Ashok Leyland, John Deere ramp up portfolio

Ashok Leyland´s JV with US-based John Deere has plans to gradually ramp up their product portfolio to gain a significant foothold in the estimated $3 bn construction equipment market in India. The company, which has sold about 1,200 units so far in India, feels that the worst is over for the Indian market, which has been reeling under a prolonged slump.The 50:50 JV firm recently unveiled a new backhoe loader 435E BHL which is specifically targeted at first time users, offering them a 10 per cent improvement in fuel cost. Contact: Ashok Leyland. Tel: 044-2220 6000. Fax: 044-2220 6001. Website: www.ashokleyland.com