Ashok Leyland Dost Passenger Carrier Coming In Oct

Published: Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 16:44 [IST]

The Dost light commercial vehicle, the first model launched by the Ashok Leyland-Nissan joint venture will take a new form later this year. India's second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer will expand the Dost lineup which will consist of a CNG and an all electric variant. Also, a new mass people carrier based on the Dost will come out sometime in October 2013.

The Dost MPV is expected to make use of the same 1.5 liter 3 cylinder turbo diesel engine the load carrying model uses and will have a seating capacity of 14. The Dost MPV will face direct competition from Tata Winger, which is already a popular product.

It should also be remembered that Ashok Leyland Nissan JV has the Stile MPV in its yet to be launched inventory. The launch of the Dost passenger carrier would mean the Stile MPV will automatically be marketed as a more premium product targeted at urban buyers, while the Dost will cater to the rural and semi urban markets.

Details about the Dost based passenger carrier is limited. However, it is expected to be offered in standard and high roof variants like the Tata Winger.