Ashok Leyland Launches Cutting-edge Electric LCV from Switch Mobility on its 75th Anniversary
* Cutting-edge Electric LCV from Switch unveiled by Shri Nitin Gadkari
Chennai, 7th September 2023: Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leadin g commercial vehicle manufacturer proudly commemorates its 75th year of operations, highlighting its steadfas t commitment to the nation’s prosperity and growth. Founded in 1948, the company has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of commercial mobility, and today, it stands as a symbol of innovation, excellence and sust ainability.
On this occasion, Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, unve il ed the ground-breaking Electric Light Commercial Vehicles from Switch Mobility – the IeV Series. The IeV Series is India’s first electric commercial vehicles in its category and aims to provide efficient and eco-friendly solution s for last mile transportation needs. The SWITCH IeV presents an incredibly attractive value proposition for MS MEs, cottage industries, and e-commerce in India with its exceptionally low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) co up led with a commitment to high uptime. This series encapsulates our dedication to shaping an eco-conscious futu re, catering to evolving urban mobility needs while setting new standards for efficiency and innovation.
(L to R) Sachin Nijhawan, Chief Commercial Officer, Switch Mobility Ltd; Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility Ltd; Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobility Ltd; Shom Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Renewables; Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leylandwith SWITCH IeV Series
(L to R) Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, Switch Mobility Ltd and Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Switch Mobil ity Ltd.with SWITCH IeV4
Ashok Leyland also showcased the new, 9-meter, Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Electric Bus developed for NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation). This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on country’s roads. The c ompany also exhibited the country’s first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Truck, which was earlier launc hed in collaboration with Reliance Industries. This showcases Ashok Leyland’s partnership approach to develop cutting-edge sustainable mobility solutions for long-distance transportation challenges.
Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility said, “Ashok Leyland’s 75-year journey is a story of transformation and innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to the future with exci te ment and determination and renew our pledge to further shape the future of the CV Industry. We have set our si ghts on pioneering sustainable transportation solutions and aim to support India’s economic development for ye ars to come”.
(L to R) Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, unveiling the ground-break ing Electric Light Commercial Vehicles
Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “Over the course of its remarkable journey, Ashok Leyland has consistently redefined industry standards, setting benchmarks for cutting-edge technology in its products and services, and partnering with marquee names in offering innovative, customer-centric solutions. Today we are proud to launch the IeV series from Switch Mobility and showcase pioneering technologies through the Hy drogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus for NTPC, and the Hydrogen Engine Truck for Reliance. The 75th anniversary cele bration is not just a reflection of the company’s history, but a testament to its determination to continue shaping the future of mobility.”
Mr. Mahesh Babu, Chief Executive Officer, SWITCH Mobility Ltd., said, “The launch of our SWITCH IeV Series ele ctric vehicles is a defining moment for SWITCH, having established a strong reputation in the e-bus market. Wit h the SWITCH iON Standard at its core, a versatile range of options, diverse charging solutions, exceptional per formance, and operational ease as its hallmark, the SWITCH IeV Series is a testament of our dedication to driv in g positive change in the industry”.
As part of its 75th-anniversary celebrations, Ashok Leyland also launched a new initiative – ‘Dream Drive’ – a jo urney across the length and breadth of the country, with 10 Ashok Leyland vehicles driven on five different rou tes, culminating at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plants today.
Through this, Ashok Leyland engaged with its extensive network of customers, dealers, suppliers, and other part ners, establishing a direct connection with all its key stakeholders including drivers, mechanics, and financiers to pay gratitude for their contribution. ‘Manzil ka Safar’ with the iconic Stallion defence vehicles was another drive that travelled 4000+ kms from Kanyakumari to Leh to recognize its long-standing partnership with the Indian de fence forces.
With a legacy rooted in innovation and a future driven by sustainability, Ashok Leyland stands poised to excel fo r generations to come. The company’s 75th anniversary celebration not only recognises its past successes but al so foreshadows a time in the future when cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibilities converge seamlessly.
