Weichai India
Our new range of engines complies with CEV Stage V emission norms. We anticipate reaching an annual sales of 6000 units. We are collaborating closely with OEMs that are developing prototypes equipped with our advanced engines.
Gurunath Kulkarni - VP India Operations, Weichai India
What recent innovations in engine technology are you implementing to enhance performance and efficiency in construction and mining equipment?
We have developed our products to comply with regulations in all segments, including the new emission norms. Meeting these regulations required significant technological changes in our diesel engines, even though we were already on electronic platform and using after-treatment systems with DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction). In order to achieve CEV Stage V compliance, we implemented DPF and all these changes/improvements are done while keeping our engines fuel efficient.
Starting January 2025, India will implement the Bharat V emission norms. How are you supporting OEMs to adopt these standards smoothly, ensuring minimal impact on production costs while enhancing efficiency and sustainability?
We have taken a proactive approach to developing engines that meet the new regulations in the Construction & Mining industry. Our new range of engines complies with CEV Stage V, and we anticipate reaching an annual market of 6000 units. Our readiness to meet CEV Stage V standards is a testament to our forward-thinking approach.
We are already collaborating closely with our OEMs, who are in the process of developing prototypes equipped with our advanced engines. This partnership is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition to the new emission norms, and we are fully supporting our OEM partners throughout this transition. Our team provides comprehensive assistance, from technical support to on-ground validations, to ensure that the shift to CEV Stage V is as smooth as possible.
How is your company leveraging advancements in technologies like AI and IoT to improve engine diagnostics, maintenance, and operational efficiency for construction equipment?
Our engines come with advanced ECU and After Treatment System (ATS) to ensure that the trade-off between emission norm compliance and fuel efficiency is maintained. Our engines, in all segments, are IoT enabled to comply with current emission standards and guidelines in all segments. Real time Diagnostics and Fault Monitoring feature of our engines communicates with diagnostic tools to provide detailed error codes and fault descriptions for quick troubleshooting, lower saving time, and reducing service costs.
How do Weichai engines meet the evolving demands of large-scale construction projects, such as higher power, longer service intervals and versatility across different types of machinery and ground conditions?
Meeting emission standards involves adhering to different timelines for implementation, which can impact time-to-market. As a multi-segment expert company with a global presence, we have planned ahead and obtained all necessary approvals to bring our engines to the market on time. This proactive approach also helps us address the challenge of maintaining substantial business volume by catering to multiple segments with our high-quality engines, enabling us to operate efficiently and sustainably.
We are also ready with alternate fuel as well as hybrid technology. However, our current evaluation about alternate fuel and hybrid technology is that they are not affordable or economically viable.
What challenges did you face while transitioning from mechanical to electronic platforms?
Adopting any new technology comes with various challenges that can hinder its widespread use and success; but these challenges vary from one manufacturer to another. One major challenge is keeping up with technological advancements and our company undertakes continuous research and development to stay ahead of the curve. This proactive approach has allowed us to avoid major changes, such as transitioning from mechanical to electronic platforms. By optimizing and consolidating components, especially in vehicles and construction equipment, we have been able to adapt quickly to new developments.
Looking at the current market dynamics, our only expectation from the government and its agencies is that we get enough time to liquidate our inventory of existing engines (older version).
