Ashok Leyland GARUD 15M: India’s first front engine multi-axle 6×2 coach
The Ashok Leyland Garud 15M (FM2515.0F6R) Front Engine Multi-Axle Coach (FEMAC) targets premium intercity travel; demos the potentials of Garud 15-metre chassis.
A multi-axle 6×2 coach to the likes of a Volvo 9400 or Scania Metrolink has always been an aspirational dream for all Ashok Leyland fans. The day has finally arrived, with the debut of the all-new Ashok Leyland Garud 15M at the on-going Auto Expo 2025 Motor Show in Delhi. The company calls the fully-built coach as first-of-its-kind in India. Coach builder Prakash (S.M.Kannappa) has fabricated this coach for AL.
Designed for premium long haul travels, the coach is engineered to enhance passenger experience with superior comfort and reliable performance. Conveying this intent is the eccentric design language of the coach, complemented by ingenious scheming of the sleeper saloon. The quirkiness is at its peak with the vertical line LED DRLs at both front and rear ends.
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Moreover, the Garud 15M FEMAC on display is also a demonstrator to Ashok Leyland’s production-ready 15-metre multi-axle chassis. The 6×2 bus chassis builds on the footsteps of the recently launched Garud 13.5M chassis in the domestic market. Featuring a non-steerable pusher axle, this multi-axle configuration is a relatively affordable alternative to steerable tag-axle chassis of Volvo 9600.
In terms of key aggregates, the Garud 15M coach is powered by AL’s ‘A-series’ 4-cylinder diesel engine with i-Gen6 technology. A 6-speed manual gearbox does the transmission duty. The powertrain delivers a max power of 248 hp and max torque of 900 Nm at 1,100-1,800 rpm. An electro-magnetic retarder (Engine Brake) is in place as for auxiliary braking.
Moving on, the GVW rating of the Ashok Leyland coach is 22,500 kgs. It is air-suspended, with a four bellow unit for the 2nd rear axle. The pusher axle features a four-link suspension setup with two air bellows. Both the rear axles get anti-roll bars for higher safety and reliability. The front axle gets optional five-link suspension with two bellows.
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The Garud 15M coach can be availed in two interior configuration – a 60 passenger push-back seater or a 42 seat sleeper layout. Interesting features of the coach are digital side mirrors (camera and display), direct drive HVAC system, and CAN-based switches for better operability.
Further, ADAS technology enhances the road safety of the intercity coach. This includes a Driver Drowsiness monitoring system and event recording of vehicle data for remote monitoring.
Images Credit: 91Trucks.com
