LiuGonghas been focused on innovation and technologically-backed solutions, and,despite a slowdown in sales, the company has committed to work towards it. Thecompany will continue to provide advanced technology and world-class productsto their customers, confirms NischalMehrotra, Director – Sales, LiuGong India Pvt Ltd
What is your outlook for the constructionequipment sector in the country?
Therecently announced budget regarding investment of `100-lakh-crore in infrastructure in the next fiveyears by the government has made it clear that the government is putting alot of thrust on creating infrastructure. It would definitely propel the growthof construction equipment industry. Aligned with the forecast growthtrajectory, Liugong is committed to offering world-class products to itscustomers.
What are the trends that are continuing drivingthe sales of Construction Equipment?
The road segment is the major demanddriver. The Rural infrastructure development will be the key demand driver forthe next many years. Furthermore, with large-scale infrastructure projects,such as Sagarmala, and Bharatmala, the long-term demand looks positive.
What, in your opinion, have been the stresspoints due to which your performance has been impacted, if at all?
Amidstthe slow economic growth, infrastructure and construction activity have alsostepped to lower levels. Owing to a number of factors including NBFC crises,elections and extended monsoons, construction equipment sector is movingslowly. Continued slowdown in project awards, payment delays to contractors,and the overall uncertainty in the economy have led to a sharp decline inexpenditure on projects. We believe that once the current phase is over, wewill have our industry booming, with maximum growth in volumes and investment,with revival in public and private sector expenditure on infrastructureprojects and execution of national and state highway stretches after properpayment to the contractors.
Which bold actions should you urgently take topropel change and stay ahead of competition?
LiuGonghas been focused on innovation and technologically-backed solutions, and willcontinue to work towards it. There is going to be a thrust in digitaltechnologies and their integration into new products. We will continue toprovide advanced technology and world-class products to our customers. After-salesservice is the other key aspect at Liugong which gives us an edge.
Are there any initiatives that you areundertaking at your company towards hybrid or electric equipments?
We havealready launched electric excavators in China. It would require extensiveR&D before we launch the electric or hybrid series in India.
Would you like to share with our readers the newproducts and services that you plan to launch/showcase at EXCON 2019?
Liugongwould be displaying its entire gamut of equipments viz., wheel loaders,excavators, motor grader, compactor and dozer. There would be some new launchestoo for which we request all to visit our booth.
“LiuGonghas been focused on innovation and technologically-backed solutions, and willcontinue to work towards it. There is going to be a thrust in digitaltechnologies and their integration into new products.”