Ashok Leyland unveils 'CAPTAIN' trucks

Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland launched the CAPTAIN series of next-generation heavy commercial vehicles in New Delhi recently.

  Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, unveiled CAPTAIN 2523 Tipper – the first model of the series that will include Tippers, Tractors and Haulage vehicles.
The CAPTAIN features an indigenously designed, factory-made cab based on the best principles of ergonomics and international styling to deliver superior comfort, a longer life and optimal performance. It will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.

The CAPTAIN comes with heavy-duty aggregates and a customised powertrain and will be available across 16T GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) to 49T GTW (Gross Trailer Weight). Powered by 160 HP to 360 HP Inline and CRS engines coupled with a highly durable transmission, the CAPTAIN series ensures greater fuel efficiency, increased vehicle uptime, faster turnaround and will reduce vehicle operating costs substantially. The product also has a state-of-the-art electrical and electronic architecture with self-diagnostic capability for greater reliability and safety.

The CAPTAIN series of trucks is specifically engineered to address the increasing demand for higher-efficiency trucks that offer an unbeatable value for Indian customers. The series is developed and engineered to meet specific trucking requirement of fleet operators with varied end-user requirements.

“It is a matter of great pride for Ashok Leyland to have delivered an indigenously designed product that meets international standards in ergonomics, design principles and performance standards. As against adapting an existing cabin design, we have designed and developed a new cabin family in-house that is specifically suited to customer needs”, Dasari said and added, “We are confident the CAPTAIN will change the dynamics of the CV market, firmly put our customers on the path to greater and sustained profitability and become a preferred brand for truckers.”

The stylish fascia with its bold badging gives it a solid presence on the road while the wide-framed windscreen offers all-round visibility. Easy-to-reach controls, a mechanically suspended driver seat with multi-level adjustments, tilt-able and telescopic steering column, air-conditioning and a music system provide an optimal and fatigue-free driving experience.

The cab will be available in three variants – Economy, Standard and Deluxe across three functional configurations – Day Cab, Sleeper Cab and a High Roof Cab (depending on the applications). Mahendra Singh Dhoni, said, “I am very proud to be associated with Ashok Leyland. The CAPTAIN reflects the attributes of a leader such as Ashok Leyland when it comes to robust performance, reliability and Indian ingenuity.”