Even as the country contends with the lockdown, there are some commercial vehicles which are on duty transporting essential goods and medical supplies across the country. To ensure they reach their destinations, they have to be in good running condition. Commercial vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland, by deploying its  ServiceMandi app and en-Dhan card, says it has been assisting CV drivers get back onto the road to transport essential supplies.  

While the Central government has announced relaxation in rules for truck repair shops on highways after April 20, there have been a number of trucks stranded while on duty. Ashok Leyland says it has, through the roadside assistance ServiceMandi tool, helped over 120 vehicles which were transporting essentials to return to the road. All these trucks, representing different brands, were attended by ServiceMandi workshops. Despite restrictions, permissions were obtained from concerned local authorities to reach and restore the vehicles, the company said.  

Also, through the e-Dhan card which is a tie-up with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, Ashok Leyland is providing roadside assistance through a task force comprising field executives. These executives contact stranded drivers across the country through WhatsApp and phone to provide assistance in the form of a basic grocery kit among other things. The trucks were also allowed a safe parking space in HPCL bunks. Over 2,000 drivers across the country have been supported through these initiatives.

In early April, Ashok Leyland had announced an extension of warranty and free service periods for its customers. All M&HCV models' warranty / extended warranty period expiring between March 15-April 15 has been extended by two months while free services due between the same period also benefit from the same extensionAll For LCVs, whose free service falls between March 1-April 15 get an extension up to May 31. Warranty slated to expire between March 1-April 30 has been extended up to May31, while extended warranty of vehicles, expiring between Marc 15-April 14,  has been extended until to May 14.

Commenting on the initiatives and measures taken by the team, R Sivanesan, President - Quality, Service, and Parts, Ashok Leyland, said, “These are trying times and there is no other way to triumph this but by fighting this together. We understand that our customers are doing what it takes to ensure that we all get our essential commodities while we stay at home. They are the backbone of the nation and it is our duty to do whatever it takes to provide them with the best possible support. These are some of the immediate actions that we have taken, and we will continue to provide all assistance required.”