Ashok Leyland launches multi-purpose vehicle STILE

Hinduja group's Ashok Leyland Monday launched its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) STILE, priced between Rs.7.49 lakh and Rs.9.29 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi).

The seven-eight passenger-seater MPV is the second vehicle developed by Ashok Leyland-Nissan Motor Company joint venture (JV) which was formed in 2007. The vehicle will be rolled out of Nissan's manufacturing plant at Oragadam near Chennai.

"We are extremely delighted to launch the second product from the Ashok Leyland Nissan JV which, we believe, will change the dynamics of Indian MPVs," said V. Sumantran, vice chairman, Ashok Leyland.

"STILE is developed on a trusted and reliable vehicle platform that reflects our continued focus on offering Japanese technology and quality at Indian cost."

According to the company, the vehicle is targeted for private and commercial usages as hotel shuttles, taxi service, ambulance, panel vans, courier services and intra-city travel.

When asked about a possible brand cannibalisation between Nissan's Evalia and STILE, Sumantran told IANS: "Having common platform in two different vehicles is a globally-accepted practice. Evalia is aimed for personal use, whereas STILE is more for commercial usage."

"Moreover, both the vehicles are from the same JV in which we are partners."

The new MPV is powered by a turbo inter-cooled, common rail diesel engine coupled with a five-speed manual transmission with a mileage of 19.5 km per litre.