100 years of Caterpillar and what the future looks like

100 Years of Caterpillar Inc. and what comes next, the BIG interview with Corné Timmermans, VP of Sales and Marketing, Europe, Africa, Middle East and CIS.

Peter Haddock speaks with Corné about the last 100 years, but more importantly, about their latest product and technology solution launches. 

They cover topics such as Safety, People & Skills, Productivity & Technology, and more. 

Corné: "We're in a very special and unique year celebrating a huge milestone and using it to focus on what's next. So, for me, the next 100 years start now. 

"For example, over the last six years alone, we have launched over 175 new machines, and this product rollout continues."

Safety and Productivity

"We are continuing to focus on safety by bringing together onboard technologies like 360° object detection and combining these with data-driven insights through a big change in the power and capability of VisionLink. 

This data-driven approach is also supporting greater insights to drive productivity, giving customers more information.

"For example, we can now deliver granular level insights into idle time, material flow bottlenecks, equipment underutilisation and much more. 

“VisionLink now incorporates as-built data, volumetrics, and real-time fleet performance, giving site managers visibility into inefficiencies they couldn't previously measure.”

Supporting Operators

Corné "We recognise the skills gap is very real, so we are making machines smarter for the operator. 

"One example is the introduction of features like 'Operator Coaching', which can give real-time, in-cab guidance on how to manoeuvre more efficiently.

"For example, if an operator takes too many wheel turns when loading a truck, the system offers instant feedback.

"Add, of course, we continue to celebrate and highlight the best operators in the World with the return of the Global Operator Challenge, which is already underway at national levels ahead of European semi-finals and the grand final at CONEXPO-CON/AGG.

"The last 100 years have seen Caterpillar, our people and our customers take an amazing journey, and the next 100 years are even more exciting.

"So look out for new products, advances in technology, autonomy and much more…"