Ashok Leyland unveils GARUD 15M: India’s first front engine multi-axle bus chassis – ET Auto

The GARUD 15M stands out with the largest saloon space available in Indian buses, accommodating 42 sleeper berths, which maximises per-trip revenue for bus operators.Ashok Leyland, a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India and part of the Hinduja Group, unveiled the GARUD 15M bus chassis at the Prawaas 4.0 event organised by the Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) on August 29th at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. The GARUD 15M is significant as it is India’s first front-engine multi-axle bus chassis, designed for long-distance intercity travel with an emphasis on maximising space and comfort.The commercial launch of the GARUD 15M is scheduled for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2025. The fourth edition of Prawaas runs from August 29th to 31st at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. Attendees can visit Ashok Leyland’s stall at Hall 04, Stall No 31A to get a firsthand look at the future of intercity travel.

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland, stated, “Ashok Leyland has consistently led the way in developing cost-effective technologies that benefit both customers and commuters. We are excited to unveil India’s first front-engine multi-axle bus chassis, designed to accommodate 42 sleeper berths at Prawaas 4.0. The GARUD 15M represents a significant leap forward in bus chassis technology, combining advanced engineering with unparalleled comfort and efficiency.”

Capacity

The GARUD 15M stands out with the largest saloon space available in Indian buses, accommodating 42 sleeper berths, which maximises per-trip revenue for bus operators. It features a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 22,500 kg, the highest in its category, and includes a spacious luggage compartment.

Safety features

The GARUD 15M bus chassis emphasises both safety and comfort. It comes with front wheel disc brakes, an electromagnetic retarder, and an optional full air suspension featuring an anti-roll bar. The driver’s experience is enhanced with ergonomically designed 3-way adjustable seats and an air-assisted hydraulic clutch with a cable shift gear mechanism, ensuring a smooth and fatigue-free driving experience on India’s diverse roads.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV at Ashok Leyland, highlighted the significance of this new product for the company’s portfolio and the intercity travel sector. “With the unveiling of the GARUD 15M at Prawaas 4.0, we are not just enhancing our product portfolio but also setting new benchmarks in the intercity travel sector in India. This chassis is designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers and provides a superior travel experience for passengers.”

• Published On Aug 29, 2024 at 03:43 PM IST

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