Mumbai: Chinese tractor manufacturers have shown great interest in buying engines from the Pune-based Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited (KOEL).

Kirloskar has sent a team to China to undertake market research and shortlist possible buyers for its environment-friendly R1040 series engines that have received clearance from the US emission control authority.

China is a major supplier of tractors to the US market. Kirloskar, however, is proceeding cautiously to tap the Chinese market mainly because of the apprehension of the engine design being copied by unscrupulous Chinese manufacturers.

KOELs exports of the engines and auto components were Rs 44.3 crore during 2000-01 which represented a 44-per cent and 46-per cent growth respectively. Kirloskar will be focusing on developing export markets by putting up efficient distribution and service networks for its pumpsets, gensets and bearings.

Rahul Kirloskar has been inducted as director (exports) on the KOEL board.