Kubota raises its game

With a change to its fiscal year to end in December 2015, the final nine months showed sales of $US11.024 billion -- an increase of 9% over the same period in 2014. Export revenues rose significantly in North America from sales of compact tractors, and in Europe sales of tractors, construction gear and engines increased, though farm implements "stagnated", the company said.

Mechanisation increased in Asian countries, e.g. tractors and combines in Vietnam and China saw increased combine sales as the government reinstated subsidies; but sales in Thailand dropped because of a prolonged drought.

For the year 2016 the company is forecasting a rise in revenues of around 3.6%, driven by expansion in North America, Europe and Asia.