Switch Mobility Ltd., the electric vehicle arm of Ashok Leyland, has announced the establishment of a manufacturing and advanced technology center in Castilla y León, Spain, with an investment of around 100 million euros spread over the next 10 years.
The center will provide a production and R&D hub for Switch Mobility’s contemporary electric buses and light commercial vehicles, as part of the company’s global strategy.
The hub will include two state-of-the-art production lines and is expected to see the first buses produced in the fourth quarter of 2022. The site will also have the capacity to serve overseas markets, including South America, the company said. .
Dr Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Switch Mobility Ltd., said the company is inaugurating its first site in mainland Europe in the province of Valladolid, Spain, where it would benefit greatly from the abundance of talent in the region. region. In addition, it would provide crucial access to the European market, he added.
In a separate statement, Ashok Leyland said he had partnered with the Combat Vehicle Research and Development Center (CVRDE) to develop and manufacture a 600 hp indigenous engine to power futuristic combat vehicles under Atmanirbhar. Bharat.
The 600 hp engine will undergo rigorous laboratory testing and be qualified for application in tanks. Ashok Leyland will undertake series production of the motor after induction in service, he said.