…As Stallion Marks 50 Years of Existence in Nigeria
ROTIMI ASHER
Ashok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group along with Stallion Motors, its Nigerian distributor, on Friday, launched into the nation’s market, its successful light commercial vehicle – PARTNER and Intermediate commercial vehicle – BOSS.
[dropcap]H[/dropcap]eld at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the launch, which coincided with 50 years anniversary of Stallion Group in Nigeria, attracted dignitaries, stakeholders in the auto industry, members of the Association of Waste Manager of Nigeria (AWAMN) and the motoring press.
Speaking during the launch, Stallion Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Anant Badjatya described the launch of the light commercial vehicles from Ashok Leyland as an indication of the company’s renewed commitment towards bringing tough dependable and durable vehicles for logistics use in affordable range to the Nigerian customers.
According to him, both the Boss and the Partner are fuel efficient and have fantastic mileage.
“If you go by the name, Boss,” he explained, “the idea was for people to be their own boss and by having it, they have their own investment and means of livelihood.
“Apart from good mileage, they have been tested for this market and the diesel in Nigeria with good serviceability and durability. Like you heard earlier, you can only change the oil after 40,000 km. The idea is to make the vehicles efficient and affordable for users so that they can do their business without incurring much cost and save a lot a lot of money.’’
Badjatya also identified four things that could attract users to the Boss and the Partner.
“They are made in Nigeria,” he pointed out, adding, “They are fuel efficient and ergonomical. Looking at the vehicles, you will find out that it is European in appearance; the engine is Japanese and made for Nigerian road.
“They are very affordable and made for the Nigeria conditions. The company has sales and service outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Portharcourt and has invested in a state –of –the- art central auto parts and service center at Orile, Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the nation for the upkeep f these vehicles.’’
Also speaking at the event, Ashok Leyland’s Zonal head, Africa, Mr O. Satishan, said, ‘’Nigeria is an important African market for Leyland. The new range of fully built trucks will sport contemporary design, a new generation platform and will offer best-in-class efficiency, performance and comfort. Reinforcing our brand promise of’Aapki jeet, Hamari jeet’, we are offering two products that will provide the best Total Cost of Ownership to our customers.
“Our aim in the international markets is to add more products to our portfolio and offer innovative and comprehensive solution to our global customers. Experience a new class of LHD vehicles from Ashok Leyland”.
Confirming the adaption of the Boss and the partner to Nigeria condition, the Spokesperson of the Umbrella body of all Waste Management companies in Nigeria, Association of Waste Manager of Nigeria, Olugbenga Adebola said, ‘’ in our operation as Association of Waste Manager, we have found their trucks to be suitable.
“To encourage effective and efficient waste collection and transportation, you need durable and compatible trucks. We need trucks that can withstand our roads and can be easily repaired. We need products that the injectors and engine can work easily in Nigeria.’’
‘’For instance,’ he stressed, ‘’ our diesel is still not the best in the world. Sometimes, we had the experience of bringing in hi-tech equipment into the country and we can’t use them because of the quality of our diesel. Ashok Leyland and Stallion products are adapted to suit our own conditions in this country. So, it is a thing of joy to partner with them.’’
Stalion is a household name in Nigeria holding 45% of the nation’s new car business. It is undoubtedly one of the strongest players in the commercial vehicle segment by virtue of its vast distribution network. The exclusive national partnership with Ashok Leyland has evolved with time to bring the best products and services to the Nigerian consumer.
A revolutionary truck designed for enhanced axle-load, The BOSS, according to its manufacturer, seamlessly combines the strength and ruggedness of a truck with the comfort of a car.
“The engine,” it claims, “delivers the best-in-class mileage and pickup, helping you maintain precious uptime and turnaround time. With contemporary styling, aesthetically designed trim lines and powerful and strong aggregates, the Boss delivers superior performance, reliability and durability at the lowest operating costs making business more profitable. It offers superior payload and needs fewer maintenance brakes.
“Apart from in-line engine with lowest maintenance cost, the Boss has longer service intervals, Lifetime Lubricated bearings, Tubeless Radial Tyres and Organic Clutch for Longer-Life.”
Powered by the advanced ZD30 common Rail diesel engine, the PARTNER offers more power and pick-up advantage, allowing navigation with full load through any tough terrain with ease.
The heavy-duty parabolic leaf springs in the front, superior braking system and frontal crash protection offers the driver and passenger a safe and smooth ride.
With Euro 3 compliance, best-in-class aggregate life and longer service maintenance intervals, the Partner keeps the business profitable and competitive with low fuel and maintenance costs.
