The Falcon Super and Gazl were launched virtually in partnership with the OEM’s exclusive dealer in the country, Western Auto of Al Ghurair Group
Ashok Leyland has unveiled two smart passenger buses – Falcon Super and Gazl – in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which will join the company’s 3500 buses already on the roads of the country, reinforcing the expanding market share of its products. The Falcon Super and Gazl were launched through a virtual event done in partnership with Ashok Leyland’s exclusive dealer in KSA, Western Auto of Al Ghurair Group which has a two-decade long presence in KSA.
Nitin Seth, Chief Operating Officer, Ashok Leyland, said: “Falcon Super and Gazl come from our state-of-the-art manufacturing base in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, and are made to the specific parameters of the GCC transportation and mobility stipulations, with in-built advanced technology and safety solutions, for a comfortable journey. The Ras Al Khaimah plant which exports buses to Europe, Africa and the Middle East was established in 2007. It has manufactured over 20,000 buses so far, a large share of it plying on the roads of GCC countries, including in KSA. Our plant in RAK and increasing market share in GCC countries, will play a key role in achieving our Vision to be among the Top 10 Global CV makers.”
Arturo Lujan, Chief Executive Officer, Western Auto, shared: “Ashok Leyland has a growing market share for passenger buses in the KSA. Currently out of the total fleet of the brand’s vehicles in the Kingdom, 3000 buses are used by corporate entities in addition to school buses. Ashok Leyland’s success in the Kingdom has been bolstered by the reliability of its products, excellent after service provided in time, utility value and cost-efficiency.”
The 70-seater Falcon Super is from the Falcon league of buses, acknowledged for its sturdiness blended with comfort has been in use in the region by corporate entities as well as schools for over three decades. Gazl, which is sleek, stylish and with a smiling fascia, is a new and contemporary entrant to the market with a seating capacity for 26 passengers. It is highly economical with very good fuel efficiency.
The Falcon Super is equipped with the world’s first inline fuel injection pump engine and complies to both Euro III and Euro IV markets (with its IEGR technology). One of the most fuel efficient vehicles in its category, the full stand up saloon vehicle comes with the time-tested ZD 30 engine complaint with the standards of Euro III and IV markets. Both the products share a host of advantages like roll over protection, fire retardant interiors, and many more.
While Falcon buses will be predominantly marketed to corporate entities to transport their employees and schools for student transport, Gazl’s market will be more focused on the hospitality and tourism sector considering the potential of this sector is expected to be on the upswing with the economy of Saudi Arabia opening up more under the vision of the government.