CAT introduces new range of rugged phones to SL

From left: Muller and Phipps Middle East Business Development Director Mohammad Omer, Bullitt Singapore, South East Asia, Martijn van den Hout, East Cost International Holdings Managing Director Risvi Abdul Majeed, Federation of Information Technology, Sri  Lanka, Chairman Dr. Kithsiri Manchanayake, and Bullitt Singapore Head Of Marketing APAC Liam Marriott – Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera

By Safna Malik

Bullitt Group, the global licensee for Caterpillar Inc. (CAT), last week launched new range of heavy-duty rugged phones in Sri Lanka for the very first time in collaboration with East Coast Investment Holdings.

The East Coast Investment Holdings is a sole agent for selling CAT mobiles in Sri Lanka, publicised four CAT models namely B30, S31, S41 and S60 in the presence of Muller and Phipps Middle East Business Development Director Mohammad Omer, Federation of Information Technology, Sri  Lanka, Chairman Dr. Kithsiri Manchanayake, retailers, distributors, industrialists from various fields, and other officials. 

Speaking at the inauguration, Bullitt Group Director of South East Asia Martijin van den Hout said: “In terms of popularity growth, CAT mobiles are currently on top for its durability, reliability, quality and ruggedness worldwide, and is stepping into the Sri Lankan market for the very first time. I certainly believe that, by partnering with East Coast, our products will be accessible to any consumer island-wide.” 

Hout noted: “CAT is the only brand that offers two years of warranty. During this period, if the device is shattered or damaged, the company will replace it with a brand new phone. However, all ranges of CAT mobiles are tested and certified by US Military SPEC 810G, which proves its durability.” 

“A recent study of nearly 22,000 CAT mobile users revealed that 76% have damaged their previous mobile phones, and experienced the frustration and usability problems damage causes to what is often their only means of communication. Unsurprisingly, 94% of CAT phone owners value their phone being drop-proof, while 71% said that a scratch-resistant screen is essential to them,” he added. 

Speaking about CAT mobile key features, Bullitt Group Head of Channel Marketing Liam Marriot commented that rugged CAT devices are recommended to all types of field workers and people who engage in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, diving and biking, adding that CAT devices are known to be world’s first smartphones that are integrated with thermal imaging which helps to detect overheating electrical appliances and monitor  body temperature, including undiscoverable internal  diseases  such as  back pain, headaches, muscular pains, repetitive strain injuries, arthritis, cancers and nerve damage.

He highlighted: “CAT S61, the newest upgraded model, will be launch by the end of this year with enhanced features of thermal imaging capability, powered by FLIR and MSX technology, laser-assisted distance measure and air quality sensor which monitors toxic gases. 

All ranges of CAT mobiles consist of rubberised grips that ensure it remains shockproof, waterproof, drop-proof and durable. The screen, with its versatile bright display, can be viewed in bright sunlight and can be controlled even with wet fingers or gloves. Additional features include its high-quality audio, underwater camera with dual flash, a thermal imaging camera that measures surface heat temperatures from a distance of up to 30 metres, latest updated android OS, battery performance up to 5000 milliampere lasting up to 44 days, and the special battery share function that can transform the phone into a power bank, he added

CAT mobiles are more outstanding than other smartphone devices due to its durability, and it is built to meet the demands of people who work outdoors and indoors as well.

East Coast Investment Holdings Managing Director Risvi Abdul Majeed stated: “We are pleased to announce the official launch of CAT mobile phones. This will be the beginning of a new chapter in the smartphone industry of Sri Lanka.”

Majeed highlighted: “The company vision is to create a secure platform for Sri Lankan consumers to gain access to high quality products and services which they can trust and buy with complete confidence. This is the reason we are the sole agent for the CAT brand. It’s a new edition into the market with unique features, but I believe no other phone is 100% waterproof, dustproof and rugged, and is the only mobile device on market which offers two years of company warranty. So, compared to other smartphones, these special features need to be kept in mind and valued.”

The B30, S31, S41 and S60 models will be available on the Sri Lankan market. “As the sole agent for CAT brands, we offer special discount rates for large quantity orders,” says Risvi Abdul Majeed.