Ashok Leyland, the second-largest commercial vehicle (M&HCV) manufacturer in India has announced its new headquarters in West African continent at Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Additionally, the company also has launched four left-hand-driven vehicles for its international customers.

Africa, which is one of the fast-growing vehicle markets, is witnessing growing interest from Indian manufacturers. Ashok Leyland today inaugurated its new facility that will serve as its regional marketing office, genuine spare parts warehouse (Leyparts), training centre and 12 fully-equipped workshop bays, that will mark its commitment to the Road Transport Development Fund. The West-African facility will also serve as a central location for the Francophone region.

The company also unveiled four left-hand-driven vehicles for the region – Captain, Boss, Hawk and Mitr – making a strong statement in its growing international presence. It says it has done extensive real-world trials, which have been carried out with various customers in the country, and its vehicles have been modified with specifications to suit the needs Ivorian customers. 

The launch ceremonies took place in the presence of the Amadou Kone, transport minister of Ivory Coast, Ravindra Kumar, ambassador of India in Ivory Coast and Rajive Saharia, president global sales and distribution.

Commenting on the announcement, Rajive Saharia, president global sales and distribution, Ashok Leyland said: “The inauguration of this facility is a big step towards offering specialised aftersales solutions to our customers in Ivory Coast and crafting trust for our brand. For us, Africa is important for the company’s global growth. With comprehensive plans for the West African region and an instrumental partnership with the Government of Ivory Coast, Ashok Leyland is all set to consolidate its efforts towards making Ivory Coast a central automotive hub for West Africa.”

He added, “The new line-up of vehicles is going to develop the logistic network of the country. Connectivity is going to change isolated local markets to major national markets. While taking up this initiative, we have just not restricted ourselves to providing vehicles to the transporters, but build a homogenous community of entrepreneurs in this country. Our partners will ensure that the Ivorian people receive the required funding at low interest rates. The process that Ashok Leyland has put in place will not only increase connectivity but will also create direct and indirect job opportunities.”

The new facility in Abidjan will have a dedicated space to carry out pre-delivery inspection, the workshop area is equipped with state-of-the-art pneumatic tools and equipment including the latest accident repair equipment, washing unit, warranty room, among others. It will aim to ensure the company’s team remains at the forefront and work at ground zero with faster turnaround times.

From customising the vehicle, facilitating vehicle inspections, ensuring logistics and handing over vehicles, it will take full responsibility and ensure complete and comprehensive service. The Company has taken these steps after carefully studying the local needs of the market.

For enabling smoother operations and reduced downtime for its customers the company is introducing Workshop On Wheels (WOW), that will offer a fully loaded package of vehicle repair services at the doorstep and SASSY workshops (Service and Sales to Satisfy You), container workshops that will be stationed at Korhogo, San-Pedro, Bouake, Abengourou and Man. 

The company will also train mechanics, operators, drivers and customers backed by its innovative training solutions. The facility houses an operational training arena for theoretical lessons and live practical demonstration for aggregates assembly. Knowledge on Wheels (KNOW), is a state-of-the-art mobile training vehicle equipped with the infrastructure without them having to travel to Abidjan.

Arijit Dutt Chowdhury, head of project sales, international operations, Ashok Leyland said, “Aftersales service experiences and training programs are becoming key differentiators for the commercial vehicle industry. Unique Initiatives such as this are industry-firsts by a manufacturer in Ivory Coast”.

Highlighting a recent training program conducted for the mechanics, he added, “A dedicated team of 27 mechanics and senior technical experts have undergone a 35-day specialised training program at Ashok Leyland India. These highly trained experts will ensure consistent emphasis on the need for training, in turn enabling the utilisation of this centre.”