Komatsu targets China with hybrid excavator

Following its launch in Japan last June, Komatsu has introduced its hybrid 20 tonne class hybrid crawler excavator in China. The PC200-8 Hybrid will be launched in the US in the next six months.

A statement from the company said, "Komatsu is working to expand the market for the PC200-8 Hybrid in China, as the main targeted market, where demand for construction equipment is growing."

Komatsu says it has the capacity to build 100 hybrid excavators per month following a JPY 1.66 billion (US$ 18.6 million) investment to expand production capacity at its Shonan Plant in Kiratsuka, Japan, where the excavators are assembled.

Tests carried out by Komatsu show the hybrid excavator can achieve average reductions in fuel consumption of -25%. The maximum reduction achieved was -40%.

"We would like to fulfil all responsibilities as a leading company as we continue to aggressively introduce construction equipment which features reduced environmental impact, including reduced CO2 emissions," said a company statement.