Hindujas plan infra, passenger car segment foray

The Hinduja group is exploring investments in infrastructure, including roads and power, and is planning to enter the passenger car segment.

"We want to be more aggressive in India. We are looking at India more seriously. We are looking at areas like infrastructure, including roads, power, energy and water," Dheeraj Hinduja, vice chairman of Ashok Leyland, said in an interview to NDTV Profit in London.

Talking about expansion plans of the Rs 4800 crore Ashok Leyland, Dheeraj said the company plans to expand further. However, it would be a different company that would enter into the passenger car segment.

"We are open at getting into this (passenger car) segment but it will have to be under a different brand name. Passenger car segment is a competitive segment, and we won't use Ashok Leyland's name if we get into this area".

Dheeraj also said they are looking at expanding Ashok Leyland into neighbouring countries besides broadening its business within India.

Dheeraj's elder brother Sanjay Hinduja, co-chairman, Gulf
International, said healthcare is another area which the group
is focussing on.

"We will open a 100-bed hospital in mumbai shortly", Sanjay said adding the company is also looking at acquisitions. "We recently acquired a bulk drug company in Hyderabad and are open to more such acquisitions within the country and abroad."