Ashok Leyland of India has entered the Southern African commercial vehicle market with the introduction of the Dost 1,5 Turbo Diesel pickup. Boasting class-leading attributes in the entry-level pick-up segment such as a load carrying capacity of 1,250kg, fuel consumption of 6,1 l/100km and a 5-Year / 500,000km warranty, the Ashok Leyland Dost is set to appeal to small businesses, farmers, and fleet operators alike.
Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, is the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and the 19th largest manufacturer of trucks. Being a US $ 4.5 billion company that has a 75-year legacy since 1948, and a footprint that extends across fifty countries, Ashok Leyland is one of the most fully integrated manufacturing companies in Asia.
Headquartered in Chennai with nine manufacturing plants, Ashok Leyland boasts a product range from 2.5-ton to 55-ton GVM and from thirteen seats to seventy-nine seats in terms of capacity, giving the brand a 31% market share in the Indian Commercial Vehicle Market. Ashok Leyland has a well-diversified portfolio across the automobile industry and is the first truck and bus manufacturer outside of Japan to win the Deming Prize for Quality for its Pantnagar plant in 2016 and the Hosur Unit II in 2017.
Distribution of the Ashok Leyland model range in Southern Africa is through ETG Logistics (ETGL), a vertical of ETG. ETGL will operate dealerships for Ashok Leyland in seven Southern African countries. In South Africa, fourteen dealers have already been appointed. The initial model line-up for Southern Africa will focus on the class-leading 1,25-ton carrying capacity Dost pick-up, followed by the 4,5-ton Partner light truck and the 1,86-ton carrying capacity Phoenix pick-up early in 2024. Heavier trucks and buses, including electric vehicles, will join the Ashok Leyland product offering at a later stage.
Mr. Sachin Dasharath, Head Africa Business Ashok Leyland, said, “We have ambitious growth plans for the African Market. Our time-tested products are well suited for the African terrain and offers superior value proposition to customers. ETG group’s extensive connect in these markets will complement our growth plans.”
DOST PRODUCT CONCEPT
Dost is Ashok Leyland’s entry level work horse and boasts a rated payload of 1,250kg which is the highest in the entry-level pick-up segment. A larger pick-up, the Ashok Leyland Phoenix with a load carrying capacity of 1,860kg will compete against larger one-ton competitors with a GVM of less than 3,500kg and is due for introduction early in 2024.
On 4th April 2023, Ashok Leyland rolled out the 200,000th Dost unit from the Hosur Plant. Dost was first commercially launched in September 2011. The 1,00,000 milestone of Dost was achieved within three years, in March 2015. The Ashok Leyland Dost was judged the winner of the Apollo-CV ‘LCV Cargo Carrier of the Year’ Award in 2012. The jury highlighted Dost’s fuel economy, versatility, and higher payload as the winning attributes.
In 2019, Ashok Leyland introduced an optimized version of the Dost with unmatched fuel efficiency as one of its major characteristics alongside its robust payload capabilities. This is the model that will be sold in Southern Africa.
“Dost”, is a Hindi word that means “friend.” The term is commonly used to refer to a close and trusted friend, someone with whom one has a strong bond and relationship. The word is often used to express the idea of camaraderie, companionship, and mutual support between two people.
DRIVETRAIN
The Ashok Leyland Dost comes with a 1478cc, 3-cylinder, turbo charged diesel common rail engine (TDCR) which produces maximum power of 44kW at 3300 r/min and maximum torque of 158Nm at 1600 to 2400 r/min. Compared to direct competitors, the Dost offers a reasonably powerful diesel engine paired with a short geared 5-speed full synchromesh manual transmission for optimal tractability and fuel efficiency even when fully laden.
In unladen condition the Ashok Leyland Dost achieves a class-leading fuel consumption figure of 6,1 l/100km in the combined cycle and 7,5 l/100km when fully laden. Considering the 40-litre fuel tank capacity, users can expect to achieve a fuel range of over 600km in the unladen condition.
EXTERIOR
Three models are available namely a Chassis Cab (for unique load body configurations), a Fixed Sides Deck (FSD) model and a Drop Sides Deck (DSD) model. The FSD model has a load body measuring 2500mm (length) x 1620mm (width) x 368mm (depth) with sleek headlights integrated into the body. The DSD model offers the convenience of easy loading and off-loading with the load body at 2656mm being 156mm longer than that of the FSD model. The DSD model is also equipped with a sturdy cab protector.
PLATFORM
Mounted to a sturdy ladder frame chassis with six cross members, the front suspension is rigid with under slung parabolic leaf springs and double-acting shock absorbers. The rear suspension comprises over slung semi-elliptic leaf springs with double-acting shock absorbers. Drive to the rear wheels is through a propeller shaft connected to a sturdy semi-floating rear axle.
A long wheelbase of 2350mm ensures stability on uneven roads. Ground clearance is 177mm, approach angle 19°, ramp over angle 23.5° and departure angle 22°. As a result, inner city speed humps and undulating rural terrain are managed with ease.
184 R14 LT 8-ply commercial tyres on styled steel rims ensure adequate traction in the most difficult conditions and can deal with demanding loads of over one ton, and the body work is also protected against stone chipping by standard mudflaps. Equipped with power steering and a short turning radius of only 5,5m and ease of driving, Dost appeals to the urban distributors who must navigate narrow streets and traffic congestion.
INTERIOR
Seating capacity is for a driver and co-driver with extra parcel space between the two individual seats. Fitted with a digital instrument cluster, a mobile phone holder, 12V power socket for recharging of mobile phones, headlamp adjustment and a lockable glove box, the Dost is designed for long haulage operations with a focus on driver convenience.
SAFETY
The Dost comes with multiple safety features to always keep its occupants and the load safe. The nose area is fitted with a strongly constructed absorption bar for protection in front end collisions and of course ELR safety belts with emergency locking reactors.
The Dost is equipped with vacuum-assisted hydraulic disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear with a Load Sensing & Proportional Valve (LSPV) for efficient braking. LSPV braking systems have a valve that is used to regulate the amount of brake fluid that is sent to the front and rear brakes to ensure effective and even braking considering the laden condition of the vehicle.