Ashok Leyland to set up technical center in U.K. to strengthen R&D

Ashok Leyland Ltd., India’s second largest commercial vehicle maker, is setting up a technical center in Warwickshire, England, to develop safety features such as airbags, rollover protection cabs and homologation of trucks. Homologation is a process used to make vehicles that suit the criteria and conditions prevailing in a specific market.
 
Setting up the technical center in the U.K. is part of the company’s drive to strengthen research and development and build trucks in line with European standards. Chief Technology Officer Sam Burman said that the first technical center will hire 25 people from across Europe. He said that one reason for deciding to set up the center overseas is the shortage of skilled people in India.
“There is a lack of know-how on developing safety features for commercial vehicles in the country. Also, it is difficult to hire people in Europe and move them here,” Burman said, adding that the center will also help Ashok Leyland expand to European truck markets such as South America and Africa.
“Exports have doubled over the last two years, and it will continue to do so only if we have the right products,” said Burman. (January 11, 2013)