Komatsu to launch the 1st Hybrid Hydraulic Excavator in Singapore - Dec 9th, 2011

On 9th December, 2011, Komatsu Ltd ("Komatsu") and UMW Equipment & Engineering Pte Ltd ("UMW"), the exclusive Komatsu distributor in Singapore, launched their newest product, HB205-1 hybrid hydraulic excavator ("HB205-1"). The product serves as the next generation of its kind, using Komatsu Hybrid System, with better specification and performance as reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emission. This product launch signifies the commitment of Komatsu to develop environment friendly products, initiated since 2008 when Komatsu succeeded in introducing the first hybrid hydraulic excavator to the market.

Today's launching ceremony was held at Komatsu Asia & Pacific Pte Ltd, a wholly subsidiary of Komatsu, attended by more than 120 contractors and most of large construction equipment owners. Guest of Honour for the ceremony is the Chairman of Singapore Environmental Council, Ms Isabella Loh.

Komatsu Hybrid System converts energy generated when the upper structure reduces its speed while turning, stores the energy in the capacitor, and uses it to assist the power of the engine via the power generation motor when the engine accelerates. Components of the Komatsu Hybrid System, such as electric motor which turns the upper structure, power generation motor, capacitor and diesel engine, are made in-house, ensuring high reliability and durability.

HB205-1 saves an average of 25% fuel with an equivalent reduction in CO2 emissions as compared to the standard excavator model. HB205-1 offers power and efficiency, yet reduces environmental impact.

Based on the evaluation, not only the originality and excellence of the concerned technology, but also the social contribution and business result factors, Komatsu received the Fiscal 2010 JSME Medal for New Technology selected and conferred by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) for the Komatsu Hybrid System.

As of 30 September 2011, over 1,100 units of Komatsu hybrid hydraulic excavator had been sold worldwide. As a leading company of construction equipment, Komatsu will broaden the hybrid hydraulic excavator model range and apply the Komatsu Hybrid System to other construction equipment, thereby introducing special construction equipment models in order to reduce our environmental impact in response to growing environmental protection needs of the world.