Could you elaborate on how backhoe loaders and excavators have developed over the years?
The backhoe loader, often referred to as a "backhoe," is a versatile and multi-purpose machine. In India, the demand for backhoes has grown steadily over the last 43 years. We take pride in our continuous innovation of backhoe loaders. While in some parts of the world, there has been a shift towards excavators, in India, customers still appreciate the backhoe loader. We're thrilled to see its continued popularity.

Can you tell us more about the factors driving this preference for backhoes in India?
The government's focus on large infrastructure projects, particularly in the highway and mining sectors, has led to a growing demand for excavators in India. To address this need, we have decided to showcase our range of excavators. While backhoes remain popular in India, some customers find innovative applications for these machines. This adaptability is a testament to both customer ingenuity and our machine's design.

It's clear that backhoes have their place in the Indian market. Could you explain the specific applications where excavators excel, which might lead to a shift in demand?
Excavators are well-suited for tasks like moving large rocks in marble mines and bulk handling in extensive road projects. Their high productivity and efficiency make them the ideal choice for such applications. However, it's essential to acknowledge the Indian government's projects in remote areas, where the use of excavators can be challenging. Backhoes shine in these circumstances. They can reach even the most remote locations, and operators have the convenience of driving them back home. Both machines have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's crucial to consider the specific application and cost when choosing between them.

Can you elaborate on the cost differences between backhoes and excavators, and how they influence customers' decisions?
Generally, excavators tend to be more expensive than backhoes. A typical excavator can cost nearly 1.8 times as much as a backhoe. However, the advantage of a backhoe lies in its versatility. It serves both excavation and loading purposes, offering a comprehensive solution to the customer. This versatility often outweighs the cost difference.

Could you provide insights into the number of excavators produced and exported annually from JCB India?
At our facility, we can produce up to 20 excavators per day. While JCB has a strong presence in India, we have been actively expanding in export markets. In recent years, our export market has seen significant growth. However, there's a unique challenge in India concerning emissions. The emissions standards for wheeled machines are equivalent to those for automobiles. While our backhoe loaders and wheel loaders meet the stringent DS CV IV emissions standard, there are no emissions standards for excavators in India. As a result, we primarily export excavators to regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. We've been advocating for India to align its emission standards for track products with international norms, which would open doors for exporting Indian-made excavators to Europe and the United States.

That's an essential perspective on the challenges and opportunities related to emissions standards. Could you shed light on JCB's efforts to meet these standards and its impact on the market?
Meeting global emission standards is not just about voluntary efforts; it involves creating a relevant ecosystem. It might lead to some cost variations, but it offers substantial benefits, particularly in reducing emissions and pollutants. One notable advantage is that machines with similar parameters should adhere to the same standards. Uniformity in emissions standards is crucial for better environmental performance and overall efficiency.

Can you quantify the current market share of excavators in the Indian construction equipment industry and JCB's position within it?
According to available data, the Indian excavator market stands at around 25,000 machines. JCB holds a strong number two position in this market. Our market penetration is significant, with JCB machines being used in various segments, including premium and economical categories. We offer a range of excavator models to cater to different infrastructure segments. Furthermore, we are diversifying our offerings to accommodate the evolving needs of the market, including the construction of housing complexes in urban areas.

It's evident that JCB is focused on offering a comprehensive range of solutions. Can you elaborate on the strategies JCB employs to position itself within the quarry segment, known for using heavy-duty machines?
Our strategy revolves around being present in all segments of the market. The quarry segment is vital for us, and we have introduced the "Tough Performance Machine," a mechanical excavator designed to withstand the harsh conditions prevalent in the Indian market. These machines are easy to maintain and offer excellent fuel efficiency, reducing operating costs significantly. In the mid-range segment, we provide multiple options, including the 215, 205, and 205. For heavy-duty quarry operations, we offer specialised machines known as "Quarry Monsters." What sets us apart from our competitors is that we design our machines in-house, customising them to suit the Indian market's unique requirements. Our engineers optimise these machines for productivity, fuel efficiency, and durability.

Can you share more about how JCB supports its customers beyond providing machinery?
Our commitment to customers goes beyond just delivering machines. JCB has a vast network of dealers and service engineers, totaling over 8,500 across the country. We have more service engineers in the field than all our competitors combined. This extensive support network ensures minimal downtime for our customers. Even during challenging times like the COVID-19.