Leading bus manufacturer Ashok Leyland has marked 10 years of successful operations in Saudi Arabia with the launch of a new model and introduction of innovative service products in partnership with Western Auto, its authorised dealer in the kingdom.

Ashok Leyland, which has been enjoying a major market presence in the Gulf region for the last 35 years, has boosted its position in Saudi Arabia since 2007, said a statement from the company.

This growth is mainly inspired by the magnificent ‘Vision 2030’ led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it added.

Ravi Panga, vice-president for International Operations, said: "Ashok Leyland is excited to be part of Vision 2030. We are already gearing up to meet the market demand, and at the same time introduce a wide range of product-line for the customers."

P V Ranganathan, chief operating officer, Western Auto – Saudi Arabia, said: "We have been directly and indirectly part of the infrastructure development in the kingdom for more than a decade. Now, we are unveiling our plan where our customers will benefit from our comprehensive package of products, after-sales and resale."

To mark the occasion, Ashok Leyland introduced the Oyster 2018 model, a mid-sized 32-seater bus, equipped with best-in-class features for maximum safety and comfort.

Karthik Ganesan, regional manager – Middle East and North Africa (Mena), Ashok Leyland, said: "Safety, comfort and lowest cost of ownership for our customers’ remains our top priority."

“Particularly, the Oyster underlines all these features and has created a new benchmark. The vehicle’s highest seating capacity 32 seats and will offer best returns on investment at any point of time,” he noted.

“We are excited with the growth in volumes in the Midi-bus segment which has opened up a new dimension for our portfolio. We will continue with our new product offerings and introduce a host of new products across trucks and bus segments, to suit the customer requirements,” he added.

Ashok Leyland made their mark in midi-bus segment with sales of units of Oyster in large numbers throughout the GCC with independent operators, rent-a-car companies and private schools, said a statement.

Additionally, Western Auto also announced its new after-sales service campaign ‘Old Bus, New Life’.

Ranganathan said: "We are excited to introduce the after-sales service campaigns. The parts bundle saves time, costs and manages inventory for the customer, while the initiative allows the customer extend the life of bus."

“Our technical expertise, trained mechanics and genuine parts will give an unmatched experience to the customers as well as passengers” he added.-TradeArabia News Service