Yuchai eyes hybrid development

Chinese excavator manufacturer Yuchai is looking into the development of a hybrid excavator with the help of its parent company, Yuchai Machinery Co, which also develops engines.

Speaking at Intermat, Yuchai international trade department manager Li Jiangfan said the company was responding to competition from other manufacturers and market demand for more fuel efficient machines.

"We have plans to develop a hybrid excavator in the large weight category, so 25 tonnes or above," Mr Jiangfan said.

He added that Yuchai expected to see buoyant sales in its global export market this year. "In Europe, where we mainly sell mini excavators, we expect to sell between 500 and 600 machines in 2012, up 30% compared to 2011. First quarter sales have been good, particularly in Germany, France, Norway and Sweden."

Yuchai manufactures excavators ranging from 0.8 tonnes to 200 tonnes, and Mr Jiangfan said the company was also seeing demand for its larger excavators rise in developing markets.

"Brazil and Australia are particularly good markets at the moment, and we are currently looking for a dealer in Australia to widen our network," he said. Mr Jiangfan said Yuchai expected to see global excavator exports rise 30% year-on-year overall in 2012.

The Chinese manufacturer, which is represented at Intermat by its distributor, Eurotek Distribution, showcased three new mini excavators at the event, ranging from 0.8 tonnes to 2.5 tonnes. Launched six months ago, the machines are powered by Tier III Yannmar engines.