Karcher India launches robotic cleaning devices

Aiming to double growth in automotive cleaning equipment by 2030

At a time when robotics gain momentum in the consumer space, Kärcher India, a subsidiary of German cleaning equipment major Kächer, has introduced a new line of robotic vacuum cleaners.

As the consumer market increasingly embraces robotics, Kärcher India, a subsidiary of the German cleaning equipment manufacturer, has unveiled its latest robotic vacuum cleaners, aimed to enhance efficiency and streamline cleaning processes across various sectors in India.

In a press statement, Kärcher says that the two products, an autonomous scrubber-dryer and a cordless vacuum, are designed for industries aiming to boost efficiency and reduce manual cleaning efforts. These solutions enable businesses to achieve more with less labour, particularly in large-scale cleaning operations.

It adds that Kärcher has launched two new robotic vacuum cleaners for consumers, the RCV3 and RCV5 and announced the upcoming RCV2, featuring a compact design and advanced cleaning technologies.

Kärcher says that these new products are tailored for the Indian market, addressing the specific needs of both professional and domestic consumers. The company aims to expand its customer base in India, where demand for autonomous cleaning technology is rising.

It adds that Kärcher India is expanding its cleaning product lines with new detergents, reinforcing its position as a comprehensive cleaning solution provider to serve a wider range of sectors and customer needs.

“Kärcher has solidified its market leadership in the professional cleaning segment as well as expanded its consumer base and now we aim to capture more market share and India provides about 1 pc share in global revenue and we are looking to expand it to around 10 pc in the coming years,” says Harmut Jenner, CEO, Kärcher.

“Automotive pressure washers have been our core business in India since we started in 2011 and right now, this segment is one of the fastest growing categories, registering a strong double-digit growth. We aim to grow our existing 20 pc market share to 30 pc within the next three years,” says Jatinder Kaul, Managing Director, Kärcher India.

The statement adds that Kärcher offers pressure washers and professional vacuum cleaners for the automotive industry, used by OEM-authorised service centres and independent workshops. The company sells compact washers online and distributes its professional range through 250 dealers, aiming to expand to 550 by the end of 2030 to support its growth ambitions.

“Dealer business has been our backbone in India and of our almost 250 dealers in the country, most of them cater to the automotive segment. While our dealers contribute to only 30 pc of our entire business today, by 2030, our plan is to increase their contribution by scaling their number to 550 as India is a massive market and we want to have dealers be closer to our customers,” says Prashanth Srirangam, Director, Kärcher.

Kärcher says that it is looking to capitalise on revenue opportunities in various areas, including fully-automated car wash systems and car care products. The company has already supplied five fully-automated units to Mercedes-Benz India, which has implemented them at its plant in Chakan, near Pune.

“We will also be investing heavily in the area of automated car wash or gantry systems. Right now, we are focusing in the South where such centres are coming up rapidly. The segment has the potential to double every year,” Kaul adds.

The statement adds that Kärcher India is also in discussions with Total Energies to deploy automated systems at the OMC’s fuel pumps in South India, the company is targeting premium car owners looking for a high-quality car wash in minimal time.

It adds that Kärcher, which generated revenues of EUR 3.3 billion in 2023, recorded only 1 pc of this figure from India. The company aims for India to contribute 5-6 pc of its global revenues in the coming years.

“While we are not as big in India as we want to be, we have started to be on that journey,” Jenner adds.