Powered by a 55hp three-cylinder, turbocharged common-rail engine, the Dost has a payload capacity of 1.25 tonnes. It will be available in three versions: a base version with manual steering, a mid-version with power steering, and a higher version that will have dual-tone interiors, power steering and AC. The vehicle will be available in both BS III and IV versions.

With the Dost, ALL-Nissan hopes to tap demand in the under-3.5- tonne LCV market and it will be available through a newly developed LCV exclusive network.

“We believe that the LCV segment is ready for a substantial upgradation of products that yet offer low cost of ownership,” said Dr V Sumantran, executive vice-chairman, Hinduja Automotive Ltd. and chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain. “Its design reflects the philosophy of both partners: blending the long traditions of quality and comfort of Nissan with the proven record of rugged reliability and fuel efficiency of Ashok Leyland,” he added.

Dr Andy Palmer, senior vice-president, Nissan Motor and chairman, Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles, said: “The product blends the best in terms of Japanese engineering from Nissan, with local relevance that Ashok Leyland brings to the table. It represents a very attractive value proposition to small and medium businesses.”

The Dost will compete with the Tata Ace, the Gio and Piaggio’s Ape Truk.