CNBC-TV18 spoke to Nikhil Nanda, MD, Escorts at the launch of their next generation of tractors. The idea of this launch to prepare for the future, to showcase for the future, said Nanda.
The company is launching a completely new platform of new compact range products for precision farming. They also have the 75 horsepower tractor for global launch.
The bookings for the compact products have already started, said Nanda, adding that tomorrow on International day there would be attendance from about more than 50 international dealers.
FY18 January-February-March these products would start rolling out of their manufacturing plants, said Nanda.
The company plans to have a range from 12 to 120 horsepower products for Indian and global markets, for different kind of cultivation, said Nanda.
International markets like USA, Latin America, Africa, and South East Asia are important markets for the company, said Nanda, adding that there are many products specifically being developed for these market that are not being exhibited now but would be showcased in the next 10-12 months.
Below is the transcript of the interview.
Q: The last time we spoke in December, you did give me a clue in terms of what you are working on – the next generation of tractors. So, here we have the family of tractors behind us, tell me little about the importance, when do they go on sale?
A: This is a complete, as we call it the NET series – New Escorts Tractor series. It is a completely new platform. What is behind you is the compact range which are technology and platform for precision farming for orchid vineyards and other application of that kind of crops. The tractor behind me is a 75 horse power which again is a brand new platform for global launch.
We have also showcased the electrical prototype concept. So, the idea of the launch is really to prepare for the future, to showcase for the future and I am very proud of the team at Escorts who have done what they have done in creating a product that will be mapped for the precision of application for the crop that they will buy the product for.
Q: When do you open bookings?
A: As far as the compact is concerned we are taking bookings, it has already started. Tomorrow we have the international day, we have more than 54 distributors across the globe coming in tomorrow and we are already taking bookings for the 75 horse power. So, FY18 January, February, March we will start seeing these products rolling out of our manufacturing plants.
Q: So, the first quarter?
A: It will reach the market sometime around April-May.
Q: Does this then sort of complete Escort’s family of products or are there still some segments that you are still considering where you need to have some presence?
A: Lot of extensive work has gone in. We will have a complete range from 12 to 120 horse power for the Indian markets, for the global markets for different kind of cultivations. So, this is a beginning of many product lines that you will see from our platform. I think this is just the start.
Q: So, we are going to see more products coming out?
A: I think the range will be a lot more fuller because there are many other applications that we are looking at. Also in terms of the emission compliance and the technology that is required for the different soils and conditions and the ecosystem of our market in terms of preference, of course India is our home market but we have chosen five international markets as well – Latin America, Africa, South East Asia, USA, these four to begin with are going to be very important markets.
So, lot of products which perhaps are not exhibited here but are being developed and built in the next 10-12 months will be showcased for specific needs of those markets.
Q: You will be exporting these products as well?
A: Absolutely, 75 horse power is predominantly an export product and even our compact tractor is but there is a very large need of these applications even in the Indian market.
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