Our smart factory focuses on digitalisation and automation
- Seong Woo Shim, Managing Director, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment India
- Rajiv Chaturvedi, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, After Service and Parts, Hyundai Construction Equipment India
1. Can you tell us about any new product launches at bauma and the features of those products?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: At Bauma, we presented several new products. The HX 30AZ mini excavator, a 3-tonne machine currently imported from Korea with plans for local production in India, is built for tasks like trenching, agri-farming, and land development. Its fuel efficiency and ability to operate in tight spaces make it a practical choice.
We also unveiled BSV-compliant wheel loaders in 3-tonne and 5-tonne variants. The 3-tonne model targets construction, while the 5-tonne loader is designed for mining tasks like coal and iron ore handling.
Our 20-tonne excavators, including the R210 and R230 models, are being upgraded with better safety features, brighter LED lighting, and improved operator comfort, enhancing durability for tough job sites.
We have also introduced a Royal Grey color for our excavators, reflecting a refreshed brand identity focused on comfort and innovation, adding a premium touch to the product lines.
2. You mentioned safety features. What about automation and IoT? How are you incorporating those into your products?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: Our excavators are equipped with smart technology, with the Hi-Track system being a key feature. It monitors key health parameters, including engine oil, hydraulic oil, working hours, and idle time. Customers can check these parameters, and in case of any issues, they can log them into the system, which immediately alerts the nearest service center. This IoT integration guarantees efficient service and quick problem resolution.
3. HD Hyundai is also working on building a smart factory. Could you explain more about that?
Seong Woo Shim: Our smart factory focuses on digitalization and automation along the assembly line. By integrating advanced technologies, we aim to enhance product quality and create a safer, more efficient working environment. We’re also implementing predictive maintenance systems to monitor equipment health, which helps prevent potential issues during production.
In the future, we plan to make the plant paperless, with real-time data available at every stage of the manufacturing process. This will lead to more efficient and organized operations.
4. Can you elaborate on Hyundai’s market strategy for India?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: Our strategy is centered on customer satisfaction. As mentioned, we are expanding our production capacity in India, particularly for excavators. We are working closely with our dealership teams to enhance the customer experience. Our priority is to provide exceptional after-sales service throughout the product's lifespan.
One of our key initiatives is the Rebuild Center, where we restore older machines and give them a new lease on life, complete with a warranty. We also offer XL Series machines, rebuilt from the ground up, and backed by a one-year warranty, offering customers cost-effective solutions during challenging economic conditions.
Additionally, we are investing in expanding our service infrastructure, particularly in southern India, where demand has grown significantly. We aim to provide all-inclusive services in one location, making it easier for customers to access the support they need.
5. Can you tell us more about your dealership network in India?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: With one of the largest dealership networks in India, including 42 dealerships across SAARC countries, we have over 250 touchpoints nationwide. This extensive network helps us maintain strong connections with customers from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from the northeast to the western regions. It also enables us to provide uninterrupted service and parts availability, ensuring customer satisfaction.
6. What is the current localization rate at your plant, and do you have plans to expand?
Seong Woo Shim: Our plant has a localization rate of approximately 60 percent, and we are actively working to increase it further. The plant is currently capable of producing up to 9,000 units annually, with plans to enhance this capacity as demand grows.
7. How has been the response at Bauma?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: We are very satisfied with the results from Bauma. This year, we saw more participation and launched several new products. It was exciting to meet customers from different regions of the country. Our investment in enhancing the brand and strengthening our customer relationships has paid off, as reflected in the great feedback.
8. How has the year 2024 been for Hyundai, and what are your plans for the coming year?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: While exact figures aren't available yet, 2024 has been a positive year for Hyundai, with growth in sales and revenue. Despite the challenges of increasing logistics and material costs, we’ve maintained our competitiveness by constantly enhancing our offerings.
9. Could you tell us about your skill development initiatives?
Rajiv Chaturvedi: We’ve partnered with the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council through our Taxila initiative to train young people from remote areas in technical skills such as mechanics, hydraulics, and electrical work. This program equips them to service our machinery, including excavators and wheel loaders.
Our dealers also support this initiative by sponsoring students from ITIs and small colleges in rural India. These students undergo training at our centers and are then employed by our dealers, providing them with stable jobs and a means to support their families. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for the youth and our dealer network.
The programs run year-round, and the training batches are consistently full. While I don’t have exact figures at the moment, we are continuously working to expand this initiative and provide more youth with access to these valuable opportunities.
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