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MOTORINDIA
l
February 2012
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able in both CNG and diesel
versions, with a wide choice
of seating options of two and
three rows.
PARTNER is the new
6-tonne LCV platform that
was launched globally by
Nissan Motor Company
very recently, which has
helped the company gain
precious market share in dif-
ferent markets. The cab has
a modern Euro-look and is
spacious with advanced er-
gonomics, power steering
and air-conditioning, while
a well-appointed interior has
ample room for occupants
and their luggage. The cab is
also tiltable for easy service-
ability.
PARTNER is powered
by a contemporary 120 hp
ZD30-DDTI Common Rail
Diesel (BS 4-compliant) en-
gine that gives the vehicle
excellent pick-up and good
gradeability for faster turna-
round.
Also on display at the
show was the refrigerated
truck which represented one of the
application variants, some of the
others being steel and aluminium
containers and tippers.
The company has seen solid book-
ings for the recently launched Ashok
Leyland DOST. To keep up the mo-
mentum in the small LCV segment,
the company also showed its new
DOST-CNG variant. This product
will also enter the market shortly,
catering to those markets where
CNG is preferred or mandated.
“Right from the outset, we were
determined not to remain a one
product/platform or niche player in
the LCV space. We are delighted to
present two brand-new concepts on
our two new-generation platforms
that have been developed, close on
the heels of the launch of our DOST
platform,” said Dr. V. Sumantran,
Non-Executive Vice Chairman,
Ashok Leyland, and Chairman, Nis-
san Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd.
“Together with the addition of
the DOST-CNG, expected to be
launched this year, we hope to cater
to a wide range of needs and at the
same time address the growing ex-
pectations of the Indian consumer,”
he added.
The STILE and PARTNER plat-
forms are scheduled for launch in
mid-2013. The DOST-CNG will hit
the market this year itself.
w
auto expo 2012
“Both these new vehicles main-
tain our focus on offering Japa-
nese technology and quality at
Indian cost.”
– Dr. V. Sumantran