Ashok Lelyland unveils limited edition of Dost

Flagship company of the Hinduja group, Ashok Leyland  yesterday unveiled the limited edition of its latest small commercial vehicle 'Dost' on its first anniversary, which would be launched across five more states by the end of this financial year. The company with its joint venture partner Nissan Motor Company plans to ramp up production of the light commercial vehicle to meet booming demand.

The vehicle was being sold in only in eight states including the four southern states, besides Gujarat and Maharashtra, as heavy demand outstripped production capacity.

However, with the company gradually ramping up production of Dost at its Hosur facility, the vehicle would be offered in two more states every quarter. The production capacity is expected to hit a peak of 55,000 units in the next financial year.

The new variant of the limited edition comes with a host of new features and would be immediately available at all 45 touchpoints 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, the first Anniversary edition. Today is the birthday of Dost,'' he said.

The new model, a limited variant, to be available till Diwali, priced Rs15,000 more than the existing model at Rs4.78 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai), boasts stylish body graphics, along with new colour gray beige besides, bull bars and fuel tank guards, among other features.