Ashok Leyland Re-Enters MHCV Segment, Revives Iconic TAURUS and HIPPO Truck Range

Ashok Leyland has brought back two of its legendary heavy-duty truck nameplates -- TAURUS and HIPPO -- launching them into the medium-and heavy-duty commercial vehicle (MHCV) segment with comprehensively upgraded powertrains, chassis platforms, and technological features tailored for mining, infrastructure development, and construction sectors.

The relaunched TAURUS line-up forms the centrepiece of Ashok Leyland's high-horsepower tipper offerings, while HIPPO bolsters the manufacturer's tractor segment. Both brands, historically synonymous with durability and dependability, have undergone complete re-engineering based on the company's AVTR modular truck architecture to deliver enhanced productivity, reduced downtime, superior fuel economy, and improved driver ergonomics.

The vehicles were formally launched by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland. Customers can now place orders and take delivery of the new TAURUS and HIPPO models through the company's dealer network throughout India.

“TAURUS and HIPPO are purpose-built for heavy-duty requirements of mining, infrastructure, and construction applications. The new truck range is powered by Ashok Leyland’s A-Series 6-cylinder engines, now with industry-leading peak torque and power, delivering unmatched durability and reliability, higher productivity and faster turnaround times," Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said in a statement.

According to Ashok Leyland, the updated range receives power from its A-Series 6-cylinder, 8.0-litre engines, producing up to 360 horsepower alongside what the manufacturer claims is best-in-class torque output of 1,600 Nm. The company states that both the drivetrain and strengthened chassis architecture have been developed to withstand demanding operational environments whilst delivering improved total cost of ownership for commercial fleet operators.

TAURUS has been developed specifically for large-scale infrastructure developments and mining operations, offering multiple load body configurations across both 6x4 and 8x4 chassis layouts.

HIPPO, in contrast, has been engineered for heavy-haulage duties including bulk commodity transport, industrial raw material movement, and over-dimensional cargo operations, with particular emphasis on towing capacity, structural robustness, and cabin comfort.

Standard equipment across both model ranges includes hill start assist and automatic traction control systems, whilst optional technologies such as tyre pressure monitoring systems, reversing cameras, and advanced driver assistance systems can be specified on selected variants.