Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles

Transsenger · 18th December 2010, 22:35

The new AL U-truck2523 at Cochin. Its powered by 230HP CRS engine. AL seems to target MAN, AMW etc head on. With the strong market acceptance for AL in south, these new U-trucks are sure to rule the roads in near future. The scenario seems no different in north, since AL received 300 booking on a single day, during launch function at Jaipur.

julupani · 19th December 2010, 20:09

The U truck platform is sure to give AMW ome serious competition, considering that ALL is an established big player. The U truck should help the trucking industry bridge the gap in quality of trucks between the old TML and ALL truck platforms and the properly premium trucks in the Volvo FM/FH , Mercedes Actros and newest joinee in that group in the form of the Tata Prima.

Really dont understand why TML has given this intermediate sector a skip in its product portfolio!!

hvkumar · 19th December 2010, 20:41

I saw the U-truck on the NH4 yesterday evening, but since my mobile photos were taken from a moving car, not good images. Unfortunately, even the badging above the mudguard is not clear enough for me to tell you which model it is beyond saying it was a U-35xx.

Ashley2 · 20th December 2010, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvkumar

........... me to tell you which model it is beyond saying it was a U-35xx.

Hey nice catch!!
This is U-3518!!

hvkumar · 20th December 2010, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashley2

Hey nice catch!!
This is U-3518!!

Yes, that was the number I saw, thanks for jogging my member.
I saw 2 such tractor-trailers on NH4. That is quite a fast roll-out.

silversteed · 20th December 2010, 15:29

Is it the photo, or is the U3518 really battered? Looks like it's been (ab)used quite a lot!

The new muffler box with the AL monogram looks classy.

hvkumar · 20th December 2010, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversteed

Is it the photo, or is the U3518 really battered? Looks like it's been (ab)used quite a lot!

The new muffler box with the AL monogram looks classy.

No, the truck was absolutely in first-class condition and the gleam of the paint is reflecting the surroundings, plus my mobile camera is not good.

DWind · 20th December 2010, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by silversteed

The new muffler box with the AL monogram looks classy.

Isn't the muffler too close to the fuel tank? I am asking this as there is a possibility of sparks coming out of muffler when the fuel is getting filled?

nkrishnap · 20th December 2010, 20:20

The new design from the ALL stable looks very good. Somehow I have a feeling the muffler box is oddly placed.

julupani · 20th December 2010, 20:25

The muffler box is pretty oddly placed, as most modern trucks generally have their tail pipes high mounted, so that the large volume of fumes are not spewed out right in the face of other motorists.

Transsenger · 20th December 2010, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by julupani

The muffler box is pretty oddly placed,.

...we can see the same type of fitment on Volvo trucks confirming to EU norms. I have personally observed in some Volvo trucks here, there is only 2cm gap between the fuel tank & silencer.

Ashley2 · 20th December 2010, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by julupani

The muffler box is pretty oddly placed, as most modern trucks generally have their tail pipes high mounted, so that the large volume of fumes are not spewed out right in the face of other motorists.

But this is only for the 180 HP engine and not for 230 HP CRS engine.
Take a look at U-2523 foto shot by Transsenger.

julupani · 21st December 2010, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashley2

But this is only for the 180 HP engine and not for 230 HP CRS engine.
Take a look at U-2523 foto shot by Transsenger.

What are you talking about? The 2523 also has its muffler at the same position, albeit with the sideways tailpipe rather than rearwards.

Though I have to say, quite a few trucks actually go in for the low level tail pipe, other than tipper models which generally tend to go in for the high end mounting. The ALL tipper though still has a low end tail pipe.

Ashley2 · 21st December 2010, 08:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by julupani

What are you talking about? The 2523 also has its muffler at the same position, albeit with the sideways tailpipe rather than rearwards.

Though the muffler is in the same position the end pipe is directed sideways in 2523 unlike facing rear in 3518

SAE40 in veins · 21st December 2010, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvkumar

I saw the U-truck on the NH4 yesterday evening, but since my mobile photos were taken from a moving car, not good images. Unfortunately, even the badging above the mudguard is not clear enough for me to tell you which model it is beyond saying it was a U-35xx.

Are you sure this hauler was a 'U' coz other models in the ALL line up also share the 'cargo' derived 'newgen' cabin. The only distinguishable feature i believe between the 'newgen' s and 'U' is the badging.

18th December 2010, 22:35	#31
Transsenger BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: KOCHI Posts: 368 Thanked: 96 Times	Ashok Leyland U-truck 2523 The new AL U-truck2523 at Cochin. Its powered by 230HP CRS engine. AL seems to target MAN, AMW etc head on. With the strong market acceptance for AL in south, these new U-trucks are sure to rule the roads in near future. The scenario seems no different in north, since AL received 300 booking on a single day, during launch function at Jaipur. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

19th December 2010, 20:09	#32
julupani Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bhubaneswar Posts: 1,762 Thanked: 537 Times	Re: Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles The U truck platform is sure to give AMW ome serious competition, considering that ALL is an established big player. The U truck should help the trucking industry bridge the gap in quality of trucks between the old TML and ALL truck platforms and the properly premium trucks in the Volvo FM/FH , Mercedes Actros and newest joinee in that group in the form of the Tata Prima. Really dont understand why TML has given this intermediate sector a skip in its product portfolio!!
	() Thanks

19th December 2010, 20:41	#33
hvkumar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 7,369 Thanked: 3,454 Times	Re: Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles I saw the U-truck on the NH4 yesterday evening, but since my mobile photos were taken from a moving car, not good images. Unfortunately, even the badging above the mudguard is not clear enough for me to tell you which model it is beyond saying it was a U-35xx. Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

20th December 2010, 15:29	#36
silversteed Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Electri-City Posts: 2,336 Thanked: 2,195 Times	Re: Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles Is it the photo, or is the U3518 really battered? Looks like it's been (ab)used quite a lot! The new muffler box with the AL monogram looks classy.
	() Thanks

20th December 2010, 20:20	#39
nkrishnap Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,983 Thanked: 7,407 Times View My Garage	Re: Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles The new design from the ALL stable looks very good. Somehow I have a feeling the muffler box is oddly placed.
	() Thanks

20th December 2010, 20:25	#40
julupani Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bhubaneswar Posts: 1,762 Thanked: 537 Times	Re: Ashok Leyland launches U-truck platform-based vehicles The muffler box is pretty oddly placed, as most modern trucks generally have their tail pipes high mounted, so that the large volume of fumes are not spewed out right in the face of other motorists.
	() Thanks