Ashok Leyland targets upper end of small CV market with new Dost+

Seeing the improving traction for small commercial vehicles (SCVs) in the domestic market, Ashok Leyland has launched the Dost +, a new version of the Dost, priced at Rs 548,000 (ex-showroom Pune).

With the Dost+, which has a payload capacity of 1.475 tonnes, Ashok Leyland aims to target the upper end of the SCV market in the 2T to 3.5T GVW segment. With the two Dost variants, the company will be able to address a bigger customer base in the LCV segment, which is poised to grow with the improving economy, focus on hub-and-spoke transportation, GST implementation and growth in the organised retail, ecommerce and related industries.

According to Ashok Leyland, the Dost+ will address different applications and appeal to both the urban market customers, who have to navigate city streets regularly, and also semi-urban and rural customers who need to navigate rough and hard terrain, in a cost-effective manner. The vehicle get an additional warranty of 2 years, 100,000 kilometres.

Speaking at the launch in Pune, Vinod K Dasari, MD, Ashok Leyland, said, “With the latest addition of the Dost+ in our product family, the LCV business is poised to be an important game-changer for us. The Dost brand has already made a mark in its segment with its growing market share.”

Nitin Seth, president - Light Commercial Vehicles, Ashok Leyland, added, “With more than 170,000 Dosts plying, this brand is already a runaway success for Ashok Leyland. With the Dost+, we are extending the trust and reliability of this brand to the upper segment of LCVs. The Dost+, with its superior mileage, excellent pickup, 18 percent higher payload, 7 percent more loading space and bigger 15-inch tyres add more value to every trip made, ensuring higher earnings. With its launch,  we have stayed true to our LCV mission – to deliver to the Indian customer, contemporary products that deliver best-in-class user experience, coupled with exceptional fuel efficiency. Moreover, we have doubled the warranty on the ‘Dost+’, a reflection of our confidence in this product.”

The Dost+ is powered by the 1.5 TDCR engine, which delivers power of 60hp and develops 170 Nm torque, ensuring good pickup and better turnaround time. It is claimed to offer best-in-class mileage along with superior load carrying capacity.