Date : February 1, 2006 Published from : Delhi

The Indian Army has finalized an order with Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship in India, for the supply of 872 water bowzers and spares, together worth over Rs 2.3 billion, announced Mr R Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, at a press conference at Defexpo 2006. This order comes close on the heels of the Company’s entry into the 4x4 Field Artillery Tractor segment, having bagged an initial order for 260 vehicles. In addition, the Company is currently executing repeat orders for Light Recovery Vehicles and Truck Fire Fighting, besides the regular supply of Stallion 4x4 kits to Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur.

The first indigenously developed water bowzer meeting General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR), the 5KL capacity vehicle is meant to carry potable water for army personnel in deserts, high altitudes and cross country. Based on the popular Stallion platform, the water tanker is made of stainless steel, with an insulated double wall: the inner wall and outer walls are of SS 316, with polyurethane foam providing insulation between the two shells. The elliptical tank design makes for the lowest center of gravity and surge effect reduction aided by longitudinal and transverse baffles within the tank.

The delivery of these water bowzers, to be supplied in fully built form, will commence in the current financial year, according to Mr Seshasayee.

One of the products unveiled at the Ashok Leyland stall is the 6x6 High Mobility Vehicle HRV, the first indigenously developed hydraulic recovery vehicle. Another indigenously developed special purpose vehicle on show is the Field Artillery Tractor 6x6, for towing heavy guns like the 155mm guns. Fully meeting GSQR, this all-wheel drive, all-terrain vehicle is capable of operating in deserts, high altitudes and cross country.

Referring to the Stallion 4x4 Mk IV left hand drive vehicle, Mr Seshasayee identified South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa as high potential markets. He also confirmed that the vehicle had performed well in trials held in some of these markets.