Ashok Leyland signed MoU with Mahindra First Choice to launch an exclusive hybrid ecosystem for its used commercial vehicle business. The phygital platform will facilitate exchange and proper disposal and purchase of old commercial vehicles. The customers will also have access to other value added services like iALERT telematics solution, Driver SAATHi skilling solution, valuation, breakdown services, fuel solutions through various digital solutions offered by Ashok Leyland.

With the entry into this segment, Ashok Leyland aims to streamline the used vehicle market by leveraging its digital ecosystem, its existing and potential channel partners for physical interactions in over 700+ Parking Yards and other advanced technologies. The company is hopeful of bringing in more transparency into this space thereby increasing options to reduce the number of old vehicles plying across the roadways of India.

Commenting on this business expansion, Sanjeev Kumar, Head - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, said, “It is a great moment for us on this association of AL with MFCW to provide larger option of our customers with combined strength of our knowledge in CV and MFCW strength on the yards, digital ecosystem. We believe this relationship will provide enhanced value to our customers. “

Kalyankumar Sidram Hatti, Head – UV Business, Ashok Leyland added that, “This initiative is another step of Ashok Leyland in strong belief of collaboration, innovation, combined strength of physical & digital presence."

Sharing his views over the tie-up, Mr. Ashutosh Pandey, CEO, Mahindra First Choice said: “Through the OEM's expertise of the Commercial Vehicle Segment and our phygital auctions platform which include 20,000+ eDiiG network strength spread across India, we aim to expand our bring forth further innovations in the pre-owned vehicle segment both for end consumers and institutional clients.”

Pre-owned or re-purposed vehicles sector is experiencing exponential and consistent growth since the beginning of the pandemic due to the increase in the waiting period for vehicles and financial challenges. Through facilities like exchange, disposal, hybrid, and special vehicle inspection, the platform aims to become the first choice amongst the customers considering an exchange of their vehicles. This is expected to create an opportunity for Ashok Leyland to reach as many fleet and single truck owners across India, as possible.