This new product will help us to cater to a broader segment of General Construction Segment customers.
what is your theme for the upcoming edition of Excon?
Innovation has always been the bedrock of Doosan Bobcat ever since it invented the Skid Steer Loader 60 years ago. Co-incidentally our theme for this year is our Global Campaign ‘NEXT IS NOW’ which focusses on innovation. Innovation is not something that is a future concept but rather what we have incorporated and which you get in Bobcat Products today.

What is your expectation from the EXCON ’19?
Bobcat has been a participant in Excon since its inception. Since it has always been well attended being the biggest Exhibition in the Construction Equipment Industry we would like to make use of it to create more awareness about our brand and products. Of course, we expect good leads to be generated through this event considering that we have entered into the most popular product category of backhoe loaders this year. Also, with our plans to expand our distribution capability, we are looking at some prospects being developed for dealership opportunities available in certain territories.

What are the new product launches you have planned for Excon 19?
We would be launching our new B900 Backhoe Loader at EXCON which is an important product for us. This is to provide our customers with Bobcat Solution in the popular and bigger range of compact machine which will also help in our ambition to be the No.1 Compact Equipment Player in India and Globally as well. Our product boasts of best in class digging depth, breakout forces, efficient Hydraulics and total cost of ownership advantages. This new product will help us to cater to a broader segment of General Construction Segment customers.

Though not a launch, in the demonstration area where we plan to showcase some innovative concepts like Smart Phone Remote Control operated Compact Track Loader and Mini Excavator fitted with Quick Coupler for attachment to demonstrate change of attachments quickly and show its versatility.

What kind of new age innovations are you incorporating in your products?
Effective use of modem technology can contribute a major part in terms of enhancing equipment capability, safety and versatility. Bobcat has developed many of advanced technologies including Remote operation. After introducing Remote Control through handheld consoles now we have introduced an advanced way of operating through I – Phone smartphone control. These features enables compact equipment’s to work in hard to reach area and jobsite conditions for human labour.

We have also introduced telematics system in certain developed markets called as “Connected Machine” that offers remote access to information of the equipment including location, machine health, performance, fuel levels, operator performance.

Computerised machine diagnostics for trouble shooting and checking machine parameters are also another aspect of digitisation in the machineries.These technologies helps in increasing overall productivity by reducing effort to operate, control and support the machines on the field.

What is your view on the Indian construction equipment market scenario?
We are positive about the rebound of Construction Equipment Industry in 2020. This is primarily because we expect customer to indulge in pre-buying due to implementation of the emission change from BS-3 to BS-4.

Government releasing funds for the road related projects is encouraging. We also see Government taking some measures to spur activity and make sure payment is released to Contractors who have completed projects which does not have disputes.

India is expected to become US $5 Trillion in next 5 years. We are confident that the slowdown is temporary. We foresee growth to continue in Infrastructure, processing industries, steel industry, agriculture and also government focus on rural development, housing for all, connectivity in telecommunication, water and pipeline connectivity.

In the long-term India remains one of the high growth potential market. In next 5 years, with increase in urbanization and labor wage, more mechanization will come into play which will boost the Compact Equipment demand in various application.

Hyunsoo (HS) Kim, Director Commercial, Doosan Bobcat India