Ashok Leyland bags US $43 mn Angola orders for 1,000 buses

Develops a 'bus' to meet unique local needs

Hinduja Group flagship, Ashok Leyland has bagged orders for 1,000 buses from the Ministry of Transport, Angola, worth US $ 43.5 million.

Following a close study of Angola's transport requirements, the Company developed a unique vehicle. To meet the needs of the rural population who travel to the cities with agricultural produce and return with provisions, a goods compartment was added to the seating area with 30 seats. It is built on a strengthened chassis to withstand the extra weight of goods and has a 4x4 configuration to combat trying under-tyre conditions. 300 such buses were delivered within stiff deadlines starting August 2008, along with 200 Falcon buses.

In January 2009 came the second order, for 500 Eagle Mini buses -- 50 air-conditioned and 450 non air-conditioned. Deliveries against this order have to be completed by March 31, 2009

"These orders are definitive steps in our global plans of creating a significant presence in the second hemisphere markets and come close on the heels of the orders for Defence vehicles from Honduras and Thailand," said R Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland. "Along with our ongoing operations in South Africa and Kenya, entry into the Angolan market further strengthens our presence in the high potential sub-Saharan African region," he added.

Peace returned to war-torn Angola with the lifting of trade embargos and the first democratic elections held there in September 2008. Ashok Leyland is working closely with transport authorities and agencies to develop a range of vehicles tailor-made to meet the unique requirements of Angola.