每日吃瓜

How do you evaluate the evolution of diesel genset technology?
Cooper has always been a pioneer in introducing diesel engines in India. In fact the first diesel engine was manufactured by Cooper's in India in the year 1922. The recently upgraded engines/gensets that have been introduced is ahead of the times.

What are the latest trends in reduction of emissions and fuel efficiency?
By using Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI) fuel system in genset engines, both fuel efficiency and lower emissions have been achieved which contributes to green technology.

What is Cooper's market share and what sort of growth do you expect?
At the moment, it is about 1,000 engines or gensets a month. However, with certain tie ups which we have recently signed, we should be able to double this number. We are also expanding our range in both lower and higher HP range.

What are the current emission norms for the genset industry?
The current emission norms for gensets are as specified in CPCB I and are not stringent. However the next level of norms as per CPCB II will be in comparison with the American and European norms.

What are the major challenges for the genset industry?
The biggest challenge will be to make the engines fuel efficient keeping in mind the rising fuel prices.

What has the response for the Ecopack series been so far?
The Ecopack series are contemporary and suitable for various market segments. The response is excellent and acceptance levels are high.

Is the recently launched 3-cylinder genset part of Ecopack?
Yes, the three-cylinder 62.5 KVA and 82.5 KVA generators are under the brand name Cooper Ecopack.

To what extent has the partnership with Ricardo helped to give Indian customersthe latest technology?
The partnership with Ricardo helped us in introducing the latest products for genset applications. The basic design was automotive and has set a bench mark. This was adopted for power generation. There is more reliability and durability from the design perspective.

What is the impact of the continuing slowdown on Cooper's overall performance?
There has been no impact of the slowdown. In fact, the demand is increasing.

Could you brief us on the rental scenario?
The rental concept is not economically feasible due to high fuel costs. Hence, end user customers prefer to have capital assets (like their own gensets) rather than a rental.

Brief us about your performance on the export front?
There is an increasing demand for exports to developing nations like the African countries and other countries in the gulf region, South America and the US.

What is your take on India being developed as a sourcing hub for a variety of components?
It is good that India is a sourcing hub for many industries across the globe. We are already in this business and our components are being supplied to many clients globally.

Tell us about the manufacturing facility for gensets and your expenditure on R&D?
We have plans of incorporating better technology for genset assembly and testing in future. We have already spent Rs 60 crore in R&D.