Ashok Leyland, India's second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced that it has become the world's third largest M&HCV bus maker for 2019. This is based on reports released by SIAM, OICA (Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles), and IHS Markit. The total number of buses sold by the Chennai-based Ashok Leyland in CY2019 stood at 23,100 units.

In the April 2019-January 2020 period, the Chennai-based CV maker has sold a total of 15,517 M&HCV passenger carriers (buses), which marks 22% year-on-year growth. This performance has also seen the company increase its M&HCV (buses) market share in India to 44.86% from 41.47% a year ago. It is the sole OEM to have increased its market share; all other six players have seen a decrease in their sales in the past 10 months of this fiscal. 

Commenting on the milestone, Vipin Sondhi, CEO and MD, Ashok Leyland said, “We are extremely glad to have become the third largest bus maker in the world. Our strong foundation in R&D, innovation and experience in the market makes us a unique commercial vehicle manufacturer. Despite the challenges and the market uncertainties, this achievement gives us the confidence to work towards our vision to be a Global Top 10 CV manufacturer. I take this moment to thank the team at Ashok Leyland and all the stakeholders who have been an integral part of this journey – without whom this would not have been possible.”

The OEM has introduced several innovations in the industry like becoming the first company to introduce power steering, air brakes, rear engine bus and India’s first double decker unit. Their innovative bus range include the Jan Bus – world’s first single step entry, front engine, fully flat floor bus; India’s first hybrid CNG plug-in bus, Sunshine – a pathbreaking, frontal crash protected, rollover compliant, aesthetically designed bus for school children, and the Circuit – India’s first electric bus.