Engines of Growth
Diesel engines are the power source of almost all construction and mining equipment. When we discuss on diesel engines, the first thing coming to the forefront is emission. Diesel engines along with diesel fuel, and fuel injection systems on diesel engines come under the purview of emission. Over the years, emission norms have been updated and made more stringent. While the next level emission norms for on-road vehicles are just about to come into force, the same for off-road vehicles will take some more time to be in effect. Though, major equipment OEMs and diesel engine players are stepping towards complying with the emerging emission landscape.

When it comes to the demand, it is going to be up in the coming years from various segments, be it construction, mining, material handling or standby power.

Off-Highway Research in its latest report, forecasts that the Indian construction equipment market is going to be most buoyant during 2017-21. With infrastructure development and construction activities are picking up, there will be an increased requirement for equipment which are powered by diesel engines. Also in urban infrastructure development, there will be an increased requirement of standby power for which diesel gensets are the major source. Even in various project sites there will be a requirement for standby power. All these requirements translate into an increased requirement of diesel engines.

Leading engine manufacturers are gearing up for the opportunities foreseen. The very much Indian engine manufacturer Cooper Corporation has already stepped into this endeavour way back in 2006 when it struck a joint venture agreement with the UK-based Ricardo to introduce advanced engine range for the domestic as well as export markets. Volvo Penta, which so far used to introduce most of its engine ranges in India from its global facilities, is now planning to offer engines to off-road equipment OEMs locally. The company is starting production from its Pithampur facility from April 2017. Read our Special Focus on Diesel Engines for more information.