We are delivering what we committed to our customers in terms of productivity,” says A. M. Muralidharan, President, Volvo Construction Equipment – India
World is becoming more and more competitive, and the cost of fuel is increasing day by day but Volvo is continuously innovating and doing research with the objective of reducing the  fuel consumption. Mr. Muralidharan shares his thoughts on how Volvo approached key customers while keeping the focus on the operator’s comfort.
Introduction of excavator EC480DVolvo CE has introduced many products in India, but one of its most innovative products is the EC480D. This is a 48-tonne hydraulic excavator which was introduced late last year. Advantages of using this product as compared to its previous series EC460 is that it can give higher productivity while consuming less fuel. This has further resulted in lower cost of operation for its customers.
Reducing fuel consumptionWhile reducing fuel consumption is the objective, Volvo also ensures that it meets all the environmental regulations followed around the world including Europe and US. Comfort for operatorsVolvo wants operators to operate these machines 22 hours a day and hence has provided comfortable seating for comfortable traveling and operations. All its features and switches are ergonomically designed for giving the best operator comfort that is No 1 in the industry. Volvo has also increased the weight of the machine from 46 tonnes to 48 tonnes so as to provide operational efficiency and higher productivity. The operating rate hence has gone up due to higher productivity to customers. Apart from this, the company has added new features in its engines.
ApplicationsThese machines are mainly used for earthmoving and overburden removal during mining. Volvo has been very successful in selling these products to the contractors who have to move lots of earth — either it could be overburden in mining or it could be earth work in construction site. However, majority of the machines are working in coal mining overburden removal.
Demonstrating efficiencyThe company has many key customers visiting its customer centre in Bangalore where Volvo showcases the machine and demonstrates its efficiency. Volvo also has something called simulators in its customer centre where a customer can operate the machine and understand its functions too. It’s a smaller version of the machine used for operator training and for customers to understand the features in the products.
Fulfilling commitmentToday there is great demand for Volvo products in the market because they deliver what they promise in terms of higher productivity, efficiency and lower fuel consumption. Volvo is able to capture the market share by good numbers and is No 1 in this category.