At Bharat Mobility 2025 Ashok Leyland has unveiled three innovative products - SAATHI, an entry-level Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV); GARUD 15, India’s first multi-axle, front-engine 15-metre premium bus; and the country’s first Electric Port Terminal Tractor.
A No-Compromise Disruptor
Speaking about the launch of SAATHI, Ashok Leyland’s MD & CEO, Shenu Agarwal, highlighted the strategic importance of this vehicle as the company’s debut in the entry-level LCV segment. This much-anticipated launch marks the culmination of two to three years of planning and a commitment to redefine the entry-level LCV market, he noted.
According to Agarwal, the existing products in this segment come with significant compromises, driven by the need to maintain affordability. However, Ashok Leyland chose a different approach—a “no compromise” philosophy. “We observed that customer aspirations have evolved significantly as India progresses. Today’s entry-level buyers are no longer satisfied with basic features. They demand better productivity, higher revenues, enhanced safety, superior comfort, more payload, and increased cabin space,” he explained.
This realisation led to the development of SAATHI, a vehicle engineered to cater to the needs of this aspirational customer base. Agarwal noted that the vehicle has been designed to address the shortcomings of existing market offerings, particularly in challenging driving scenarios such as gradients or city flyovers. With SAATHI, these challenges have been effectively eliminated, thanks to the vehicle’s best-in-class power and torque—double that of its competitors. Additionally, it offers 20% more cabin space, 25% more loading area, and a significantly improved payload capacity, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and productive experience for operators.
One of the standout innovations in SAATHI is its revolutionary Lean NOx Trap (LNT) technology, which eliminates the need for AdBlue—a common requirement in Bharat Stage VI (BS6) vehicles. Agarwal pointed out that customers have long faced issues with the quality and availability of AdBlue, which often leads to operational headaches. By removing this dependency, SAATHI not only reduces maintenance costs but also simplifies operations for users.
“SAATHI is the first product in its segment to eliminate the use of AdBlue entirely, making it a truly unique offering. It addresses the aspirations of emerging customer segments while maintaining a highly competitive price point,” Agarwal stated.
Exploring Untapped Opportunities
Ashok Leyland’s strategic roadmap for the future is centered around addressing untapped opportunities and evolving market demands. While speaking about potential growth areas, he highlighted the significant scope for expansion in the LCV segment. Despite entering the market just a decade ago, Ashok Leyland has already captured a strong 20% market share, securing the second position in the two to 3.5-tonne category.
Yet, as the company acknowledges, this is only half the battle won. A vast portion of the LCV market, particularly in the entry-level segment below two tonne, remains unexplored by the brand. “SAATHI is just the beginning. We have ambitious plans to cater to the entry-level market while simultaneously introducing products that go beyond the 3.5-tonne category,” he noted. This dual-pronged strategy aims to cover the entire LCV spectrum, addressing white spaces that hold immense potential for growth.
In the Medium Commercial Vehicle (MCV) segment, while no significant gaps currently exist, Ashok Leyland is closely observing changing market dynamics and customer expectations.
“Customer needs are evolving, and so are the demands from trucks. This creates room for innovation,” he explained. “You will witness a slew of new technologies, groundbreaking products, and thoughtful solutions that address these changing needs. Even in well-covered segments like MCVs, we aim to continuously push boundaries,” he reiterated.
Redefining Comfort & Capacity
Discussing the GARUD 15 Premium Bus, Agarwal highlighted its innovative approach as the first 15-metre bus in India equipped with a front engine. What truly sets it apart is its capacity—India’s first to feature 42 sleeper berths—redefining comfort and efficiency in intercity travel.
While the company already leads the bus segment as the leading player in the Indian market, the GARUD 15 showcases its focus on innovation to maintain and strengthen its leadership. The inclusion of a spacious design, ergonomic comfort, and capacity makes the GARUD 15 a game-changer for operators and passengers alike, he said.
Evolving Customer Preferences
Addressing the evolving preferences of customers, Ashok Leyland’s MD & CEO underscored the company's identity as a true product and technology powerhouse. 'Our focus has always been on innovation, driven by a deep understanding of shifting customer needs. Staying close to our customers allows us to anticipate future requirements and evolve accordingly,' he stated.
A prime example of this commitment is the launch of the eTIRAN Terminal Tractor, an innovative product designed specifically for port applications. This one-of-a-kind vehicle boasts a customisable battery range of 180-350 kms, suited for the rigorous demands of confined port environments. The tractor comes equipped with advanced features such as an air-conditioned cabin offering a 360-degree view for enhanced visibility, easy ingress and egress, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for safety alerts, and hill start assist.
Recognising the unique challenges and opportunities within the port terminal sector, Agarwal explained the rationale behind the eTIRAN. 'Port terminal trucks operate in confined spaces for extended hours, often 20 to 21 hours a day. This creates a seamless opportunity to establish a dedicated charging infrastructure, which simplifies the adoption of electric solutions in this segment.'
'This truck is not just different; it’s transformative,' Agarwal remarked, adding that 'our approach stems from Ashok Leyland’s DNA—going deep into the application requirements, identifying unique opportunities, and crafting specialised solutions that stand out in the market.'
Agarwal wrapped up the conversation by stating: 'FY25 has been a remarkable year for product launches, with new offerings introduced almost every quarter. We are optimistic about maintaining this momentum in the coming year.”
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