Hitachi CM partners with Kiesel to drive innovation

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Hitachi CM) has announced that it is expanding its partnership with German dealer Kiesel, to develop zero-emissions construction equipment and construction technology for the European market.

The ZX135-7EB is one of four new electric excavators shown by Hitachi at Bauma 2022. (Photo: KHL)

Kiesel has been working with Hitachi CM for a number of years, as a European dealer, but also worked on the development of three of the four electric machines Hitachi unveiled at the recent Bauma exhibition in Munich.

At the show, Hitachi’s management announced that a new joint venture company, Kenki Technology Group (KTEG), to be headquartered in Stockstadt am Rhein in Germany, had been established to work specifically on products and equipment for the European construction market.

Hitachi said, “This significant move will expedite the time to market for Hitachi’s advanced zero-emission construction and special application machinery, as well as ICT [Information and Communication Technology]-supported products.

“It will also serve to meet the demands of the European market, with a focus on environmental concerns and the challenges faced by Hitachi owners.”

Fit for European purpose
The manufacturer said the expansion of its already successful partnership with Kiesel was based on the fast-changing requirements of European construction, which operates under some of the strictest emissions regulations in the world.

KTEG, said Hitachi, has also been established to meet the demands of a market that has a high level of awareness of the scarcity of manpower and is, therefore, at the forefront of new technology adoption.

Using KTEG’s understanding of the European market, Hitachi says it aims to gain a greater understanding of customers’ technology and machine requirements, before bringing to bear its ability to “mass produce cost-competitive zero-emission, special application and ICT construction machinery”.

Future plans for the group include the expansion of KTEG’s developments for delivery to global markets, particularly in Japan and North America.