Ashok Leyland Brings Back Taurus, Hippo Trucks

Ashok Leyland has officially brought back two of the most celebrated names in India’s heavy-duty trucking history—Taurus and Hippo—marking a major step in strengthening its presence in the high-horsepower MHCV segment. The relaunch introduces modern engineering, higher power output, and advanced technology while preserving the rugged reputation that made these trucks legendary among Indian transporters.

Positioned for demanding sectors such as mining, infrastructure development, construction, and heavy haulage, the new Taurus and Hippo have been engineered to deliver higher productivity, better uptime, and improved profitability for fleet operators. Taurus returns as the brand’s flagship high-horsepower tipper, while Hippo anchors Ashok Leyland’s tractor segment, targeting long-haul and industrial transport applications.

Both trucks are built on Ashok Leyland’s AVTR modular truck platform, offering flexible configurations to suit varied operating requirements. Powering the new range is an 8.0-litre A-Series six-cylinder engine, producing 360 HP and 1,600 Nm of torque, making it the strongest offering in its category. The engine is paired with a heavy-duty 9S 15409 synchromesh gearbox and a 430 mm diameter clutch, ensuring strong pulling power and smoother performance even in extreme terrain.

Speaking at the unveiling, Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland, highlighted that the Taurus and Hippo have been purpose-built for harsh operating conditions. He noted that the combination of industry-leading torque, durability, and faster turnaround times will directly support higher operational efficiency and lifecycle value for customers.

Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, emphasized the emotional and operational legacy of both nameplates, calling Taurus and Hippo symbols of trust for generations of Indian fleet owners. He pointed out that tippers and tractors are among the fastest-growing MHCV segments, driven by India’s expanding infrastructure needs, and require unmatched robustness, reliability, and driver comfort.

The new Taurus and Hippo feature reinforced frames, heavy-duty drivetrains, hub-reduction rear axles, and longer service intervals to enhance durability. Driver comfort and safety have also been upgraded with tilt-able cabins, Hill Start Assist, and Automatic Traction Control as standard across both models. Hippo additionally offers optional features such as Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, reverse camera, and ADAS.

Taurus is available in 6×4 and 8×4 configurations with multiple load body options tailored for mining and construction, while Hippo is designed for bulk commodities, industrial materials, and ODC transport.

Bookings and deliveries for the new Taurus and Hippo are now open across Ashok Leyland dealerships nationwide, reaffirming the company’s commitment to customer-centric innovation and leadership in India’s heavy-duty commercial vehicle market.