India - Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai, inaugurated a new bus manufacturing plant in Malavalli, near Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. The new facility is on a 75-acre site and has an annual capacity of 4,800 buses, with different powertrain options including diesel and electric models. While the diesel variants are to be produced under the Ashok Leyland brand, electric models are to be manufactured under the Switch brand name by Switch Mobility Ltd, the EV subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. The new facility, which will focus on building full bodied buses (as well as some chassis) adds additional capacity to Ashok Leyland’s bus manufacturing – last year FY2023 output exceeded 17,000 FBU buses and bus chassis.

The plant features advanced and environmental manufacturing systems, including a zero-discharge water system, LED lighting and power from solar panels. It also includes a purpose built Educational and Service Training Centre.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Nara Lokesh, State Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Human Resource Development; the minister received on behalf of the government a new Switch electric double deck bus.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO of Ashok Leyland Ltd said the plant would enhance the company’s position as India’s leading bus brand and among the top five globally. With production already underway, the plant is expected to operate at full capacity immediately, driven by a large order book.