Ashok Leyland Relaunches Iconic Taurus and Hippo Heavy-Duty Trucks

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Ashok Leyland Relaunches Iconic Taurus and Hippo Heavy-Duty Trucks

National : Ashok Leyland, the flagship Indian company of the Hinduja Group and one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today relaunched two of its most iconic trucks—Taurus and Hippo. Reimagined for the modern era, Taurus represents the high-horsepower tipper segment, while Hippo strengthens the tractor portfolio. Their return marks the revival of legendary names that have stood for strength and reliability for decades—now equipped with advanced technology to meet India’s evolving economic needs. The vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, and Ms. Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head, along with esteemed customers, dealers, and members of the media.

Engineered to deliver higher productivity, improved uptime, superior fuel efficiency, and enhanced driver comfort, the new Taurus and Hippo range is designed to offer fleet operators better lifecycle economics and higher profitability. Built on Ashok Leyland’s advanced AVTR modular truck platform, the range provides greater flexibility through multiple configurations and feature options. Bookings and deliveries for both Taurus and Hippo are now open across Ashok Leyland dealerships nationwide.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said,
“Taurus and Hippo have been purpose-built to address the needs of heavy-duty applications such as mining, infrastructure, and construction. The new truck range is powered by Ashok Leyland’s A-Series 6-cylinder engines, delivering industry-leading peak torque and power. This ensures unmatched durability, reliability, high productivity, and faster turnaround times.”

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Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ashok Leyland, added,
“Hippo and Taurus are not just product names; they are legends that have earned the trust of Indian transporters over generations. These names became synonymous with heavy-duty performance on Indian highways and mining sites, and we are carrying that legacy forward. Tippers and tractors are among the fastest-growing segments in the MHCV industry and play a vital role in India’s infrastructure development. Vehicles operating in harsh terrains and extreme conditions demand superior reliability, ruggedness, and driver comfort. The new Taurus and Hippo blend historic toughness with cutting-edge technology. We have enhanced ease of operation, reduced driver fatigue, and significantly improved component life. Features such as high drivetrain durability and faster turnaround times directly translate into higher uptime and better profitability. This launch reflects our commitment to customer-centric innovation and operational excellence.”

Rebirth of a Legacy

The Taurus and Hippo names symbolize decades of proven performance and customer trust. From the 1980s to the early 2000s, Hippo’s highly successful journey established it as one of the most dependable heavy haulers of its time. Equipped with heavy-duty aggregates, it earned an unshakable reputation for reliability, strength, power, and exceptional durability—remaining a fondly remembered workhorse among fleet owners.

Taurus, on the other hand, made history as India’s first multi-axle truck, setting benchmarks for heavy-duty operations. Its ability to perform consistently under the toughest conditions made it the preferred choice for high-load applications nationwide. Even today, many fleet operators refer to multi-axle tippers as “Taurus,” a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and deep industry impact.

Next-Generation Performance

Honouring this legacy, the new Taurus and Hippo range sets fresh benchmarks with state-of-the-art technology. Powered by an 8.0-litre A-Series 6-cylinder engine, the range delivers 360 HP of power and 1,600 Nm of best-in-class torque. With a robust chassis, heavy-duty drivetrain, and enhanced stability, these vehicles ensure exceptional durability and improved driving comfort even in the most demanding applications.

Taurus is designed for large-scale infrastructure projects and challenging mining operations, combining its proven tipper heritage with modern engineering. Hippo is tailored for heavy-duty applications such as bulk commodities, industrial raw materials, and ODC transportation. With enhanced cabin comfort, improved drivetrain durability, and faster turnaround times, both trucks offer superior pulling power, operational efficiency, and better lifecycle economics—key expectations of today’s fleet operators.

Backed by decades of engineering expertise and a strong nationwide network, Ashok Leyland continues to strengthen its position in the commercial vehicle industry. With Taurus and Hippo, the company not only reinforces its leadership but also sets new standards in the high-horsepower MHCV segment.