02/11/2019
The Birth of Ashok Motors
Founded by Raghunandan Saran, Ashok Motors was set up in collaboration with Austin Motor Company, England and incorporated on September 7th for the assembly of Austin cars.
The first A40 assembled
Production began in September at the factory situated at Ennore, north of Madras, and soon the first indigenously assembled A40 Austin car was rolled out.
Ashok Motors and Leyland, UK agree to collaborate
An agreement was reached between the two companies and Ashok Motors got sole rights to import, assemble and progressively manufacture Leyland trucks for seven years.
Assembly of Leyland chassis commences
The first Leyland chassis assembled by Ashok Motors at Ennore were four Comet 350-engines tippers sold to the Mangalore Tile Factory.
Government approval for manufacture of commercial vehicles
The Government approved the progressive manufacture of Leyland commercial vehicles and a license for the manufacture of 1,000 Comets a year was granted.
Ashok Motors becomes Ashok Leyland
Named after Raghunandan’s son, Ashok, the company was renamed ‘Ashok Leyland’ with equity participation from Leyland Motors, Ltd.
India’s first double-decker arrives
‘Titan’ - The first Indian-made double-decker with 50% indigenous components was launched.
A revolution in steering
For the first time, power steering was featured on commercial vehicles.
A specially designed vehicle for the Indian Army
1,000 numbers of the 6x4 ‘Hippo’ Tipper was designed and delivered to the Indian Army based on its specific requirements.
Production target upped to 10,000 vehicles a year
The license to manufacture 10,000 vehicles a year was granted
Turnover tops Rs. 1,000 million
Ashok Leyland’s turnover for the first time crossed Rs. 1,000 million
The Viking appears
The ‘Viking’, the first ever bus with an alternator and a unique front overhang that facilitated front entry hit the Indian roads
A Cheetah bounds into the frame
India’s first rear-engine bus – ‘Cheetah’ was introduced with mixed reactions from drivers. While it cut off much of the heat, their complaint was that they “could not hear the engine!”
Hosur plant starts operations
The Company’s second plant – Hosur 1 – was inaugurated by M. G. Ramachandran, the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Two major new truck introductions
India’s first 13-ton truck – ‘Tusker’ with a 125 hp engine was launched followed by the country’s first multi-axle truck – ‘Taurus’.
India’s first Vestibule bus introduced
India’s first vestibule or the articulated bus was introduced ushering in a whole new concept in urban travel.
Manufacturing footprint expands northwards
Two new manufacturing facilities at Bhandara (Maharashtra) and Alwar (Rajasthan) were inaugurated in March and August respectively.
Technical Centre ready
The Company’s Technical Centre at Vellivoyalchavadi, on the outskirts of Madras was ready equipped with much-needed testing tracks.
First Indian auto company to receive ISO 9002 certification
This was followed two years later with the ISO 9001 Certification.
First driver training facility set up
The most comprehensive driver training facility in India’s private sector was set up at Namakkal, right in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s trucking community.
Hosur Plant II inaugurated
The second plant at Hosur was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Deve Gowda, in December.
The Stallion rides for the Indian Army
The Stallion, an all-terrain logistic vehicle, was inducted into the Indian Army.
India’s first CNG bus launched
As a major step in developing alternate fuel for mass transportation, India’s first CNG-powered bus was handed over to the BEST (Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport), Mumbai
Another innovation in alternate fuel technology
The country’s first Hybrid Electric Vehicle was developed and showcased at Auto Expo 2002.
First Indian auto company to receive BS 7799 certification
For Information Security Management System
A Stag crosses th
