Ashok Leyland eyeing prospects

India's Ashok Leyland is eyeing the Middle East and Africa region's military trucks market as part of an aggressive strategy to lift exports from 10 to 15 per cent of sales by 2010, a company official said.

"The company is looking at penetrating the Middle East and Africa market for its range of military trucks. We will be setting up an assembly unit in Sudan and expect to renew the Iraq assembly unit," said Ram Kaushik, general manager of exports for Ashok Leyland.

"The capacity of the company is 60,000 (commercial and military vehicles). We are increasing capacity to 90,000 in five years and accordingly we want exports to account for 15 per cent of sales."

South Asia is the largest export market, followed by the Middle East and Africa.

The company is showcasing its military capabilities at Idex.

This month, the company completes delivery of 3,322 commercial trucks to Iraq in a deal valued at $45 million that was signed with the United Nations before the war .

"Our defence vehicles have proved themselves in India. At present, the Stallion 4X4 is undergoing trials in Kenya and other African markets with encouraging results. The Stallion will be assembled in Sudan."

With annual turnover of over $1 billion (Dh3.68 billion), Ashok Leyland exports to over 40 countries and has a high share in the Dubai and Mauritius bus markets.

The company has some six basic models of military trucks and another 10 versions will be ready in the next two years.