To step-up its action in the emerging premium midi-bus segment, India’s leading bus maker Ashok Leyland unveiled its next-generation product named ‘Oyster’ for the first time in India at Prawaas 2019. Apparently from the company’s international product portfolio, the new bus is designed and manufactured in-house, and will target the air-conditioned staff and tourist transportation space in the domestic market.
The Oyster is an international product that is already being manufactured at the company’s Ras-Al-Khaima facility located in Middle East. The company claims that the new multi-purpose bus is a blend of innovation and latest technology that delivers a first-class experience to commuters in the segment. With a wheelbase of 5,200 mm, the Oyster on display featured 41 reclining seats with arm rest, along with mobile charging points, integrated AC vents and reading lamp and side luggage booth for passengers.
Mr. Anuj Kathuria, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland, while commenting on the launch of the bus, said that the Oyster will further strengthen the brand’s positioning in the segment. “As leaders, we have been introducing products and technologies which are ahead of the curve and which become industry standard. With Oyster, we intend to do the same with its reliability and low-cost operations. The bus will set new benchmark in comfort, safety, and performance”, he stated.
Powered by the ‘H-Series’ 4-cylinder diesel engine (BS-IV with iEGR), the Oyster delivers 95 kW power and 450 Nm of peak torque, with a 5-speed manual gearbox delivering power to the rear wheels. The bus is also rollover-compliant and conforms to AIS 052, AIS 140, and AIS 153 bus code standards. Tilt and telescopic steering and cable shift gear mechanism intend to offer ease of driving, while improved NVH levels and 28 kW air-conditioning will offer passenger comfort, according to the manufacturer.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Sanjay Saraswat, Head, M&HCV Business, Ashok Leyland, said: “Increasingly, commuters are having to spend more time on commute and there is a need in the market for comfortable and safe transport solutions. The Oyster is such a product which meets this need and makes the commute a pleasant experience.”
Adding that the bus is superior in terms of technology, in line with changing customer expectations, he observed: “We are glad to have the opportunity to begin the change towards ergonomically designed, aesthetically appealing and superior performance vehicles for mass transportation of citizens.” Asked whether the Oyster will replace any existing platform in the space, Mr. Saraswat replied that the new model will co-exist with the existing Lynx platform that caters to the entry level space in the segment.