Volvo unveils navigation system to monitor machines remotely

BANGALORE - Volvo India Thursday unveiled a navigation system to remotely monitor its construction equipment for better man-machine communication.

“Using mobile network, the CareTrack navigation system will help owners of our construction equipment to track the location of their machines, fuel consumption, speed and hours of operation,” Volvo India Managing Director Mrityunjaya Singh told reporters here.

The Indian subsidiary will deploy the telematics system free on some of its construction machines such as hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, articulated haulers and motor graders, with secured data made available real time at any remote location.

“The technology will help our dealers and customers to identify and resolve machine problems faster for enhancing productivity and business,” Singh said at a preview of the product.

With the need for real time information growing faster than ever before, the innovative solution will help customers in better site management leading to cost savings and timely execution of projects.

“The telematics systems will also enable our customers to lock in the machine in the area of operation, get reports on its usage, engine load and use of brakes. It will also generate service reminders and their service history,” Singh noted.

Information on the machines position will enable customers to coordinate service and re-fuelling as they will be aware of their location and usage.

The Swedish major (AB Volvo) set up its India subsidiary in Dec 1977 and has been marketing its excavators in 1988, followed by motor graders, haulers in 1999 and wheel loaders in 2011.

Global acquisition of the US-based Ingersoll Rand’s road machinery division in 2008 facilitated the subsidiary to manufacture the machines from the latter’s Bangalore plant for domestic and export markets.