Ashok Leyland launches limited edition DOST

Hinduja Group flagship company Ashok Leyland today unveiled the limited edition of its latest small commercial vehicle 'DOST' on its first anniversary.

Ashok Leyland, along with its joint venture partner Nissan Motor Company on this day last year forayed into the small commercial vehicle segment (2.5 tonne), with the launch of 'DOST' range of vehicles.

The new variant, equipped with a host of new features, would be immediately available in all 45 touch points across the country, Ashok Leyland Vice-Chairman V Sumantran told reporters after unveiling the anniversary edition.

"We felt to introduce something special (to our customers) on this special occasion. And therefore, today we have launched a limited edition DOST on its birthday," he said.

The new model, a limited variant (to be available till Diwali), would be priced Rs 15,000 higher -- at Rs 4.78 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai) -- than the existing model. The model boasts stylish body graphics, along with new colour gray beige besides, bull bars and fuel tank guards, among other features.

The company, since DOST's launch, has sold 20,479 units and is the market leader in eight states with a share of 31 per cent in eight states where it was launched, he said.

The distribution network would be taken to 89 by end of this fiscal, Ashok Leyland, Executive Director - LCV and Defence, Nitin Seth said on their expansion plans.

According to him, the company which initially produced 200 units of DOST, at its manufacturing facility in Hosur in Tamil Nadu, has been ramping up to meet the demand.

The plant capacity, which is running in two shifts, is expected to reach 55,000 units in the next fiscal. The current waiting period for delivery of DOST range is about 2.5 months.

Replying to a query, he said they would be taking up the market presence of DOST to 11 states by this year-end.

At present, DOST is present in eight states. "At the time of launch, we introduced it in six states. We added Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan in the last quarter. We are looking at (entering) Madhya Pradesh, National Capital Region and Uttar Pradesh down the year," he said.

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