Ashok Leyland launched the CAPTAIN series of next-generation heavy commercial vehicles in New Delhi on January 6. Mr. Mahendra 
Singh Dhoni, the company’s brand ambassador and captain of the Indian cricket team, and Mr. Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, unveiled the CAPTAIN 2523 Tipper, the first model of the series that will include tippers, tractors and haulage vehicles.
The CAPTAIN features an indigenously designed, factory-made cab based on the best principles of ergonomics and international styling to deliver superior comfort, a longer life and optimal performance. It will be manufactured at Ashok Leyland’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Pantnagar.
The CAPTAIN comes with heavy-duty aggregates and a customised powertrain and will be available across 16T GVW to 49T GTW. Powered by 160-360 hp inline and CRS engines, coupled with a highly durable transmission, the CAPTAIN series ensures greater fuel efficiency, increased vehicle uptime and faster turnaround and will reduce vehicle operating costs substantially. The product also has a state-of-the-art electrical and electronic architecture with self-diagnostic capability for greater reliability and safety.
The CAPTAIN series of trucks is specifically engineered to address the increasing demand for higher-efficiency trucks that offer an unbeatable value for Indian customers. The series is developed and engineered to meet specific trucking requirement of fleet operators with varied end-user requirements.
Mr. Vinod Dasari observed on the occasion: “It is a matter of great pride for Ashok Leyland to have delivered an indigenously designed 
product that meets international standards in ergonomics, design principles and performance standards. As against adapting an existing cabin design, we have designed and developed a new cabin family in-house that is specifically suited to customer needs. The CAPTAIN is inspired by Mahi’s values of leadership: performance, perfection and innovation. The product exceeds our expectations of performance, reliability, quality and durability. We are confident the CAPTAIN will change the dynamics of the CV market, firmly put our customers on the path to greater and sustained profitability and become a preferred brand for truckers.”
The stylish fascia with its bold badging gives it a solid presence on the road, while the wide-framed windscreen offers all-round visibility. Easy-to-reach controls, a mechanically suspended driver seat with multi-level adjustments, tiltable and telescopic steering column, air-conditioning and a music system provide an optimal and fatigue-free driving experience. The cab will be available in three variants – Economy, Standard and Deluxe – across three functional configurations – Day Cab, Sleeper Cab and a High Roof Cab – depending on the applications. It has undergone rigorous roll-over and crash tests to ensure maximum safety and ensures lower noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, he added.
Mr. Dhoni said: “I am very proud to be associated with Ashok Leyland. The CAPTAIN reflects the attributes of a leader such as Ashok Leyland when it comes to robust performance, reliability and Indian ingenuity. I am sure it will offer great value to its customers and will increase their productivity. I wish Ashok Leyland the very best with its new offering.”
The CAPTAIN 2523 Tipper is designed to meet high-productivity norms in mines. The high-torque and fuel-efficient H-series common 
rail fuel injection system (CRS) engine and the 9-speed gearbox make it truly powerful and unstoppable. The driveline, coupled with hub-reduction technology in the rear axle, adds extra traction to the wheels helping the vehicle climb steep gradients. With the heavy-duty bogie suspension, solid aggregates, best-in-class technology, international styling and superior comfort, the tipper offers the best ROI for customers.
The tippers will be available in three GVW nodes – 16 T, 25 T and 31 T – for surface transportation and deep mining. They have undergone over two million km of on-road equivalent trials and reliability testing, and have recorded consistent availability during customer trials in mining.
Ashok Leyland is setting up cab repair facilities across many dealerships and offers a three-year full vehicle warranty and a four-year warranty for the driveline on the product. The company’s extensive network of 475 full service outlets and availability of genuine Leyparts will ensure complete service support, while the overall aftermarket service package and time-bound accident repair assurance will add further value to the customers’ business.
The CAPTAIN will be showcased at Auto Expo 2014 in Delhi.