We export half of our production, and major markets are USA and Europe

Kenji Kawamoto

Managing Director

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries-VST Diesel Engines Private Ltd.

Compared to the 2019 economic slowdown, what are your expectations for exports in 2020?

Tractor sales, one of the major contributors for off-Highway engines globally, witnessed uneven growth in 2019. In Europe where tractors with our engines are exported the most, the tractor market has grown by 8% with highest growth in France (16%). Another major driver for off highway engines is the Construction Equipment Industry, which is expected to go through emission norms transformation in India. In exports also, the climate change and environmental targets are pushing both Construction & Agriculture equipment manufacturers to adapt new solutions. While this could be a disruption in 2020, it will not impede the long-term growth as food production and construction should continue to happen as long as people are there. In my opinion, our customers are prepared to take these challenges positively, so are we. Exports in 2020 is expected to be on the same level as last year. Modest growth with optimistic outlook is on the anvil.    

Which is the major export country and what is the contribution in total sales of the same?

We export half of our production, and major markets are USA and Europe. The emission norms in these countries are most advanced in the world, and with India’s target to be in line with these countries soon, we have the advantage of offering similar solutions to Indian customers when emission norms upgrade. In fact, we are the most preferred engine partner in compact tractor segment in India and significant volume procured by Indian customers are already used to power their export tractors.               

What are the new developments in engines to cater to the new Bharat IV regulations which will come into effect in 2020?

Our present range of engines from 10-50HP can continue to cater in BSIV era. Further, we have Stage V certified engine models being supplied to Europe already, without addition of sophisticated systems. When India moves towards BSV – proposed from 2024, we can immediately offer these models to customers here.           

How do you cater to the after sales service? Do you have any R & D setup?

Of course, we do. Apart from having an authorized service network at strategic locations, we also educate our customers and their team at regular intervals at our own technical training facility in Mysore. Also, we have a dedicated R&D team and facility in India that closely work with Indian stakeholders under the direct monitoring and control from our parent company Mitsubishi Engine and Turbocharger Ltd, Japan (MHIET)

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