Ashok Leyland-Nissan unveil its first LCV

The product will be launched to the market in the second quarter of FY 2011-2012.

The ‘Ashok Leyland DOST’ will be produced in Ashok Leyland’s Hosur manufacturing plant.

Powered by a specially-developed, 55 hp high-torque, 3-cylinder, turbo-charged Common Rail Diesel engine, the vehicle has a payload capacity of 1.25 Tonnes. Reflecting the growing expectations of the Indian LCV customer, the Ashok Leyland DOST will be available in 3 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 BSIII and BSIV versions.

Mirroring the evolution of the entire Indian car and light truck market, the Small Commercial Vehicle segment (vehicles less than 3.5 Tonnes) has been witnessing a perceptible upward shift in terms of features, performance and payload. The Ashok Leyland DOST has been positioned as a contemporary, powerful yet highly efficient product. With the hub-and-spoke model fast gaining ground, it is well-placed to ride the robust demand for vehicles making last-mile deliveries. It will be available through a newly developed LCV Exclusive network, the company said.