IAB Report - Ashok Leyland to add three models to the Boss range by mid-2014

Ashok Leyland plans to introduce three variants on the Boss platform over the next six months, top officials revealed today at the national launch of the Boss truck.

A Tipper, 8T and 14.5T (GVW) variants are currently in the development stage and would launch after the launch of the Jan Bus and the N-Truck range.

Dr. Venkat Srinivas, Special Director of Product Development at Ashok Leyland spoke to IndianAutosBlog.com on the sidelines of the launch. Here's what he said:

The 8T variant will be based on the 9.6T variant, and we are still working on that, its six months away. We are also working on the Tipper and the 14.5T. We are significantly working on their product development, as well as on the sourcing and supply chain. We have the Jan Bus and the N-Truck launches ahead, so we will have to pace ourselves based on the priorities. Our intent is to bring these out in six months.

When asked if the range topping 14.9T would include any technological innovations or first in class features, Srinivas played down such possibilities. He added:

We are not looking at any extra features on the 14.9T model. That model goes into the typical haulage segment, its the 14.5T segment. Eicher has a product in there, we also have an E-Comet product in there..so that is essentially to stretch the haulage segment to the top of the category, if you will. But no, it won't have any other bells and whistles.