Ashok Leyland sets sights on global top-10 league with Uttar Pradesh debut plant

Hinduja Group Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja on Friday said Ashok Leyland is aiming to be among the world’s top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers, marking an ambitious expansion push as the company inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh.

Speaking at the inauguration of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Lucknow, Hinduja described the facility as a landmark development for both the company and the state.

“This is our first manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh and it stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when vision is matched by decisive action,” he said.


The state-of-the-art plant, with an annual production capacity of 5,000 vehicles, was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy and several senior leaders were also present at the event.

Hinduja credited Uttar Pradesh’s improving industrial climate for the company’s decision to invest in the state, citing modern infrastructure, better connectivity, a strengthened law and order framework and a responsive administration.

Tracing Ashok Leyland’s journey since its founding in 1948, Hinduja said the company has consistently supported national priorities by enabling the movement of people and goods across the country.

“Our vision going forward is to be among the global top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers. We will continue to focus on technology leadership to ensure our products remain future-ready and globally competitive,” he said.

Ashok Leyland currently operates in more than 50 countries, reflecting its expanding international presence driven by innovation and product quality. Through its electric mobility subsidiary Switch, the company offers a wide range of electric buses and light commercial vehicles in India and overseas.

According to Hinduja, the Lucknow facility has been designed with future mobility in mind, incorporating advanced manufacturing systems, digital processes and the flexibility to produce vehicles powered by electric, alternative fuel and emerging propulsion technologies. He added that the plant was completed in just 14 months, from land acquisition to the start of production.

The new facility is expected to generate employment, boost the local supplier and MSME ecosystem, and act as a catalyst for industrial growth in the region, he said.