Ashok Leyland has reaffirmed its ambitious goal of becoming one of the world’s top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers as it inaugurated its first dedicated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing facility in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The announcement came on Friday during the plant’s opening ceremony, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials.
Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja described the new plant, which has an initial annual capacity of around 5,000 units, as a significant milestone for both the company and the region, saying it exemplifies what can be achieved when “vision is matched by decisive action.” This first facility in Uttar Pradesh will focus on future-ready vehicles, particularly electric buses and light commercial vehicles, and is designed with advanced digital processes and flexibility to incorporate emerging propulsion technologies.
Hinduja highlighted Ashok Leyland’s expanding global footprint across more than 50 countries and its commitment to technology leadership to keep its products competitive on the world stage. Through its subsidiary Switch, the company offers a broad range of electric mobility solutions both in India and overseas.
The Lucknow plant, completed in about 14 months from land acquisition to production readiness, is expected to generate local employment, bolster the MSME and supplier ecosystem, and contribute to the region’s industrial growth. Hinduja also praised Uttar Pradesh’s modern infrastructure and business-friendly environment as key factors in the investment decision.
The company’s leadership says this strategic expansion aligns with its long-term vision to innovate for future mobility while scaling production and widening international market reach, marking a new chapter in Ashok Leyland’s growth story amid the global shift toward cleaner and smarter transportation.
