-Inputs by Soumyaranjan Dash, Head – Dealer Development and Brand Marketing, SDLG IndiaWhat is SDLG India focusing on in terms of products and technology?Our focus is to bring leading-edge technology to India and keep pace with evolving customer expectations. We are showcasing our complete electric product range alongside diesel excavators, loaders and motor graders. The objective is to offer smarter and more efficient technologies suited to the Indian market.How have customer expectations changed in recent years?Customer expectations have evolved significantly. Earlier, the focus was on machines delivering a life of 10–15 years. Today, customers expect machines to operate for up to 22 hours a day. Project timelines have also shortened, with projects that earlier took three to four years now expected to be completed within 18–24 months. This is driving the need for higher machine productivity and efficiency.How is demand for electric equipment developing?Electric wheel loaders are seeing strong interest across multiple segments, including ports, mining, road infrastructure and industry. When we launched our first electric loader in 2023, customers were still cautious. Today, the situation has changed. The market is increasingly pulling electric solutions rather than manufacturers having to push them.How are AI, telematics and alternative energy shaping SDLG’s technology strategy?We are working across four areas: smarter diesel machines, electric equipment, telematics and digitalisation, and alternative energy technologies. We are also looking at integrating AI into service applications to improve machine productivity and efficiency. Alternative energy and digital technologies will play an increasingly important role over the next few years.What are the biggest challenges in moving towards electric construction equipment?Excavators remain a more challenging application. As a manufacturer, we are working on solutions such as alternative power banks and battery swapping to make the transition easier. The objective is to develop solutions that allow customers to move towards electrification across their equipment fleets, rather than limiting the transition to wheel loaders.Where do you see the biggest opportunities for SDLG in India?We see significant opportunities across India, across diverse customer segments, for both our next-generation diesel and electric equipment. With a strong focus on performance, reliability, and sustainability, our ambition is to establish SDLG as a leader in India's wheeled and electric equipment market by 2028.