur plant starts operations
The Company’s second plant – Hosur 1 – was inaugurated by M. G. Ramachandran, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
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Two major new truck introductions
India’s first 13-ton truck – ‘Tusker’ with a 125 hp engine was launched followed by the country’s first multi-axle truck – ‘Taurus’.
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India’s first Vestibule bus introduced
India’s first vestibule or the articulated bus was introduced ushering in a whole new concept in urban travel.
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Manufacturing footprint expands northwards
Two new manufacturing facilities at Bhandara (Maharashtra) and Alwar (Rajasthan) were inaugurated in March and August respectively.
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Technical Centre ready
The Company’s Technical Centre at Vellivoyalchavadi, on the outskirts of Madras was ready equipped with much-needed testing tracks.
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First Indian auto company to receive ISO 9002 certification
This was followed two years later with the ISO 9001 Certification.
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First driver training facility set up
The most comprehensive driver training facility in India’s private sector was set up at Namakkal, right in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s trucking community.
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Hosur Plant II inaugurated
The second plant at Hosur was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Deve Gowda, in December.
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The Stallion rides for the Indian Army
The Stallion, an all-terrain logistic vehicle, was inducted into the Indian Army.
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India’s first CNG bus launched
As a major step in developing alternate fuel for mass transportation, India’s first CNG-powered bus was handed over to the BEST (Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport), Mumbai
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Another innovation in alternate fuel technology
The country’s first Hybrid Electric Vehicle was developed and showcased at Auto Expo 2002.
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First Indian auto company to receive BS 7799 certification
For Information Security Management System
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A Stag crosses the border
When the Srinagar – Muzzafarabad road route was open for traffic, the first vehicle to cross from the Indian side was a Stag bus, flagged off by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.
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Acquisition of AVIA
The truck business of Czech Republic-based AVIA came into the Company’s fold
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Agreement inked with Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority
For the setting up of a bus assembly plant in the UAE, which was later inaugurated by Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah in 2010.
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Joint venture with Continental AG, Germany
The JV was with then Siemens VDO, for the development of automotive Infotronics.
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Carrying the dreams of a nation
An Ashok Leyland double decker bus carried the victorious World T20 cricket team, under the leadership of M S Dhoni, on their lap of honour through the streets of Mumbai.
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Joint Venture with the Alteams Group, Finland
For the production of HPDC (High Pressure Die Casting) extruded aluminum components
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Joint Venture inked with John Deere, USA
For the manufacture of construction equipment products.
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Albonair, GmbH established
For the development of clean and green technologies.
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India’s first Hybrid CNG Plug-in Bus
Showcased at Auto Expo 2010 and later did service during the Commonwealth Games moving VIPs and media at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
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Pantnagar plant inaugurated
The Company’s modern, technologically world-class and largest plant went on stream with a capacity to touch 75,000 vehicles.
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The U-Truck platform launch
The new, future-ready U-Truck platform entered the market with the promise of a holistically superior level of trucking.
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Stake in Optare plc.
As part of its global bus strategy, the Company bought 26% stake in Optare plc, a well-known bus maker in the UK. Subsequently, the stake was increased to 75.1% in January, 2012.
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A full range player with DOST
Entry into the LCV segment.
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Enters the construction equipment space
October 2011 saw the launch of a new brand – LEYLAND DEERE – and the unveil of the first product from the Ashok Leyland – John Deere joint venture – the 435 Backhoe Loader.
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Jan Bus
World’s first single step entry, front engine, fully flat floor bus unveiled by Union Minister Shri Kamal Nath
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U-3723
Introduced India’s first 37-tonne haulage truck with the highest payload of up to 27 tonnes
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Neptune Engine
Launched the future-ready electronic fuel efficient Engine with CRS with is protected upto BS-VI.
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BOSS
Launched the next generation intermediate commercial vehicle.
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CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN truck series launched
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MiTR Bus
Launched MiTR - a new age LCV bus, ergonomically designed to offer superior comfort and utility to passengers & drivers. MiTR offers class-leading comfort with parabolic suspension in front & rear- an industry-first. It is powered by advanced ZD30 Common Rail diesel engine, that ensures superior fuel-efficiency.
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Partner Truck
Launched the next generation LCV Truck–Partner powered by advanced ZD30 Common Rail diesel engine,that ensures superior fuel-efficiency and better turnaround time.India’s first air-conditioned LCV goods vehicle which features modern Euro cab with spacious car-like interiors and offers global levels of performance and efficiency.
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Zero Emission Electric Bus
Launch of the Zero Emission Electric Bus
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First Deming Prize
The Pantnagar plant won the prestigious Deming prize
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Sunshine
Sunshine Bus launched
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Guru and Partner
Guru and Partner launched
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Circuit
Circuit Electric Bus launched
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Second Deming Prize
Hosur II plant won a Deming prize
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iEGR
Launch of iEGR technology
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Dost+
Dost+ launched
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Captain Haulage
Captain Haulage launched
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3718+
3718+ truck launched
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Ashok Leyland turned 70
We celebrated 70 stupendous years of Enhancing Lives through mobility
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Circuit S
We introduced the Circuit S Electric Bus with battery swapping technology
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eN-Dhan
We launched eN-Dhan fuel card in association with HPCL
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Innoline
We presented world’s first BS4 Engine driven by an Inline Fuel Pump. Designed in India, made for the World
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AL Select
We launched AL Select a customer loyalty program to strengthen our bond with key customers
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Guru 1010, Boss 1616 and Boss 1916
We launched Guru 1010, Boss 1616 and Boss 1916 to strengthen our ICV and MDV range
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Oyster Bus
We launched our roll over compliant, high capacity AC Midi Oyster Bus at Prawaas 2019
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BS VI Certification for the Full Range
We became the first OEM to receive BS VI certification for the full range of heavy duty trucks
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Showcased BS VI Mid-NOx Technology
The world got a glimpse of our future ready engines with BS VI Mid-NOx Technology
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Launched AVTR Modular Trucks
We launched the first of its kind Modular Trucks, AVTR with i-Gen6 BS-VI technology. AVTR offers multiple options of axle configurations, loading spans, cabins, suspensions and drivetrains on a single platform for the entire range of Rigid trucks, Tippers and Tractors in the 18.5T to 55T category