Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has reintroduced two of its most iconic truck nameplates, Taurus and Hippo, bringing them back to the market with modern engineering, advanced technology, and enhanced performance capabilities. Reimagined for today’s heavy-duty transport needs, Taurus represents the company’s high-horsepower tipper range, while Hippo anchors its tractor portfolio, marking the return of brands long associated with strength, durability, and reliability in India’s commercial vehicle landscape.
The new Taurus and Hippo range was unveiled by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head, along with customers, dealers, and members of the media.
Engineered to deliver higher productivity, improved uptime, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced driver comfort, the revived truck range is designed to offer superior lifecycle economics and improved profitability for fleet operators. Built on Ashok Leyland’s AVTR modular truck platform, the new Taurus and Hippo provide flexibility through multiple configurations and feature options. The vehicles will be available for booking and delivery through Ashok Leyland dealerships across the country.
Commenting on the launch, Shenu Agarwal said the new Taurus and Hippo trucks are purpose-built for demanding applications in mining, infrastructure, and construction. He noted that the range is powered by Ashok Leyland’s A-Series six-cylinder engines, offering industry-leading torque and power, enabling higher productivity, faster turnaround times, and long-term durability in challenging operating conditions.
Sanjeev Kumar highlighted that Taurus and Hippo are more than just product names, describing them as trusted symbols of heavy-duty performance for generations of Indian transporters. He said the relaunch builds on the legacy of these vehicles while integrating modern technology to meet the evolving needs of the MHCV segment. With tippers and tractors among the fastest-growing categories in India’s commercial vehicle market, the new range focuses on enhanced reliability, reduced driver fatigue, improved component life, and higher uptime, all of which directly contribute to better operational efficiency and customer profitability.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Taurus and Hippo nameplates carry decades of proven performance and customer trust. Hippo, which dominated Indian highways and mining operations from the 1980s through the early 2000s, earned a reputation as a dependable heavy hauler known for its robustness, power, and durability. Taurus, India’s first multi-axle truck, set benchmarks for heavy-load transportation and became synonymous with multi-axle tipper operations nationwide, a legacy that continues to influence industry terminology even today.
Next-Generation Capability
The all-new Taurus and Hippo range builds on this heritage with next-generation engineering. Powered by an 8.0-litre A-Series six-cylinder engine, the trucks deliver 360 hp of power and 1,600 Nm of peak torque, offering best-in-class performance. Reinforced chassis structures, heavy-duty drivetrains, and improved stability ensure long-term durability and consistent performance across demanding terrains, while enhanced cabin ergonomics improve driver comfort.
Taurus is designed for large infrastructure projects and mining operations, delivering consistent performance in high-load and high-stress environments. Hippo caters to heavy-duty haulage requirements including bulk cargo, industrial raw materials, and over-dimensional cargo transportation. Together, the range offers superior pulling power, faster turnaround times, and optimized lifecycle costs.
With the reintroduction of Taurus and Hippo, Ashok Leyland continues to strengthen its leadership in the MHCV segment, combining legacy, innovation, and customer-focused engineering to set new benchmarks in India’s high-horsepower commercial vehicle market.
