Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship company of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has reintroduced its iconic TAURUS and HIPPO heavy-duty trucks, marking the return of two nameplates long associated with strength, reliability, and rugged performance on Indian roads.
Reimagined for the modern era, TAURUS anchors Ashok Leyland’s high-horsepower tipper range, while HIPPO leads its heavy-duty tractor portfolio. The vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of senior leadership, customers, dealers, and members of the media.
The new TAURUS and HIPPO are engineered to deliver higher productivity, improved uptime, superior fuel efficiency, and enhanced driver comfort, translating into better lifecycle economics and increased profitability for fleet operators. Built on Ashok Leyland’s advanced AVTR modular truck platform, the range offers multiple configurations and feature options to meet the diverse demands of India’s fast-growing infrastructure, mining, and construction sectors.
“TAURUS and HIPPO are purpose-built for heavy-duty applications in mining, infrastructure, and construction,” said Mr. Shenu Agarwal. “Powered by our A-Series six-cylinder engines with industry-leading torque and power, the new range delivers unmatched durability, reliability, and faster turnaround times.”
Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, highlighted the emotional and operational significance of the revival, noting that TAURUS and HIPPO are more than just product names. He emphasized that the enhanced ease of operation, reduced driver fatigue, and improved component life directly support higher uptime and better customer profitability.
The legacy of the two models remains deeply embedded in India’s commercial vehicle history. HIPPO, which dominated highways and mining sites from the 1980s through the early 2000s, earned a reputation as a dependable heavy hauler. TAURUS, India’s first multi-axle truck, set the benchmark for high-load and multi-axle operations—so much so that the name “TAURUS” continues to be used generically for multi-axle tippers across the country.
The all-new range combines this heritage with cutting-edge engineering, powered by an 8.0-litre A-Series six-cylinder engine delivering 360 HP and best-in-class torque of 1,600 Nm. Reinforced chassis, heavy-duty drivetrains, advanced suspension systems, and modern safety features ensure durability, stability, and comfort even in extreme operating conditions.
TAURUS is designed for large-scale infrastructure projects and demanding mining environments, while HIPPO caters to heavy-duty hauling of bulk commodities, industrial materials, and over-dimensional cargo. Both models feature enhanced cabin comfort, improved drivetrain durability, and faster turnaround times to meet the expectations of modern fleet operators.
Available through Ashok Leyland dealerships nationwide, the reintroduced TAURUS and HIPPO reinforce the company’s leadership in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle (MHCV) segment, as Ashok Leyland continues to set new benchmarks in performance, reliability, and customer-centric innovation.
