Komatsu Announces Expansion in Brazil

News: Off-Highway Equipment

2022-05-23

Komatsu Announces Expansion in Brazil

BRAZIL/SOUTH AMERICA REPORT  
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

Komatsu announced planned investment of US$ 30 million (R$ 158 M) for a second cycle of production capacity expansion of its Suzano Plant in Brazil. According to Komatsu, production capacity will be increased 26%. Komatsu has invested US$ 20 million (R$ 100 M) during the last three years for 32% capacity expansion and improvements in safety and environmental impact.

Source: M&T Magazine      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The expansion meets Komatsu and Brazilian CE market growth during the last three years and the forecast for growth in the coming years. Komatsu has been producing strong business in Construction Equipment and especially in mining equipment in Brazil. Komatsu has been emphasizing high value added products in service and after sales. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director-Business Development, South America, for Power Systems Research

2022-03-20

Caterpillar Plans To Stop Production in Russia

RUSSIA REPORT

March 10, 2022—The American company Caterpillar, specializing in construction and mining machines, has suspended work at its plants in Russia because of the situation in Ukraine. Caterpillar said it is donating more than US$ 1 million to the victims of the crisis.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events continuing to occur in Ukraine and hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Through the Caterpillar Foundation, we are donating more than $1 million to support both urgent and long-term needs of the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. We are complying with all applicable laws and evolving sanctions, while remaining focused on our employees, dealers and customers. Operations in Russia have become increasingly challenging, including supply chain disruptions and sanctions, and we are suspending operations in our Russian manufacturing facilities” – said in the company statement.

According to the company website, it has a production plant in Tosno (Leningrad region) and a distribution center in Moscow region.

Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Evidently, Cat business in Russia continues, however in reduced size. It’s not possible to maintain production operation with absence of parts. Same reasons were stated in press-release of Hitachi, which has also suspended production in Russia with Cat and Komatsu.   PSR

Maxim Sakov is Market Consultant – Russia Operations, for Power Systems Research

2022-03-19

DATAPOINT: North America Dumpers/Tenders, 2022 Production, 1620 Units

1,620 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of Dumpers/Tenders to be produced in North America during 2022.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share:  With 62.5% of total units produced, Country Home Products leads in production of Dumpers/Tenders in North America. In second position is Allen Engineering with 19.5%; third, is Indy Equipment with 10.5%.    

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2022-02-20

Doosan Bobcat Aims at NA Market with Fully Electric T7X

SOUTH KOREA REPORT

Doosan Bobcat unveiled the world’s first fully electric construction equipment to the global market through CES 2022, the world’s largest technology exhibition.  

Doosan Bobcat held a media day event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas to introduce the T7X, which won two CES 2022 Innovation Awards.  

The T7X is the world’s first fully electric construction equipment that eliminates all hydraulic components. It is comparable in performance to existing internal combustion engine equipment and emits no harmful substances. Noise has been greatly reduced to one-tenth the level, and energy efficiency has been maximized. 

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Low Interest Funding Set for Low Emission Off-Highway Machines

SOUTH AMERICA REPORT
Fabio Ferraresi
Fabio Ferraresi

The program called Low Carbon FINAME is dedicated to the acquisition of new machines that contribute to carbon emission reduction, with a focus on EV Buses, EV Trucks and Off-Highway Machines electric and Hybrid. OEMs have to register their products before December 2024 to access lower interest rates.

Source: M&T      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: The incentives for funding are an important driver to make an EV competitive when compared to an ICE in Brazil, a country with high interest rates and high cost of capital. Historically, lower interest rates caused high sales and bubbles in key segments as CE and MHV. We are closely monitoring the funding conditions and the impact it will bring to key market segments.  PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development-South America, for Power Systems

2022-01-22

Kohler Engines Introduces Small Diesel

EUROPE REPORT
PowerTALK, January 2022

Kohler Engines has introduced a new series of small diesel engines: the KSD.  At launch three models will be available:

  • KSD 1403NA (Naturally aspirated)
  • KSD 1403TC (Turbocharged)
  • KSD 1403TCA (Turbocharged with aftercooler)

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. 

