Following the inauguration of an exclusive Volvo Penta production line at its manufacturing base in Pithampur in the Madhya Pradesh region, customers are now taking delivery of 5 and 8-litre off-road industrial engines produced in India.
“This is a momentous time for us,” says Jonas Nilsson, head of Volvo Penta in India. “Although we have supplied engines and products to India for two decades, to have them actually produced here for the first time and delivered to customers, is a progressive step. We are ready for whatever the market needs – we are producing premium quality engines made in India, for Indian customers.”
One of the first customers to take delivery of the new engines is TIL, a Kolkata-based manufacturer of mobile cranes. “TIL enjoys an enduring relationship with Volvo Penta – one that is based on trust, quality and performance,” says Pinaki Niyogi, vice president, manufacturing and engineering for TIL.
“The Volvo Penta engines, with their compact design, develop higher torque at lower rpm, which enhances our machine’s fuel efficiency. The engines are ready for future emissions stage compliance. The after-sales is also excellent – ensuring fast availability of spare parts and preventive maintenance programs that go a long way in minimising machine downtime.”
The VE Powertrain (VEPT) plant was launched in 2013 by VE Commercial Vehicles, as a joint venture between the
“Indian OEMs can take advantage of our high quality and technologically advanced products, for an increasing number of applications,” says Giorgio Paris, head of Volvo Penta’s industrial segment. “We provide global aftermarket support, so OEMs can be assured that they can manufacture and trade in both the domestic and export markets.”
Although emissions standards for off-road engines in India are less stringent than in Europe and North America, it is thought that the Indian government will announce tighter legislative controls in the near future.
“As a global company, we already have engines and products for the most stringent emissions levels and we will be able to introduce technologies for the Indian market whenever new standards are introduced,” adds Paris. “The commonality of our engine range platforms means that our offer is scalable for future use. We can deliver what customers want, whenever they need our products.”
Volvo Penta’s global strategy includes increasing production in different locations to be closer to customers in different regions. And the roll-out of production in the Asian country also ties in with Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in India’ – an initiative which is aimed at encouraging national and international companies to manufacture in the country, to utilize local skills and boost employment.
“The logistical benefits we’ve seen in other markets can now be found in India,” says Peter Hertinge, Volvo Penta’s senior vice president, Global Operations and Quality. “Shorter lead times and a simplified process of planning and delivery, will enable our customers to have incremental sales in a growing market, whilst maintaining operational efficiency. It’s a win-win situation.”
