SUMMARY: Gen-set sales experienced a sharp increase in Q3 2017 with overall sales up 21.8% over Q2 2017 levels due to demand from hurricanes Harvey and Irma. This increase follows Q2 2017 where dealer reported sales were up 1.8% relative to Q1 2017 levels.
SUMMARY: Considering sales across all power ranges, gen-set sales gathered some momentum in Q2 2017, up 1.8% compared to Q1 2017 levels. This increase follows Q1 2017 where overall dealer reported sales were down 5.5% relative to Q4 2016 levels.
SUMMARY: Considering sales across all power ranges, gen-set sales were off to a slower start in Q1 2017, down 5.5% compared to Q4 2016 levels. This decrease follows Q4 2016 where overall dealer reported sales were flat relative to Q3 2016 levels.
The outlook for global truck production in the class 4-8 looks very promising for 2018 as it continues a strong growth pattern established in 2017. Even previously struggling countries such as Russia, Brazil and Turkey saw very positive signs in 2017 and are looking for continued growth this year. North America and Europe also are expected to have a good year in 2018.
FAR EAST: JAPAN REPORT
Kubota will invest up to US$ 93.9 Million (10 billion yen) by 2026 to build a factory for small construction equipment in the US. The company will manufacture crawler-driven models used for residential construction and other purposes locally to increase the production by 25%.
With COVID-19, there is a movement of people moving from the city center to the suburbs in the US. Kubota expects that the demand for small construction equipment will increase in the regions where it has sales channels and aims to become the largest manufacturer in the US by increasing production. First, they will invest 5.6 billion yen (56 Million USD) to build a new factory in Kansas.
The company will start mass production of its “Compact Track Loader (CTL)” in September 2022. By 2023, annual production will reach 3,000 units. Depending upon demand, the company could be producing 5,000 units annually by 2026. Japan is producing about 20,000 of the same model. With the addition of 5,000 units from the United States, the total production will increase by about 25%.
Small Engines Placing Big Demands on Lubes This article appeared in the April 2017 issue of Compoundings Magazine, published by ILMA (Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association)
Recently, off-road industrial and recreational vehicle engines have become increasingly larger and higher performing. The result is a demand for these once smaller engines in increasingly difficult situations, and performance demands placed upon engine lubricants used by off-road industrial and recreational vehicles are also increasing. Could this trend provide increased opportunities for specialized lubricants?
This article looks at important trends in North American small engine production and use since 2011 and considers how these trends might affect lubricant use.
We consider a small engine as one with a displacement
While car sales have been hit hard by the Coronavirus disaster, there are small signs of a recovery in the Japanese domestic motorcycle market. According to the Japan Mini Vehicle Association, new motorcycle sales in April 2020 (125 to 250cc) were up 2.0% YOY to 7,772 units.
This is the fourth consecutive month of YOY growth. Some observers believe this is a rebound from the decline following the October 2019 sales tax hike. This growth also is partly due to the growing need by commuters to use motorcycles as an alternative to public transportation to avoid coronavirus.
Kohler Engines has introduced a new series of small diesel engines: the KSD. At launch three models will be available:
Later on, more variants will be released, completing further the series. Developed as a new electronic engine, this platform is capable of meeting all current emissions legislations, globally. All engines sit in the critical below 19 kW power node, and with 1.4L is a compact solution that can fit different applications.
One key aspect of the engine is the specific blend between indirect injection and electronic control. According to Kohler, this enables maximum engine performance, response and very low-end torque.
SUMMARY: North American Gen-set sales continued with strong growth in the lower kW ranges in Q4 2017 with overall unit sales up 12.9% over Q3 2017. The gains were driven by ongoing demand caused by severe hurricanes, as well as optimism about the economy.
St. Paul, MN (October 12, 2017)— The Power Systems Research global Truck Production Index (PSR-TPI) deceased from 116 to 105, or -9.5%, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, from Q2 2017. However, the year-over-year (Q3 2016 to Q3 2017) gain for the PSR-TPI was 101 to 105, or 3.9%.
Overall, the global commercial truck industry is stronger than it has been in a number of years and is expected to continue to be strong moving into 2018. While there are still concerns about regional economies such as South America and Greater China, the global economies continue to improve.
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