Ashok Leyland has launched the Bada Dost, reinforcing its offering in the LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) range. Through this, the Company increases its addressable domestic LCV market. Bada Dost builds on the strong foundation laid by the Dost brand, which is known for reliability, mileage and comfort. It features customer-centric offerings on technology and driver comfort, while being contemporary and futuristic. Equipped with the latest BS-VI engine, it has two variants, i4 and i3, with a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,860 kg and 1,405 kg, respectively. Bada Dost is being launched initially in 7 states and will gradually be available pan-India over the next 3 months and is open for bookings and delivery through both, physical and digital platforms. The ex-showroom prices (Mumbai) is Rs 7.75 Lacs & 7.95 lacs (i3 LS and LX) 7.79 & 7.99 lacs (i4 LS and LX).
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, "Today marks a milestone for us as we move towards our Vision of being amongst the Top 10 Global CV Makers. The new in-house developed platform is a key part of our long-term LCV strategy aimed at positioning AL as a serious and significant player in the segment. Bada Dost i3 and i4, the first two vehicles being launched on this new platform, along with other current offerings, close the gap in our LCV product portfolio. Our range will now be available in both right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive options, enabling us to look at international markets more aggressively. Plans are also on for introduction of electric versions in due course."
Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, "LCV segment holds huge potential for us. The recovery of the CV industry is being led by this segment in the current market. With Bada Dost, we will now address an important part of this market which has tremendous promise. LCVs is one of our growth businesses accounting for about 40% of our sales volume in FY20, it continues to grow this year as well. With the new, robust Bada Dost product offering, we are sure to expand our family of customers worldwide who are looking for quality and profitability."
Nitin Seth, COO, Ashok Leyland, said, "Our Dost LCVs are some of the most successful vehicles in their respective segments. Since the launch of first Dost in 2011-12, we continued to win market share, despite a lean portfolio. Dost brand with its car-like experience and customer centric approach, has earned customers' trust. I am confident that Bada Dost is just the right product at the right time, and one which will take the legacy of Dost brand to greater heights. It will be built at our newly installed, state-of-the-art, first fully robotic cubing line at Hosur."
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