Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland launched
the Captain series of next-generation
heavy commercial vehicles in New Delhi. Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the company’s brand ambassador and captain
of the Indian cricket team and Vinod K.
Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, unveiled CAPTAIN 2523 Tipper – the first model of the series that will include
Tippers, Tractors and Haulage vehicles. Also present was Rajive Saharia, Head,
Truck Division, Ashok Leyland.
The CAPTAIN features an indigenously designed,
factory-made cab based on the best principles of ergonomics and international
styling to deliver superior comfort, a longer life and optimal performance. It
will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
at Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.
The CAPTAIN comes with heavy-duty aggregates and a
customised powertrain and will be available across 16T GVW (Gross Vehicle
Weight) to 49T GTW (Gross Trailer Weight). Powered by 160 HP to 360 HP Inline
and CRS engines coupled with a highly durable transmission, the CAPTAIN series
ensures greater fuel efficiency, increased vehicle uptime, faster turnaround
and will reduce vehicle operating costs substantially. The product also has a
state-of-the-art electrical and electronic architecture with self-diagnostic
capability for greater reliability and safety.
The CAPTAIN
series of trucks is specifically engineered to address the increasing demand
for higher-efficiency trucks that offer an unbeatable value for Indian
customers. The series is developed and engineered to meet specific trucking
requirement of fleet operators with varied end-user requirements.
“It is a matter of great pride for Ashok Leyland to
have delivered an indigenously designed product that meets international
standards in ergonomics, design principles and performance standards. As
against adapting an existing cabin design, we have designed and developed a new
cabin family in-house that is specifically suited to customer needs”, said, Dasari.
The stylish fascia with its bold badging gives it a
solid presence on the road while the wide-framed windscreen offers all-round
visibility. Easy-to-reach controls, a mechanically suspended driver seat with
multi-level adjustments, tilt-able and telescopic steering column,
air-conditioning and a music system provide an optimal and fatigue-free driving
experience. The cab will be available in three variants – Economy, Standard and
Deluxe across three functional configurations – Day Cab, Sleeper Cab and a High
Roof Cab (depending on the applications). It has undergone rigorous roll-over
and crash tests to ensure maximum safety and ensures lower NVH (Noise,
Vibration and Harshness) levels.