Ashok Leyland has revealed that its $50 million state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah will assemble the 1,400 buses to fulfill its largest ever order to school transporters in the UAE.
The only certified local bus making facility in the entire GCC and Emirates Transport and STS Group are among those due to receive the 55-seater Falcon buses and 32-seater Oyster buses once built.
The total fleet deal for the GCC made buses has been bagged by Ashok Leyland’s UAE distribution partners, Swaidan Trading – Al Naboodah Group, added the world’s fourth largest bus-maker in the world.
“We are very happy to receive these orders, and this is a historic moment for Ashok Leyland in UAE,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, executive chairman, Ashok Leyland. “This is a testament to the reliability, durability and robustness of our buses and reaffirms the faith that our customers have on our buses being the safest for transporting school students.
He added: “These products are made in the UAE assembly plant. The product concepts originate in the UAE, the designs are done by our engineers in UAE and are assembled in the factory in UAE, with more than 55% of parts sourced in UAE. It will be apt to call it “The Emirati Bus”- Made in UAE, for the GCC.”
Ashok Leyland, which is also the world’s tenth largest truck-maker wants to be considered a transnational transportation and mobility solutions leader. Hinduja added that the firm’s recently announced electric vehicle company, Switch Mobility, based out of UK, will help it fulfil its aspiration of providing zero carbon emission transportation.
“We see huge opportunities for growth through Switch’s expansion in UAE and the GCC and look forward to launch our electric vehicles in these markets soon.”
The Ras Al Khaimah plant has an installed capacity of 4,000 buses a year. Ever since its start in 2008, Ashok Leyland has rolled out 25,500 buses from the plant so far.
Over the years, the plant has generated abundant economic and social value. More than 7000 establishments in GCC own an Ashok Leyland product, transporting 1.8 Mn passengers every day. Building on the patronage of its customers, the company has expanded the portfolio and launched light commercial vehicles “Partner Truck” and “Gazl Buses”. The UAE plant also exports buses to African countries.
Amandeep Singh, Head- International Operations noted that Ashok Leyland is one of the fastest growing brands in the Middle East with a growing market presence in UAE.
“Our lowest total cost of ownership and strong after-sales support differentiates us and has helped us win these orders.
“We are excited with the growth we are seeing in the UAE economy and the opportunity it provides. We have aggressive plans to further enhance our portfolio in Light commercial vehicle space. You will hear from us shortly.”
