Ashok Leyland is the leading manufacturer of trucks, buses, special application vehicles and engines in India. The products of Ashok Leyland are at par with the best in the world. Ashok Leyland is the leaders in the Indian bus market, offering unique models such as CNG, Double Decker and Vestibule bus. More than 80% of the State Transport Undertaking (STU) buses come from Ashok Leyland. The company is a pioneer in multi axle trucks and tractor-trailers. Ashok Leyland is the largest provider of logistic vehicles to the Indian army. It also manufactures diesel engines for Industrial, Genset and Marine applications, in collaboration with technology leaders.

The birth of Ashok Leyland can be attributed to the quest for self-reliance in the aftermath of independence. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru persuaded Mr. Raghunandan Saran, an industrialist, to enter automotive manufacture. In 1948, Ashok Motors was set up in Madras (Chennai) for the assembly of Austin Cars. Soon, British Leyland acquired an equity stake in the company and the name of the company was changed from Ashok Motors to Ashok Leyland. In 1955, Ashok Leyland commenced of commercial vehicles. Since then Ashok Leyland has maintained its technological leadership in the India's commercial vehicle industry. Tie-ups with international technology leaders and through vigorous in-house R&D enabled Ashok Leyland to introduce latest technological breakthroughs in the Indian market. Ashok Leyland was the first to introduce full air brakes, power steering and rear engine busses in India.

In 1987, the overseas holding by Land Rover Leyland International Holdings Limited (LRLIH) was taken over by a joint venture between the Hinduja Group and IVECO. Since July 2006, the Hinduja Group is 100% holder of LRLIH.

Associate Companies of Ashok Leyland

Automotive Coaches & Components Ltd (ACCL): ACCL was promoted by Ashok Leyland and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) in the 1980s. The company has two Divisions: ACCL Division and PL Haulwel Trailers (PLHT). ACCL is the largest Tipper Body manufacturer in the organised sector in India. Apart from the tippers, it also manufactures bus bodies, front-end structures (FES), tankers, aluminum containers, OB vans, energy vans and the like. PLHT manufactures a wide variety of after-chassis products. These include Fifth Wheel Couplers and Hoists, Semi Trailers, Container trailers, Ladle Carriers, for foundries (Steel / Aluminum), Running gears for LPG tankers, Car / Truck / Tractor Carriers, Bottom dumpers, and all types of user-specific custom-designed trailers for niche applications.

Lanka Ashok Leyland: The Company was established in 1982. It is a joint venture between Ashok Leyland and the Government of Sri Lanka. Ashok Leyland supplies chassis in both completely built-up and knocked down conditions to Lanka Ashok Leyland, which in turn assembles the chassis and builds bodies.

Ennore Foundries: Ennore Foundries was established in 1959. It is India's largest automotive jobbing foundry and caters to different segment like automobiles, tractors, industrial engines and power generators.

IRIZAR-TVS: IRIZAR-TVS is a joint venture between Ashok Leyland, TVS & Sons Ltd and IRIZAR, the internationally reputed bus body builder from Spain. The company was started in 2001 and it manufactures luxury coaches.

Ashok Leyland Project Services Limited: Ashok Leyland Project Services Limited (ALPS) looks after the project development activities of the Hinduja Group in India. It assists the investment entities of the Group and provides professional services to help international companies interested in projects in India.

Major Achievements of Hinduja Group

• In 1993, became first Indian Auto Company to receive ISO 9002 certification.
• Received ISO 9001 certification in 1994, QS 9000 in 1998, and ISO 14001 certification for all vehicle manufacturing units in 2002.
• Became the first Indian auto company to receive the latest ISO/TS 16949 Corporate Certification (in July 2006).
• First company to introduce full air brakes, power steering and rear engine busses in India.

Note: The above information was last updated on 21-07-2007