Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland has launched a new light truck to offer Ugandan businesses a versatile product with a higher loading span, a higher payload, and better driving comfort to ensure profitability.
Ashok Leyland is a flagship of the Hinduja Group, which boasts 74 years of manufacturing excellence in a diversified commercial vehicle portfolio. Ashok Leyland is the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and one of the largest suppliers of defense vehicles to the Indian Army. Ashok Leyland is also into the manufacturing of electric and new-age fuel vehicles.
The launch of the new Phoenix truck was announced on Thursday evening at an event held at the Ashland Motors Africa showroom, located on Old Port Bell Road, in the capital Kampala. The Phoenix truck is built on an all-new platform that’s powered by a 1500 CC turbocharged diesel engine that produces 80 HP and 190 Newton Meters of torque, delivering a superior driving performance for the 2-ton payload pickup.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Amandeep Singh, Head of International Operations at Ashok Leyland, said, “We believe the Phoenix Truck is suitable for the demanding distribution applications across the Ugandan market. The product has completed one million kilometers of testing across various markets, and we are confident on the performance and the superior values that Phoenix delivers to the customers. “
“The Phoenix truck offers a higher loading span, a higher payload, and best-in-class fuel efficiency. It also comes with a 5-year/500,000-kilometer warranty offering from Ashok Leyland and a worry-free operation for our customers, ensuring the last mile deliveries with confidence and comfort,” Mr. Amandeep Singh added.
In Uganda, Ashok Leyland vehicles have been distributed by Ashland Motors Africa since 2014, with a well-equipped sales and service facility in the capital, Kampala.
On his part, Mr. Stephen Mwanje, Executive Chairman of Ashland Motors, mentioned, “We are proud to be associated with Ashok Leyland brand, a brand with proven legacy across global markets. We offer all models of trucks, buses, and customized solutions of all type of commercial vehicles which are very well performing in the Ugandan market. We strive to provide professional, efficient and superior service to our clients.”
During the launch event, a handover of 35 units of Ashok Leyland Phoenix trucks was done to Uganda Breweries Limited, honoring the long-term association with Ashland Motors.
“The Phoenix is a versatile vehicle which can cater to almost all applications in last-mile delivery with its two-ton payload capacity. If you are a business dealing in bakery, breweries, FMCG distribution, LPG gas, water, milk, soft drinks, tissue paper, courier and parcel services, poultry among others, this is the truck you need to further your business,” said, Mr. Shibir Karia, Managing Director, Ashland Motors.
“Ashok Leyland has been in business for over 74 years which is a testament of our high regard for the quality and durability of our cars. You own Ashok Leyland truck, you are assured
of peace of mind as you go about your deliveries. At Ashland Motors, we offer custom-made asset financing options as well from our partner financial institutions,” he added.