News Stocks Ashok Leyland revives iconic Taurus and Hippo trucks to capture infrastructure and mining demandAshok Leyland revives iconic Taurus and Hippo trucks to capture infrastructure and mining demand
Ashok Leyland relaunched its iconic Taurus and Hippo heavy-duty truck brands on January 22, targeting India's growing infrastructure, mining and construction sectors. Both models feature 360 HP engines with 1,600 Nm torque and are built on the AVTR modular platform. Taurus serves as the flagship tipper for infrastructure projects while Hippo targets long-haul tractor applications, with bookings now open nationwide.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Ashok Leyland announced the relaunch of two of its most iconic heavy-duty truck brands—Taurus and Hippo—on January 22, as the company focuses on India's rapidly growing infrastructure, mining and construction segments. The revival of these legendary nameplates represents a strategic move to capture increased demand in high-horsepower commercial vehicle categories.
Strategic Brand Revival
The vehicles were unveiled by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, alongside Sanjeev Kumar, President – M&HCV, and senior sales leadership. The relaunch combines the legacy appeal of both brands with next-generation technology specifically designed for harsh operating conditions.
| Brand: | Segment Focus | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Taurus: | High-horsepower tipper | Large-scale infrastructure projects, demanding mining terrain |
| Hippo: | Tractor segment | Long-haul transport, bulk commodities, industrial raw materials, over-dimensional cargo |
Technical Specifications and Performance
Both trucks are built on Ashok Leyland's AVTR modular platform, which enables multiple configurations and feature options for different applications. The new models are powered by advanced 8.0-litre A-Series six-cylinder engines that deliver impressive performance metrics.
| Specification: | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine: | 8.0-litre A-Series six-cylinder |
| Power Output: | 360 HP |
| Torque: | 1,600 Nm |
| Industry Position: | Among the highest in their class |
The trucks feature reinforced chassis, heavy-duty drivetrains and improved cabins designed to enhance durability, reduce driver fatigue and enable faster turnaround times—critical factors for fleet profitability in mining and infrastructure operations.
Advanced Features and Technology
Both models come equipped with standard safety and performance features to meet the demands of challenging operational environments:
- Hill Start Assist for improved control on inclines
- Automatic Traction Control for enhanced grip
- Advanced driver-assistance features available on select variants
- Enhanced cabin design to reduce driver fatigue
- Reinforced construction for demanding terrain
Market Positioning and Brand Legacy
Ashok Leyland is leveraging the strong brand recall of both nameplates in the Indian commercial vehicle market. Hippo established itself as a dominant heavy hauler from the 1980s to the early 2000s, while Taurus earned recognition as India's first multi-axle truck. The Taurus brand became so synonymous with multi-axle tippers that the name became a generic term in the market.
Bookings and deliveries have commenced across Ashok Leyland dealerships nationwide. The company aims to consolidate its leadership in the high-horsepower M&HCV segment, particularly as tippers and tractors represent some of the fastest-growing categories driven by sustained public infrastructure spending.
Historical Stock Returns for Ashok Leyland
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +1.36% | +3.37% | +12.45% | +59.52% | +90.92% | +255.04% |
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