Speaking to SKK of NBM&CW, on the sidelines of launch of EC 140 BLC Hydraulic Excavator in New Delhi, Mr. Mrityunjaya Singh, Vice President, Volvo Construction Equipment Division said, Northern Capital region has always been the hub of rental activity as well as a strong base of road construction agencies. Volvo Construction Equipment is already an established brand amongst customers engaged in road construction, irrigation and mining segment through its offering of larger Hydraulic Excavators, Wheel Loaders, and Motor Graders.
We have turned our focus on the thriving rental segment which now decides equipment purchase basis ‘total cost of ownership’ and reliability, rather than merely going by lowest cost of equipment. We therefore decided to showcase the EC 140 BLC in New Delhi from Volvo’s wide offering of Hydraulic Excavators to address the need of a cost effective digger for rental purpose as well as cost -driver for road construction agencies. The keen interest this machine has generated during its road shows in other parts of the country gives us the confidence that it will meet all the expectations of customers here on productivity and return on investment,” he added.
The launch of EC 140 BLC Hydraulic Excavator in New Delhi was a big success, giving Volvo yet an other opportunity to celebrate its another new initiative in the construction equipment market in India.
Trained in USA in managing equipment rental business, Mrityunjaya Singh, has also been exposed to world-class manufacturing facilities and business practices in Asia, Europe, and USA. Carrying with him over 17 years of experience, he has considerable knowledge of the construction equipment industry, which is reflected in his views as he spoke to NBM&CW about the construction equipment industry in general and on Volvo’s contribution in particular.
Always being a media friendly, he creates an instant affable rapport with the media, maintaining the same throughout even if a short interaction runs longer.
Giving his perspective on the growth, problems and the future prospects of domestic construction equipment industry, Mrityunjaya Singh said growing investment in infrastructure activities will provide a major boost to the construction equipment industry. The industry which is already growing likely to achieve more growth around 25-30 percent in the next few years due to Government focus on infrastructure developments. The equipment segment that are expected to grow are loaders, dozers, motor graders, haulers, excavators, and so on. In tune with construction activities, excavators segments have been witnessing a steady growth. From the present unit number at 4500, it is set to touch over 10,000 mark in the next one or two years. Volvo has nearly a 12 percent market share in Excavators in India which is expected to touch 15 percent in the next one and a half year.
In India, excavators are available in variant capacity rangestarting from 7 tonnes and gradually going upto 100 tonnes and above as per the requirements. Volvo CE, the leading players in the construction equipment sector sells a wide range of products such as wheel loaders, articulated haulers, motor graders and excavators etc. These equipment have benefitted users in the highway sector, GQ and NS and EW corridors, hydro projects and mining projects. Introduction of Volvo Articulated Haulers has revolutionized the mining methods and practices ensuring productivity and efficiency. In the face of fuel prices and other operating costs, Volvo CE focus on providing buyers with machine designed on lowest cost per ton concept, operating efficiency and product reliability has made its product and services enviable in the construction industry, says Singh.
Talking about Volvo Equipment’s technical features, says Singh, all Volvo products are powered by Volvo world-best engine technology, ensuring fuel efficiency, ease of serviceability and global emission standard. Higher efficiency and productivity, reliability, quality, operation comfort and safety together with long service life are the hallmarks of Volvo product range, giving it a distinctive competitive edge and differentiation in the market place. In a style typical to Volvo global standard and operation, Volvo India has also been introducing the state-of-the-art series of machines in India coinciding with their global introduction and launch, adds Singh.
Talking about Volvo’s future plans, says Singh: India is a very important market for Volvo and we are expecting the construction industry to grow substantially in the years to come which will boost demand for quality construction equipment and machinery. Volvo is taking all necessary steps for participating in its growth through various options, including considering setting up of manufacturing facilities in India.
Volvo is planning to start a training school in Bangalore for technicians and equipment operators. The school will impart formal training to Volvo construction equipment operators. The first phase of the school is slated to be completed by early 2007. As proper trained manpower is not available in the country to operate and maintain equipment, there is a felt need to set up such training schools at the Centre and state levels to supplement industry efforts. Simultaneously, there is a need for rationalize duty structure for import of equipment, evolvement of emission norms for construction equipment, and improvement in the quality of fuel required for construction equipment. All these enabling provisions would augur well for the future growth and development of construction equipment industry in India.
With its latest construction equipment offerings leveraging on technical services and an efficient network of stringently selected dealers network across the country, Volvo has over the years positioned itself as one of the strong players in Indian construction equipment industry, playing a pivotal role in many of country’s major infrastructure projects.
Volvo CE in India
Volvo Construction Equipment in India started its operations in December 1997 from it’s headquarter at Bangalore. The Excavator was launched in 1998, followed by the Motor Graders and Articulated Haulers in 1999, the Wheel Loaders in 2001 and the Compact Wheel Loaders in 2003.
In less than two years, Volvo Construction Equipment successfully launched over 40 new products such as B-series Wheeled and Crawler Excavators, 900-series Motor Graders, a large range of E- series Wheel Loaders, D-series Articulated Haulers-all equipped with Volvo engine Bseries compact wheel loaders and compact excavators, as well as the internally developed backhoe loaders. Volvo CE in India operates through 9 independent dealers and support customers from 29 service points and 21 spare parts depots.
Volvo Construction Equipment with its engineering heritage of over 170 years has its production facilities based in Sweden, France, Germany, Poland, USA, Canada, Korea, and China. Sooner rather than later India could be the next destination of its production facilities.
VOLVO EXCAVATOR EC140B LC
- Engine Power Gross: 73 KW (98hp)
- Operating weight: LC:13.4~15.2 t LCM: 14.6~15.6 t
- Buckets (SAE): 600~1,075 l
- Turbocharged Volvo diesel engine with direct injection
- Contronics, Volvo's advanced mode selection system and electronically controlled system
- 2 variable displacement axial piston pumps, Independent and simultaneous movements of the digging equipment are controlled by "Automatic Sensing Work Mode."
- Cab
- Ergonomic environment for easier operator use
- Low sound level
- Filtered air
- Hydraulic dampening mounts
- Strong digging equipment, produced by robotic welding
- High lifting, breakout and tearout forces for tough digging conditions
- Undercarriage
- LC: Longer undercarriage for excellent stability
- LCM: Uses 20 ton class undercarriage components and offers higher ground clearance transportation
- Auxiliary hydraulic valve is standard
- Prepared for a number of optional items
