Ashok Leyland and Nissan Motor Company announced at a press meeting in Chennai that their joint venture to manufacture and market a range of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) is on track and will roll out three new products starting mid-2011.

While two will be manufactured at Leyland’s facilities at Hosur, the third will roll out of Nissan’s plant at Oragadam. Dr. Andy Palmer, senior vice president, Nissan Motor Company and chairman, Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles said, “The Indian LCV segment has witnessed very robust growth over the past decade and by joining our complementary forces, we have created synergies to launch our products for this market on schedule – just three years after the formation of the JV.” Dr. V Sumantran, executive vice chairman, Hinduja Automotive and chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd., said, “We have endeavoured to utilise our learnings relative to customer and market needs and taking forward the best Indian traditions of Indian frugal enterprise.”

The flagship offering from this stable will be based on the F24 platform that will feature both trucks and buses in the 5–7.5 tonne GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) range. These vehicles will be powered by a 3-litre, 4-cylinder Common Rail Diesel engine which will be BS III and BS IV compliant.