Northward Drive: Ashok Leyland Eyes Bigger Slice of India’s Trucking Market

Northward Drive: Ashok Leyland Eyes Bigger Slice of India’s Trucking Market

With 50 new touchpoints planned in FY26, Ashok Leyland aims to hit 30% market share in North India’s medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment.

Ashok Leyland Sets Sights on North Indian Expansion

Hinduja Group’s leading commercial vehicle entity, Ashok Leyland, is gearing up for a significant growth drive in Northern India, aiming to elevate its presence in the medium and heavy vehicle category. The company is targeting a 30% market share in the region, up from its current level of nearly 26%, by enhancing service infrastructure and tapping into growing regional demand.

The auto major plans to roll out 50 new touchpoints across North India in FY26, strengthening its network of sales, service, and spare parts outlets. This strategic push reflects Ashok Leyland’s broader mission to balance its regional strengths and capture greater value in India’s most commercially active zones.

Market Share Snapshot Across Regions

Ashok Leyland has built a strong footprint across different parts of the country. In FY25, the company recorded:

• Approximately 26% market share in North India
• Over 40% in South India
• More than 35% in West India
• Close to 24% in East India

With an industry-wide M&HCV volume of around 3.8 lakh units in FY25, Ashok Leyland contributed 1.13 lakh units, giving it a 30% national share. The medium and heavy commercial vehicle category includes models with gross vehicle weights spanning from 7.5 metric tons up to 55 metric tons.

Over the years, the company has significantly grown its nationwide footprint—from 679 outlets in FY21 to 1,051 outlets by FY25—all catering to comprehensive commercial vehicle support services.

Strengthening the Northern Network

Recognizing the strategic importance of North India, Ashok Leyland is doubling down on infrastructure in the region. Company leadership acknowledged that while the South and West regions need to be defended, the North and East present immense growth opportunities.

North India accounts for about 32% of India’s total M&HCV volumes, driven by vibrant industrial activity, new infrastructure developments, and demand from logistics-dependent sectors. Factors such as:

• Growing e-commerce hubs
• Automotive manufacturing clusters
• Large-scale infrastructure projects in states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
• Rising demand for transport vehicles due to economic expansion

These are contributing to the region’s commercial vehicle boom.
Ashok Leyland’s current 300 touchpoints in the North have already led to a 6.5% increase in market share over the past three years. With 50 new outlets scheduled for launch in FY26, the company is accelerating this upward trajectory.

Every 50 Kilometres: A Workshop in FY27

Ashok Leyland has outlined an ambitious roadmap to establish a service facility at 50-kilometre intervals throughout North India by the end of FY27. This hyper-localized approach to service coverage is aimed at reducing vehicle downtime, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting large fleet operations.

The 50 touchpoints planned for FY26 will be implemented gradually throughout the year, with all units becoming fully functional by the fourth quarter. These facilities will focus primarily on supporting trucks and buses in the 7.5 to 55-ton range, catering to both urban and rural routes.

Product Pipeline and Operational Confidence

Ashok Leyland’s growth ambitions are supported by a strong product roadmap. In FY26, the company is preparing to launch several new offerings, including:

• LNG-powered tractor-trailers
• High-horsepower tippers
• CNG buses

These new models are tailored to meet shifting consumer preferences and align with India’s push towards greener transport solutions.

Despite global uncertainties, including concerns over rare earth magnet supplies and Middle East tensions, the company remains confident. It has reported no significant supply chain disruptions, particularly for internal combustion engine (ICE) commercial vehicles, which are less reliant on such critical materials.

Diesel Prices and Operating Costs

On the operational front, Ashok Leyland noted that diesel prices, which are crucial for transport operators, have remained stable in recent years. Despite volatility in global crude markets, domestic fuel rates have not seen major swings, providing a level of predictability for commercial fleet operators.

The company also confirmed that geopolitical developments like the Iran-Israel conflict have had no direct impact on industry performance or supply chains so far.

Final Thoughts

Ashok Leyland’s renewed push into North India’s M&HCV market marks a bold step toward balancing its regional presence and capturing a larger slice of the country’s most dynamic commercial corridor. With a focus on expanding infrastructure, launching new products, and delivering high-touch after-sales service, the company aims to climb from a 26% to a 30% market share in the North over the next few years.

As India’s logistics and infrastructure sectors continue to thrive, Ashok Leyland’s proactive strategy and consistent execution could significantly elevate its market standing nationwide.

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The image added is for representation purposes only