Kubota to start field testing robotic tractor
Kubota has announced plans to start field testing the autonomous hydrogen powered fuel cell tractor it recently unveiled at Expo 25 in Osaka Japan.
Following up on this promise the company recently celebrated opening its new 115,000 sq m European factory at Dunkerque, not far from the infamous Channel Tunnel. This location puts it near the ports of Calais and Dunkerque, and gets it a welcome from the local council keen to see more jobs.
The factory will produce the new M7 series tractors from 130-170hp with 4-cyl cylinder engines and ZF-sourced transmissions. Early production will be for the European and North American markets, and further destinations as production ramps up. Small scale production has been underway since April, and volumes will rise to around 3000 units per annum by 2017.
Though considered a small player in the over 60hp market, Kubota's annual turnover of Euro 11 billion surpasses that of the US machinery giant Agco.
Around 45% of sales are in the home market in Japan, but this percentage is falling as development plans in Europe and North America come to fruition.
