In a major development, Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has announced the successful acquisition of a substantial order from Karnataka State Transport Undertakings (STUs). The order entails the delivery of 1225 fully built Viking buses, scheduled to be completed by April 2024, further solidifying Ashok Leyland’s dominant position in the bus industry.
This significant contract underscores the enduring preference of Karnataka STUs for Ashok Leyland, as the company already boasts a fleet of over 11,680 operational buses within the state. The newly procured buses are designed to adhere to AIS153 standards, prioritizing superior passenger comfort and ensuring top-notch safety for both passengers and drivers. Equipped with advanced features, including a robust H-series 6-cylinder 147 kW (197 hp) engine and OBD-II certification, these buses showcase Ashok Leyland’s commitment to state-of-the-art technology.
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed delight at the continuation of their longstanding association with Karnataka STUs. Agarwal emphasized the critical role of local mobility in national and economic growth, underlining the company’s commitment to providing technologically advanced and efficient transport solutions.
Sanjeev Kumar, President- M&HCV at Ashok Leyland, expressed excitement about the new order, highlighting the success of their ongoing partnership with Karnataka STUs. Kumar stressed that the buses have been specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the state transport undertakings, reflecting the reliability, durability, and robustness of Ashok Leyland’s engineering.
Ashok Leyland, currently the world’s 4th largest manufacturer of buses and India’s largest bus manufacturer, sees this recent order as a significant stride forward. It underscores the enduring trust Karnataka STUs place in Ashok Leyland’s exceptional products and services, marking a clear indication of the company’s success in delivering reliable and tailored solutions to its customers.
