The Ashok Leyland – Nissan greenfield project that has been on delay from last few years will now be revived again at Sriperumbudur. The greenfield project has aimed at achieving growth in the automotive sector beyond FY 2016. This has been regarded as phase-2 by the equal Indo-Japan joint venture.
Initially, the joint venture will be focusing on small commercial vehicle segment for which it has already lined-up three platforms. The first among these three vehicles was displayed in Chennai a few weeks back.
The second platform of the venture will be made by Nissan and will rolled-out in year 2013, while the third platform will be made by Ashok Leyland.
While speaking on the company’s future plans, Dr V Sumantran, executive vice chairman, Hinduja Automotive said, "Nissan will position the vehicle it manufactures for personal use while Ashok Leyland will position it for the commercial segment. At a later date, we will also offer a personal version. Yes, there could be some overlap with the proposed General Motors offering which is based on Wuling design."
Earlier, both of the firms had planned-up to have a greenfield facility, but due to global economic slowdown and delays in land allotment, they now have decided to optimize their existing facilities. While the Leyland’s Dost commercial vehicle will be made at ALIL's plant at Hosur, the second platform will be made at Nissan’s Chennai plant. The same plan will be adopted in manufacturing of engines.