Read The Article

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North American Rollers 2021 Production: 6,245 Units

DATAPOINT

6,245 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of rollers to be produced in North America (U.S., Canada and Mexico)  during 2021.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share:  With 48.5% of total units produced, U.S. based Wacker Neuson leads in production of Rollers in North America.  In second position is Caterpillar’s combined plant totals of 21%; third, is Volvo Construction with 15.5%. 

Export: Collectively, up to 50% worldwide.

Trends: In 2020, production of Rollers in North America dropped 31.5%, but production is expected to rebound 16% in 2021 over 2020.  The decline in 2020 is solely based on COVID-19 related factors that impacted the global supply chain.  There are material shortages (parts/supplies), shipping issues (moving goods is slow paced), material prices increased and workforce matters (due to company shutdowns or can’t find workers).

With supply chain problems gradually being resolved, the 2021 increase is also attributed to the launching and demand for new, more versatile products, along with the stabilization of the overall economy, mostly regarding the housing/construction markets.  The demand for rental machinery is also on the rise.  

Many new models are boasting increased fuel efficiency that are desirable to operate.  Tandem drum vibratory rollers account for nearly half of all compactors produced and sold each year that range from 5-8 metric tons.  Expect the production of rollers in NA to increase an additional 10% by 2025.   PSR

Carol Turner, is Senior Analyst, Global Operations, for Power Systems Research

Global: Recovery Is Strong, but Uneven

GLOBAL REPORT
Yosyf Sheremeta
Yosyf Sheremeta

SUMMARY.  The global economy performed very well in 2021 and continues to recover, along with trade, employment and incomes. But the revival is unbalanced, with regions/countries, businesses and people facing very different economic realities. Recent improvements also conceal structural changes, which means that some sectors, jobs, and technologies will not return to their pre-pandemic trends. Based on the most recent economic developments and trends, Power Systems Research remains somewhat optimistic about the global recovery.

Many of us hoped to be in the post-Covid phase by now, but it is evident that there is no quick way out.  The pandemic has had a profound impact on the world economy, and it will continue to challenge established norms of life and business into the foreseeable future.  As we start the new year, many challenges remain, new and old alike: re-surgency of COVID variants, restrictions on travel, supply chain challenges, shortages of materials/goods, inflation, and employment, as well as renewed geopolitical tensions across many parts of the globe.

Power Systems Research witnessed a strong economic recovery globally in 2021, despite regional differences.  Output in most OECD countries has now either surpassed or is about to reach pre-pandemic levels, but lower-income economies, particularly those where vaccination rates are low, are at risk of being left behind.  Furthermore, the rebound will continue to vary widely among different market segments.  

Global inflation re-surfaced in 2021 and presents a real risk to economic recovery in all regions. The renewed inflationary pressure risks lasting longer than was expected a few months ago.  The surge in retail and wholesale energy costs in late 2021 will undermine economic growth prospects for large parts of Europe and Northeast Asia well into 2022.  Rising food and energy prices already have impact on low-income households in particular. 

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2021-12-19

JCB To Expand Production Capacity in Brazil

JCB plans to invest R$ 120 million (US$ 20 million) in its factory located in Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, with the objective of increasing annual production capacity from 4,000 to 10,000 units by 2026. JCB expects to grow 50% in sales volume this year, compared to last year’s results, and more than double the sales.

Source: Valor Economico      Read The Article

PSR Analysis: With the increased production volume from new products made in Brazil, such as Wheel Loaders, JCB should be above 80% capacity. With the market growth forecast for Brazil, it will be necessary for JCB to increase production capacity. The scenario is slightly different for other players who have higher capacity in their plants in Brazil. PSR

Fabio Ferraresi is Director, Business Development South America, for Power Systems Research

DATAPOINT: North American Golf Cars 2021 Production: 56,200 Units

56,200 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number of golf cars to be produced in North America  during 2021. In this report, we consider North America to be the United States.

This information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.

Market Share:  With 42% of total units produced, Yamaha Motor leads in production of gas-powered Golf Cars in the United States.  In second position is Textron (EZGO) with 32%; third, is Club car with 26%.

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