| |
The first product from the joint venture between Ashok Leyland, India’ commercial vehicle manufacturer, and Japan’s Nissan Motors, will be launched in India by mid of 2010.
"We will be rolling out the first product by mid-2010 in two versions - a 1.25-tonne diesel truck, which will also be our first LCV (light commercial vehicle)," said Ashok Leyland managing director R. Seshasayee.
According to Seshasayee, who was taking part in the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers in New Delhi there are plan to launch yet another product, which is a two-tonne truck.
The launch of the two vehicles has been delayed because of a "delay in the allotment of land (for a Chennai facility) by the government of Tamil Nadu".
"The Nissan programme is to be implemented in two phases. Phase-one will be done in our Chennai facility with arranged products and Ashok Leyland products. Phase-two would be on a green field site."
The new venture will have "separate" branding.
When asked about the impact on global economic crises on the company, he said, "Our initial capacity is 50,000-plus per annum on a two-shift basis but we are trying to push it to 70,000. However, in any case, we'll maintain that of 50,000."
He added that Ashok Leyland will be showcasing an "electric and hybrid-electric" product at the Commonwealth Games here next year.
