New Dost LCV from Ashok Leyland and Nissan JV Rolls Out from Hosur Plant’s New LCV Lines

Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group, and Japanese auto maker, Nissan Motors recently rolled out their first ever vehicle, titled the Dost from the Hosur plant of Ashok Leyland. This was the first vehicle to be produced from the company’s newly opened assembly line for Light Commercial Vehicle’s, and also their first LCV.

Present at the event were the Hinduja Auto groups chairman and the chairman of Nissan-Ashok Leyland Powertrain Dr. V. Sumantran. The Dost is the company’s brand new product that is available in their Small Commercial Vehicle category. It will offer user the contemporary technology and new experience.

It is designed to offer a payload capacity of 1.25 tonnes, and equipped with a modern 1.5l CRDI engine that is capable of delivering a max power of 55hp, and a peak torque of 150Nm. This engine has also been tuned to provide better fuel economy and gradeability and driveability suited for Indian roads, because of the use of a Common Rail technology.

This engine is also paired with a manual 5 speed gear box. This vehicle is also practical with a turning radius of only 4.8m, as it is designed to be able to easily navigate through the city’s congested roads and the rural areas narrow lanes. The cab has been given a European look, and is quite comfortable with great ergonomics. This Light Commercial Vehicle also incorporates a safety feature that is in-built. The front gets unique leaf suspension from Transverse that blends high durability with a superior ride quality.

It also features a Load Sensing Proportioning Valve that measures the load’s weight and according applies brake force for ensuring a stable braking whether or not the vehicle is empty or fully loaded.

The Dost is to be available in three different variants. The high end variant will feature power steering, air conditioning, fabric seats, and a beige grey dual colour trim. One can also choose from a colour palette of three different colour choices that include blue, beige, and white. The company will be announcing price details, when the vehicle is launched in the Indian auto market.