Ashok Leyland may launch a passenger van on Dost platform

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, may launch a passenger van on the platform of its recently launched light commercial vehicle Dost, a top official today said.

V Sumantran, executive vice chairman Ahok Leyland, said the passenger vehicle may have seating capacity of up to eight persons.

"It is on our plans. Not a passenger car... We have been studying the market for that. We will come out as early as possible," Sumantran told reporters, without giving any timeframe.

Ashok Leyland launched Dost in Andhra Pradesh market today.

Dost, a 1.25 ton carrier, is built at Ashok Leyland's manufacturing facility in Hosur, and will compete with the likes of Tata Ace and Mahindra Genio and Maxximo.

"Initially we will launch this product through 25 dealership points and will expand it to 60 by the end of this fiscal," Sumantran said adding that each dealership is expected to have three sales points under them.

Replying to a query, he said though the company does not have plans to export the vehicle, it is getting inquiries from three overseas markets.