New Kawasaki Engines Tested at European Distributor Event

Kawasaki's European distributors had the chance to put the new FJ-D Engines to the test at their annual European Engine Distributor event which was held in the UK in June. The two day event was attended by Mr Yoshi Sanjo, General Manager of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan, Mr Kawakami, MD of Kawasaki Motors Europe N.V., Mr Yuichiro Imai, EU Liaison Co-ordinator, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan together with the EU Kawasaki team and representatives from distributors across Europe.

Distributors took part in a hands-on evaluation of the new Engines, where they had the opportunity to view stripped down versions and measure their performance. Distributors were impressed with the features offered by the new Engines, particularly the technology designed specifically to eliminate vertical vibration from the FJ180 Engine. The Engines performed exceptionally well, with John Day of UK distributor Barrus, commenting "The new products certainly look good and can give us some advantages going forward. There are many challenges as we are all aware, and obstacles to overcome, but the product is certainly impressive."

Discussions turned to market conditions and whilst each country has its own unique set of circumstances, the general consensus was that whilst sales within the construction market were still affected, with only the UK showing recovery, Kawasaki was making encouraging inroads into the Lawn & Garden and Industrial markets.

Highlights of the event included Polish distributor, Grass, receiving a long service award for their 10 years with Kawasaki and the evening entertainment where the distributors were treated to a candlelit dinner several hundred feet underground in the imposing Banqueting Hall at the Hell Fire Caves in West Wycombe. The Kawasaki team made sure their guests travelled there in style; in a 1967 London double decker bus.

Commenting on the events across the two days, Senior Product Manager, Jack Ford, said "It was a good chance to present future plans for our Engines and thank our distributors for their continued commitment to Kawasaki. The new Engines were well received and it is encouraging to see that whilst there are still difficulties in the European market, there are signs of recovery and opportunities for growth."

For further information please contact:
Julie Goode, Kobu, T: +44 (0)1295 771182
E: Kawasaki@kobu.co.uk