“Our entire business strategy revolves around a deeper understanding of our customers’ requirements and pain points to develop transport solutions that best meet their needs,” explained Mr. R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland.
“A case in point is the 3123 (8×2) MAV that we have collaboratively developed with VRL, customized to suit their specific load-carrying requirements as India’s leading logistics company. The 3123 (8×2) is unique for it is the first time that a CRS engine is being offered on a vehicle platform in India. It is the only 31-tonner in the country with a 230 hp engine and its 30.5 feet load span makes it ideal to meet VRL’s requirement of weight and volume combination,” he added.
The 3123 (8×2) offers a higher rated payload and its 230 hp engine promises faster turnaround time that will together ensure higher productivity for its users. Ashok Leyland has been primarily responsible for creating the 31-tonne segment which is fast gaining acceptance across the country owing to the superior operating economics and better turnaround time that these trucks are able to deliver.
The 12-metre buses are also customized to meet VRL’s requirements and will be powered by 225 hp (BS III) CRS engines. These 600 vehicles will be inducted into VRL’s fleet, 80 per cent of which are Ashok Leyland vehicles.
Mr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman, VRL Logistics, said: “VRL has grown from a single truck company in 1976 to a leading logistics enterprise with a fleet of 2,691 vehicles, a 12,000+ strong team and operations spread across 911 branches covering 2,629 locations. Our growth has resulted both by constantly improving our internal efficiencies and, at the same time, drawing innovative product ideas and support from our partners, like Ashok Leyland, to create new product segments and drive growth for both partners.”
Elaborating on Ashok Leyland’s over three-decade-long relationship with VRL Logistics, Mr. Seshasayee added: “VRL has been a tough yet discerning customer to serve; they are a benchmark in terms of operations and maintenance. Our association has been a long and fruitful one and we are particularly proud to have been a part of their growth over the years.”
VRL Logistics’ association with Ashok Leyland goes beyond just vehicles to include areas like driver training, maintenance support and ‘Leyparts’ stocking facilities.
Among the many achievements of VRL is that they have been listed in the LIMCA Book of Records as the largest fleet operator in the private sector, and have also won the best logistics provider for both the retail and FMCG sectors in 2009 by Frost & Sullivan Annual Logistics Benchmarking Award.
Mr. Seshasayee also inaugurated the new facility of Bellad Ashok Leyland in Hubli recently. Spread across over 80,000 sq.ft., of which 20,000 sq.ft. is built-up area, this facility has a 10-bay workshop and the unique auto loop dispensing system, seen for the first time in servicing of commercial vehicles.
