This interview explores the seamless integration of advanced vehicle control systems in heavy machinery and reveals the transformational possibilities for the infrastructure and construction industries. Discover how these systems may improve safety, operational efficiency, and overall production for firms across the industry.

The advanced vehicle control system can help reduce stress on the operators, making the work environment safer and the overall operations efficient.

In pursuing advanced vehicle control systems, how do you envision these systems seamlessly integrating into the infrastructure and construction industry, particularly in heavy machinery applications?

Today, we can see how advanced vehicle systems benefit the automotive sector regarding safety, ease of operation, vehicle uptime, etc. The construction and mining industries also require safety and ease of operation, given the tough environment and long hours in which the operators use these heavy machines. The advanced vehicle control system can help reduce operator stress, making the work environment safer and operations more efficient. It can also contribute to increased uptime and optimum machine use.

All our products are ready to be integrated with the advanced vehicle control systems of our OEM equipment to improve overall efficiency and safety.

How do you foresee the adoption of dual-fuel engines in the construction and infrastructure sector?

Depending on the application, the drive cycle, and the location of operation, different needs should be considered. The combustion engine also has a place in future concepts, but fossil-free fuels will be utilised instead of fossil fuels. Smaller and more locally operating applications will shift earlier to dual fuel options. As a challenge, the construction equipment’s operating environment is very remote in many places, which may lack the availability of the required fuel.

Given the evolving market demand for sustainable solutions, how is Volvo Penta strategically navigating the transition of construction and mining operations towards more sustainable practices?

As a part of the Volvo Group, Volvo Penta benefits from the strength and experience of the development and technological innovations of all other companies within the group. We aim to offer our customers the most competitive, sustainable, and environment-friendly solutions for electromobility and fossil-free alternative fuels. This ambition gathers strength from already proven electromobility technology from Volvo Trucks, Volvo Construction Equipment, and Volvo Buses, one of the world leaders within advanced electrification and hybrid technology, with electric power concepts that have undergone hundreds of thousands of testing hours and real-world use. Today, we contribute to a greener India as all our products are emission-controlled despite the legal requirements.

With a focus on productivity advancements in the off-highway segment, how does Volvo Penta foresee its innovative solutions contributing to enhanced efficiency and performance?

Characterised by high performance, reliability, fuel efficiency, and low emission levels, our engines for industrial applications are built to be versatile. They can cover almost any application used within the industrial segment. We offer a wide range of value-adding, beneficial factors such as the commonality of engine installation and vital aftermarket support – with engineering support on-site when needed, even in remote locations.

We offer optional equipment such as heavy-duty cooling packages, air filters, cables, AC compressors, multiple PTO options, remote filter options, engine brakes, and more. We will customise the engine configuration and installation with our application engineering team and the OEM. We can also offer tailor-made service market solutions to benefit end customers from the highest machine uptime.

What innovative products or solutions can we expect from your company at this edition of CIII Excon?

Volvo Penta is advancing its net zero initiative by developing various alternative and sustainable power solutions for the industrial segment. During Excon, we plan to showcase future products meeting India’s next emission regulations in the industrial segment -Stage V. Also, We will display a 3D model of a battery energy storage system. Meet Volvo Penta experts at our stall to understand more about these solutions.

How do you foresee the demand for sustainable power solutions evolving?

The demand for sustainable power solutions will surely increase, provided the necessary infrastructure is in place nationwide. However, only some corporate end users are enquiring about alternate and sustainable solutions to contribute toward their ambition of a greener and cleaner India. As part of Volvo Group, we have a product with new technologies available and already offered in European and US markets. We are gearing up for our serial production to meet the increasing demands from other markets.

Volvo Penta engines have also been compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a more stable, high-quality fuel suitable for industrial applications. Depending on feedstock, they can lower fossil CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent.