India is a critical market for Cummins
Antonio Leitao, Vice President – Off Highway, Engine Business & Europe ABO Leader, Cummins Belgium

Please share more information about the product displayed at Excon and what are its features like?
We are excited about our products, particularly the engine lineup. We have various options, including a new 10-litre engine designed and manufactured in India. This engine is a state-of-the-art model focusing on fuel economy, efficiency, and overall cost of ownership. Additionally, we offer engines in 15 litres, 6.7 litres, and 4.5 litres, with a focus on meeting industry needs.

What are the salient features of these engines?
Our primary focus is on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for our customers. We strive to improve fuel efficiency, extend oil change intervals, and provide a robust distribution network across India. This ensures our customers are well-served and can rely on our engines for their diverse needs.

Cummins serves a wide range of industries. What would be the total market share in construction space?
Among the many strengths that help us to meet our goals is the balance we strike between the needs and interests of all our stakeholders, including customers, employees, shareholders, communities, partners and suppliers. Cummins has been one of the leading global power solutions manufacturers for more than 103 years. We have been present in India for over six decades, marked by the successful integration of our global and local technological expertise across a diverse range of off-highway applications. We remain committed and focused on delivering tailored, innovative solutions to cater to the local market and diverse customer needs. This dedication drives us to develop fit for market products - that are not just robust and reliable but also competitively positioned. Our product portfolio ranges from 4 litre to 15 litre engines to cover the wide variety of construction and agricultural equipment.

How does the company collaborate with OEMs to enhance productivity and the product of the engine?
Our collaboration with OEMs is centered around the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) concept. We aim to make integration seamless for manufacturers, ensuring our engines can be easily incorporated into their machines. This not only enhances productivity but also aligns with our commitment to providing efficient and innovative solutions to our customers.

How important does R&D play in manufacturing engines?
Research and Development (R&D) is critical for Cummins, with approximately 4 per cent of our turnover dedicated to it. We invest significantly in improving our internal combustion engines, ensuring they meet global standards and emissions requirements. Innovation is key for us, and we strive to develop engines that set industry benchmarks.

What challenges and opportunities do you foresee for components and accessories in the construction equipment market?
While we see challenges, such as the need for substantial investments in innovation and emissions control, we also view them as opportunities. Our diverse product portfolio, including the introduction of new engines like the 10-litre model, positions us well to cater to various segments within the construction equipment market. The key challenge lies in balancing growth with the required investments.

What are your plans for the next year?
Looking ahead to 2024, we remain optimistic about growth opportunities in India, where we continue to invest significantly, leveraging our position in the market.

While not all products are currently manufactured in India, we are actively working towards expanding our local production. For instance, the 10-litre engine is in progress, and we are investing in manufacturing it in India. We aim to strengthen our position in the Indian market by producing a broader range of engines locally to better serve our customers.

How important is after-sales support, and what is Cummins' strategy in this regard?
After-sales support is of utmost importance for Cummins. With a history of over 60 years in India, we have a robust network of 18 dealers across the country, ensuring comprehensive support and service. Our strategy revolves around maintaining a strong presence, providing excellent after-sales support to our customers, and continuing to grow and invest in our presence in India.

Any closing thoughts?
I'd like to emphasise that India is a critical market for Cummins. We see the increasing investment in the country as a positive trend, and we aim to support our global customers who are investing in India. Our focus on innovation, customer support, and local manufacturing positions us for continued growth and success in the Indian market.