Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading name in the country’s commercial vehicle industry, has reintroduced two of its most iconic heavy-duty trucks—TAURUS and HIPPO. Reimagined for the modern era, TAURUS returns as the brand’s high-horsepower tipper range, while HIPPO takes position as the cornerstone of its tractor portfolio. Their comeback signals the revival of legendary nameplates long associated with toughness and dependability, now upgraded with next-generation technology to support India’s rapidly evolving infrastructure and logistics needs.
The new TAURUS and HIPPO were unveiled by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, in the presence of Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, President – MHCV, Ms. Madhavi Deshmukh, National Sales Head, along with key customers, dealers, and members of the media.
Engineered for higher productivity, improved uptime, superior fuel efficiency, and enhanced driver comfort, the refreshed TAURUS and HIPPO range is designed to deliver stronger lifecycle economics and higher profitability for fleet operators. Built on Ashok Leyland’s advanced AVTR modular truck platform, the range offers greater flexibility with multiple configurations and feature options. Both models will be available for booking and delivery through Ashok Leyland dealerships across India.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Shenu Agarwal said, “TAURUS and HIPPO are purpose-built to meet the demanding requirements of mining, infrastructure, and construction applications. Powered by Ashok Leyland’s A-Series 6-cylinder engines with industry-leading peak torque and power, the new range delivers unmatched durability, reliability, higher productivity, and faster turnaround times.”
Adding to this, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar said, “TAURUS and HIPPO are more than just product names—they are legends that have earned the trust of generations of Indian transporters. These trucks became synonymous with heavy-duty performance on highways and mining sites across the country, and that legacy is what we are building upon. Tippers and tractors are among the fastest-growing segments in the MHCV market, playing a vital role in India’s infrastructure growth. Designed to operate in harsh terrains and extreme conditions, the new TAURUS and HIPPO combine legendary ruggedness with cutting-edge technology. Enhanced ease of operation, reduced driver fatigue, improved component life, higher drivetrain durability, and faster turnaround times will translate directly into higher uptime and better profitability for our customers. This launch reinforces our commitment to customer-centric innovation and operational excellence.”
A Legacy Reborn
The names TAURUS and HIPPO carry decades of proven performance and customer trust. HIPPO’s wildly successful run from the 1980s to the early 2000s made it the definitive heavy hauler of its era. Equipped with heavy-duty aggregates, it built an unshakeable reputation for reliability, ruggedness, power, and exceptional sturdiness. For fleet owners, the name evokes fond memories of a dependable workhorse that never let them down.
TAURUS, meanwhile, cemented its legacy as India’s first multi-axle truck, defining the standard for heavy-duty operations. Its ability to perform consistently in challenging conditions made it the go-to choice for high-load applications nationwide. Even today, fleet operators across India continue to refer to multi-axle tippers as “TAURUS”—a testament to the nameplate’s enduring impact on the industry and the indelible mark it left on commercial vehicle operations.
Next-Generation Performance
The all-new TAURUS and HIPPO range honours this legacy while setting new benchmarks with cutting-edge technology. Powered by 8.0-litre A-Series 6-cylinder engine, this range of trucks delivers 360 HP of power and best-in-class torque of 1,600 Nm. Built on reinforced chassis with heavy-duty drivetrains and superior stability, these vehicles ensure exceptional durability and enhanced driving comfort even in the most demanding applications.
TAURUS is engineered for large-scale infrastructure projects and challenging mining terrains, combining a proven tipper legacy with modern engineering for consistent high-performance outcomes. HIPPO is designed for heavy-duty applications ranging from bulk commodities, industrial raw materials, and ODC transportation. With enhanced cabin comfort, improved drivetrain durability, and faster turnaround times, both TAURUS and HIPPO deliver superior pulling power, operational efficiency, and lifecycle economics that modern fleet operators demand.
Backed by decades of engineering expertise and a strong nationwide network, Ashok Leyland continues to strengthen its position in the commercial vehicle industry by delivering innovative, reliable, and value-driven MHCV solutions. With TAURUS and HIPPO, Ashok Leyland consolidates its leadership in the commercial vehicle sector while setting new benchmarks in the high-horsepower MHCV segment.
