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PRESS TRUST OF INDIA
New Delhi, July 5: Ashok Leyland has targeted to capture half of the market share in the commercial vehicles segment in the next two years by introducing new models and expanding marketing network, a senior company official said.
"We have targeted to increase our market share from present 35 per cent to 50 per cent in the next two years. We have also planned to introduce new models in the range where company is not present," company executive director (marketing) Amol J Sandil said here.
Leyland has planned to be present in all the segments between 4 to 40 tonnes gross vehicle weight (gvw) categories of commercial vehicles. It is present in 10 to 40 tonne capacity segments but lacks 4-5 tonnes vehicles and 40 tonne vehicles with powerful engine.
"We are planning to introduce lower tonne capacity vehicles and at the same time looking for more powerful engines to replace existing 40-tonne models," Sandil said.
Leyland's 40 tonnes capacity commercial vehicles are fitted with 180 horse power enginedeveloped by the company. It is looking for the engines having 250-300hp capacity.
Leyland is also looking for `Iveco' engines produced by Italy-based Fiat group as possible alternative for its 40 tonne capacity vehicles.
"Iveco engines have the capacity to produce 250 to 300hp but we have not finalised anything in this regard so far as we are looking for other available options," Sandil said.
Commenting on Leyland's market share, he said the company improved its performance by capturing 35 per cent share in 1998-99 as against only 27 per cent three years ago.
Sandil said the company's market share has improved in northern, eastern and western India whereas it has maintained its share in the northern part of the country.
At present, it has a share of 65 per cent in south, 35 per cent in west, 20 per cnet in east and 15 per cent in north, he said.
Sandil said company was also planning to expand its marketing and servicing networks by opening new service centres and dealers.
Currently, Leyland has52 dealers and 230 authorised service centres across the country, he added.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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