Ashok Leyland Ltd.
Ashok Leyland Ltd., launched the ‘Oyster’ next-generation midi-bus positioned at the premium end. Designed to offer comfortable travel for tourists and office goers alike, the bus draws from the success of the same platform in gulf markets. Expressed Anuj Kathuria, COO, Ashok Leyland, that the Oyster will be a game changer in public transport space. Relevant for city-dwellers, the bus measures 10 m in length, 2.3 m in width and 3.1 m in height. Having a 5.2 m wheelbase and a front overhang of 1.86 m as well as a rear overhang of 3.25 m, the bus is built with a galvanised tubular welded structure. It has fixed (pasted) glass windows and an electro-pneumatically operated Jack Knife (JK) type door in the front. Making clever use of space, the bus is capable of seating 41+D passengers on recliner seats in a 2x2 layout. Powered by a 127 hp H series, BSIV diesel, four-cylinder iEGR common-rail engine mated to a manual, five-speed synchromesh gearbox, the bus has seen much attention given to refinement and comfort. The suspension of the bus is made up of parabolic leaf springs at the front and the rear. Other than the Oyster, Ashok Leyland showcased the 12 m ‘Freedom’ bus available as 42-seater (41+D) and 44-seater (43+D) with pushback seats. The 10.3 m ‘Lynx Smart 5200’ bus is available with 43 high back seats (42+1) in a 2x2 layout. The sub eight-metre ‘MiTR’ showcased at the event comes with a 3700 mm wheelbase, and has the option of seating 24, 26 and 28 passengers. In the 4270 mm wheelbase guise, the bus can seat 30 and 32 people respectively.