Ashok Leyland plans to grow overseas biz

Hinduja Group flagship company Ashok Leyland is gearing up to expand its light commercial vehicle (LCV) business, international operations and defence mobility segment, according to company Chairman Dheeraj G Hinduja.

For the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Ashok Leyland is also looking to tap the proven success of its Optare bus range in the United Kingdom, for other locations as well.

Addressing shareholders in the company’s Annual Report 2017-18, Hinduja said there would be a greater focus on cost control, revenue generation and return on capital employed (ROCE) going forward.

“To sustain the growth momentum and take a great leap forward, your company is gearing to set globally bench-marked standards in reliability and after-market support,” he said.

Hinduja said ambitious plans would be rolled out soon to grow the LCV business, international operations and defence mobility even further.

The company, which sells LCVs like Dost and Partner in India, also has a wide presence across international markets with footprint in more than 50 countries.

Ashok Leyland is one of the leading suppliers of logistics vehicles to the Indian Army. Its range of products include rapid intervention vehicles, field artillery tractors, light recovery vehicles, water bowsers, truck fire fighters and fuel dispensers.

On EVs, Hinduja said the company planned to leverage on the proven success of its Optare bus range in both developed and emerging markets.