‘We ensure the optimum operational conditions of our products’

Seung Woo Lee is the General Manager, Sales and Marketing of Hyundai Construction Equipment India Pvt Ltd, one of the fastest growing manufacturers of excavators in India and in the world. In the last year, Hyundai sold 2034 units of excavator and captured a market share of 14 per cent in the Indian excavator market and consolidated its position at number three. It is also eying Nepali market. Recently, Seung was in Nepal and Siromani Dhungana of New Business Age talked to him regarding business prospects of Hyundai in Nepal. 

Excerpts: 

What was the purpose of your visit to Nepal? 

We are here for launching our products, 22Ton class excavator series. We are launching two excavators, which are Robex220LC-7 and Robex220LC-9s, both manufactured in India. We take this occasion as a chance to interact with our local customers and to provide better service to them. 

What are the products you are currently supplying to Nepal? 

We are currently supplying 14- 20ton crawling excavators. That is the category of machines, with its the operating weight.

What prospects do you see for your business in Nepal? 

There is a big demand for our products in big projects, like hydropower and road constructions. Though such projects are very low in number in Nepal now, the number and speed of the projects will be higher after some time. May be it won’t take a long time to see the boom in the market. 

Why should consumers choose your products? 

We focus in better technology, services and operating costs. We have focused in these things both in our previous products and in the new ones. There are various sides and factors in which we have evolved and enhanced ourselves better. We also have improved in after sale services and spare parts. We ensure the optimum operation conditions throughout its lifetime, with higher liability and lesser fuel consumption. 

How do you see the South Asian market? 

Developing countries have always been a priority for our business, and South Asian countries have a lot of opportunity, being their markets vital for us. The economic effect of the problem in European countries, which started in 2008, had affected South Asian countries including India, which accounts for a big portion in construction market. 

What is the level of competition you face in Nepal? Are you satisfied with it? 

It’s fierce. Every single machine should count on. In terms of overall market size, it has significantly decreased at this moment and I really cannot say the exact number. The positive side is that we are maintaining ourselves. The relationship with our customers, our support to them in after sale services and spare parts with our dealer CSPL here is good.

How do your products help your customers to enhance their business and revenue? 

We focus on efficiency of our products. In the long run, the operating cost, the fuel efficiency and after sales services matter most to the customers. So we try to lower the maintenance cost by accommodating long life hydraulic and filters.