Chennai : Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship, has bagged an order for 1,000 buses from the People’s Leasing Company in Sri Lanka. Worth around US $ 26 million, this represents the Company’s largest single order for buses from that country. Delivery of the 1,000 ‘Viking’ buses, varying from 42 – 58 seaters, will commence with immediate effect and have to be completed before March 2011.

Ashok Leyland is a leader in the Sri Lankan bus market having sold 8,000-plus buses over the past 6 – 7 years. “With Lanka Ashok Leyland, a joint venture between the Government of Sri Lanka and Ashok Leyland that was formed in 1983, we have been playing a vital role in helping develop the country’s economy not only by delivering appropriate transport solutions but also by providing employment for the local populace,” said Mr. R. Seshasayee, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland. “This order is one more important step in that direction,” he added.

With the cessation of hostilities, the north and east of Sri Lanka have once again opened up for trade, commerce and people’s movement and these buses which will be sold by the People’s Leasing Company to the country’s private sector to be used to improve connectivity to these regions.

< P>Source:http://www.ashokleyland.com/newsdisplay.jsp?newsid=195&year=2010&monthval=8