Kohler unveils Bharat Stage IV-ready KD441 engine

Kohler Engines, part of the US-based Kohler Company, unveiled a new 2012 version of its KD441 engine at the Auto Expo in Delhi. In addition, the company unveiled a range of engine products for ‘last mile’ connectivity. The 2012 KD441 engine aims to meet Euro 4 emissions norms and the engine is currently undergoing trails on several Indian vehicles.

The KD441 engine is a single-cylinder, 441cc, air-cooled direct injection 9.2 hp motor with a claimed fuel mileage of over 27 kilometres per litre. Kohler Engines is ready to supply engines for 700-800kg and 900-1000kg payload four-wheeler commercial diesel engines. The company’s engine range also includes petrol and CNG variants for both three- and four-wheelers.

Kohler Engines offers a complete range of engines up to one tonne. Its customers include players such as Mahindra & Mahindra (for the Gio), and the Ape Mini from Piaggio.

As a result of the better road connectivity, LCV sales have seen an increase in recent months. The government’s rural roads programme as well as the national Rural health programme is providing a boost to business. The emphasis is clearly on eco-friendly engines that can be maintained at affordable rates.

Kohler Engines is based in Aurangabad and in 2007 acquired Lombardini SRL. The display of Kohler’s engine is part of several displays of engines at the Expo which include the likes of the Satara-based Cooper Corporation, which revealed its new four-cylinder engine on January 5.