Ashok Leyland, one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, through its subsidiary Switch Mobility, the U.K. based EV producer of Buses and Vans announced its global expansion plans into India and its plan to create two subsidiary companies.

The first, Switch Mobility Automotive, is being formed to carry on the EV strategy in India, which forms part of its global entity. The second is OHM Global Mobility, which will focus on providing Mobility as a Service offering.

Switch Mobility Automotive brings together Ashok Leyland's capabilities both from Optare UK and Ashok Leyland's EV Division. OHM Global Mobility is a solutions company being piloted in India with ambitious plans to roll out Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) globally. Together, Switch and OHM will provide a net carbon zero emission solution to India’s exciting trend towards EV urban buses and LCVs.

Commenting on the announcement, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility said, "Switch Mobility Automotive will help us fulfil our aspiration of zero carbon emission transportation. With a strong presence and proven expertise in the commercial vehicle market in India and the experience of operating a large number of electric vehicles successfully in India and the U.K, we see huge opportunities for growth through Switch's expansion in Indian and Global markets."

Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland commenting on the announcement, said, "Creating Switch Mobility Automotive India and OHM Global Mobility will give us the ability to drive the sustainability agenda which Ashok Leyland is passionate about. It will combine our consumer centric approach with the expertise in technology that the new entities will bring to the table."

Commenting on OHM Global Mobility, Andrew Palmer, Vice Chairman, Switch Mobility said, "Through OHM Global Mobility Private, we believe we can accelerate the transition to net zero carbon mobility in buses and vans. OHM Global Mobility’s pioneering offering is not only extremely comprehensive in India, but is also world-leading and will provide a robust model of business that can be leveraged by Switch in all its markets."

Shares of the company gained Rs 4.25, or 3.78%, to settle at  Rs 116.75.  The total volume of shares traded  was  1,750,902 at the BSE (Wednesday).