Tomas Kuta, Head of Region Asia, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), stated that the Asian market outlook shows significant economic development stability over the next 5-10 years. Recognizing Thailand's strong economic growth, with the IMF forecasting 3.0% GDP growth in 2025, Volvo CE has introduced construction equipment to the market. The company aims to expand its business in Asia and become a leading provider of sustainable solutions tailored to customer needs, while delivering superior customer experience. Volvo CE's operations in Asia cover a technology center, the largest excavator production facility in Volvo CE, and a well-developed supplier and distribution network. One of the key strategies is to focus on GPE excavators and 20-ton EXC products. The launch of the new excavator model will enable Volvo to have more competitive product offerings, while continuing to drive transformation in Asia by focusing on competitiveness and innovation, as well as optimizing products and services to align with market needs.
The New Generation Volvo Excavator EC210 is a heavy-duty excavator that has been newly launched after 10 years. The new model boasts significant performance enhancement, with the tagline "Efficient, Safe, and Ready to Tackle." It features a 167 HP engine at 2,000 rpm, a bucket capacity of 1.0 cubic meter, a maximum bucket breakout force of 136 kN (ISO 6015), a maximum tear out force of 93 kN (ISO 6015), an operating weight of 21,640 kg, and an 800 mm track width. Fuel efficiency is improved by up to 15% due to a high-powered engine operating at low rpm, a hydraulic pump controlling oil flow with a minimum pressure of 5 bar and extended hydraulic oil change intervals of up to 6,000 hours, which translate into lower operating costs. The eco mode further enhances fuel savings.
The EC210 model also saves time with grouped filters and lubrication points. A side-mounted oil pump offers a flow rate of 50 liters/minute. Safety features include a ROPS-compliant cabin with all-around visibility, anti-slip plates on the machine body, 3-point side access, emergency shutdown, a cooling system designed for hot climates, embedded rear view camera and LED lights. For powerful performance, the excavator has 5.7-meter and 2.9-meter heavy-duty boom and arm configurations. It is powered by a Volvo D5E engine (4.7 liter) delivering 167 HP at 2,000 rpm and 670 Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm, and a posicon hydraulic pump with a maximum flow rate of 400 liters/minute.
Kuta expressed confidence in the success of the EC210, citing its well-designed features and the strong partnership with Chairatchakarn Group, a leading construction equipment distributor in Thailand with over 48 years of experience and a nationwide network of 12 branches offering sales, service, and parts support. Furthermore, Thailand is the 4th largest market for construction equipment, with sales reaching 7,000 units in 2024. With the excavator's capabilities aligning with the needs of the growing construction and mining industries and strong business partnership, continued sales growth is anticipated in 2025.
Sumit Petcharapirat, President of Chairatchakarn Group, highlighted Chairatchakarn Group or Chab's 48 years of experience and its successful track record with Hino trucks, achieving the top sales position within three years and maintaining market leadership for over 30 years with a 25% market share in the 10-billion-baht market. The company's strategic management that focuses on providing good customer service, especially after-sales service, has been crucial to success. Proactive customer support to prevent truck breakdowns also plays a significant role in maintaining customer satisfaction and encouraging repeat business. In addition to the truck market, Chairatchakarn Group also distributes Toyota small cars under Toyota Chairatchakarn Co., Ltd. The latest partnership with Volvo, a global leader in construction solutions, coupled with the new excavator's outstanding performance designed for heavy tasks, is expected to further strengthen Chairatchakarn Group's position in the growing construction market.
Nunnapin Petcharapirat, CEO of Construction Equipment Business, Chairatchakarn Group, went into details of this strategic partnership with Volvo and plans to support the launch of the new excavator. While targeting existing customer segments, the company aims to expand its reach to truck customers who also require construction equipment. This will enable the company to offer a comprehensive range of products, from small cars and trucks to construction equipment, all in one place. By partnering with premium brands like Hino, Toyota, and now Volvo, Chairatchakarn Group provides its customers with top-quality products. Volvo's reputation for durability, safety, and fuel efficiency will help strengthen the company's business while enhancing customer value.
"We define the New Generation Volvo Excavator EC210 with three keywords: Efficient, Safe, and Ready to Tackle. These keywords perfectly describe the excavator's attributes. It offers up to 15% fuel economy improvement, meets high safety standards, and boasts a powerful engine for fast and efficient operation, currently the highest in the excavator market. These features - fuel efficiency, safety, and power - will surely meet the needs of all customers. We aim to achieve the top sales position in the construction equipment market, just as we achieved with Hino trucks in just three years. We expect to sell around 500 units in the first year. The starting price for the standard 21-ton model is approximately 3.75 million baht, with a special introductory price offered during the first month of launch. Volvo also plans to deliver electric excavators to further enhance our offerings, and we will be among the first to introduce them in Thailand. Currently, Volvo has some electric excavators available in Singapore and Japan. We expect to see them in Thailand around the middle of this year."
Chairatchakarn Group currently distributes Hino trucks, Toyota cars, Toyota Sure certified used cars, JCB compact construction equipment, and most recently, Volvo's heavy-duty construction equipment. With 15 branches nationwide and a new branch to be opened in Surat Thani, the company provides comprehensive sales, service, and parts support to its customers. For more information, please contact the company through Line ID: @Chab.ms or Facebook page: ชัยรัชการ แมชชีเนอรี.
Source: IMPACT EXHIBITION MANAGEMENT
