Efficiency and sustainability are driving out next year strategy
Could you give us an overview of what Caterpillar is showcasing this year?
As you can see, we have displayed a variety of machines that offer different solutions for our customers, addressing a range of applications. One of the exciting new initiatives this year is our service commitment to customers. We’ve launched a promise that we will respond to any service complaint or query within eight hours. This has proven to be a significant differentiator in terms of the value we can offer our customers and how we add more value to their business.
We are also increasingly focused on the digital aspect of the business, exploring ways to make it easier for our customers to use apps, connected assets, and the data that their machines provide. This helps us serve them better by offering proactive maintenance, service advisories, and improving the efficiency and productivity of their operations.
Could you elaborate on the technology behind your machines?
When we talk about innovation in our machines, we now focus on “The Age of Smart Iron”. “The Age of Smart Iron” describes Caterpillar’s strategy to be the industry leader bringing digital solutions designed to improve productivity, efficiency, safety and profitability for customers.
All of our machines are fitted with VisionLink, meaning they are connected to technology. Not only are our machines equipped for the present, but they are also future-ready. For example, while everyone is talking about upcoming CEV Stage 5 emission norms, our machines have already been meeting Stage 5 norms for the past two years.
One key model to highlight is the 120, which is already in compliance with CEV Stage 5 emission standards. We’ve seen significant success with these machines, with over 10,000 hours on the field, proving their productivity and efficiency. We also have a robust dealer network that supports all our machines, and through our investments in technology and digital tools in India, we are committed to being a partner in the growth of both the country and our customers.
We are not only focused on new products, but we also help our customers maximise the life of their existing equipment. Through our rebuild solutions, we offer a way for customers to get second or even third lives out of their machines.
What customers are looking for is an efficient machine that can operate at a lower cost over an extended period. With our rebuild programmes, we offer solutions that allow customers to use their machines for beyond 10,000 hours, even up to 16 years.
Take, for example, the 320D machine standing in our stall today. It has already been in service for 16 years, but after we took it from the customer, rebuilt it, and reconditioned it, the machine is now ready to serve for another three to four years. This process isn’t just about cost savings; it’s also about our contribution to the environment. By rebuilding, we use fewer raw materials, such as iron, rubber, and copper, which would otherwise be used to create new machines. This approach also supports a greener, more sustainable future for the country.
You’ve mentioned energy-efficient products. Are there other key trends you’re seeing in the market?
There’s a lot of buzz around hydrogen, hybrid solutions, and autonomous machines, and we are certainly involved in these areas as well. However, from a customer’s perspective, what matters most is reducing waste—whether it’s fuel consumption or filter replacement time. Customers also want to make their fleets more efficient overall, and I’m proud to say that even without all these alternate solutions, our machines are already performing at a high level of efficiency.
So, what’s Caterpillar’s market strategy for the next year?
Our strategy for the upcoming year is simple: serve our customers as best as we can. We want to ensure that our customers can rely on us to make their machines more efficient, increase uptime, and reduce their overall operational costs. We can achieve this through extended service life, longer filter intervals, and preventive maintenance to help avoid major failures that could be more costly.
By focusing on these key areas—efficiency, service differentiation, and providing technologically advanced products—we aim to meet the unmet needs of our customers and help them achieve long-term growth.
A-303, Navbharat
Estates,
Zakaria Bunder Road,
Sewri (West), Mumbai - 400 015,
Maharashtra, India
+91-22-24193000
Subscriber@ASAPPinfoGlobal.com