Ashok Leyland Stile may be launched as a commercial passenger carrier in 2013

Ashok Leyland Stile, the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that shares its platform with the upcoming Nissan Evalia, was expected to be rolled out in 2012. However, its launch may be postponed to 2013 and it would most likely be pitted in the domestic market as a commercial passenger carrier rather than a MPV. These changes in plans may have been put into effect so that the two siblings do not compete against each other and cannibalise the market.

Ashok Leyland Stile may be launched as a commercial passenger carrier in 2013

 

Nissan Evalia, which is called NV200 in the international market, and Ashok Leyland Stile share most of the technical specifications, but differ in design so that buyers can distinguish between the two. The latter is expected to run on Nissan's 1.5 L, 1461 cc, 4 cylinder, 8 valve K9K diesel motor. This unit will be tuned to deliver either 85 bhp of power and 200 Nm of torque or 110 bhp of power and 240 Nm of torque and will be mated to a 5 speed manual transmission system. MacPherson strut suspensions and front disk and rear drum brakes, 5 seatbelts, fog lamps are expected to be a part of the package as well.

It is anticipated that the Stile would also be rolled out in the country in a CNG variant, which will help it grab a larger share of the commercial vehicle market. The upcoming Stile will be manufactured at Nissan-Renault's production plant located at Oragadam, in the vicinity of Chennai. As a commercial passenger carrier, Stile would cost considerably lesser than its sibling, Evalia. However, a lower price tag would also amount to fewer features and lower passenger comfort and convenience attributes.

By placing the two upcoming vehicles in varying segments, Nissan has demarcated the territories. Moreover, this move will help it capture two significantly different markets through badge sharing process, thus keeping development costs to a minimum, while enjoying high profits. Previously, the collaboration between the two manufacturers was restricted to purely commercial vehicles, namely Ashok Leyland Dost 1.25 ton pick-up truck, which has received an excellent response in the market.