Ashok Leyland launches first entry into LCV segment: Dost

Ashok Leyland launched Dost, its first entry into the expanding LCV segment. Dost is the first vehicle launched from the joint venture with Nissan Motor Company. It is sold at the competitive price of Rs3.70 lakhs (US$7,495) to 4.37 lakhs (US$8,853). Dost has a payload capacity of 1.25T and will soon be available in three versions. The top end version has an air-conditioning system, power steering and is equipped with a 55 hp, 3-cylinder 1.5 liter common rail TDCR engine. The vehicle is being introduced in four southern states: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, but it will soon be available across the country. (September 29, 2011)