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Nº3 March 2018
KUBOTA FARM SOLUTIONS MAGAZINE
KUBOTA FARM SOLUTIONS
How to navigate this magazine
• M5001 Utility Narrow • M4002 Series • M6121
Editorial note Kubota Farm Solutions Magazine. Kubota Farm Solutions Magazine has the purpose to share, internally among employees of the company in Europe, relevant content and news regarding Kubota agricultural business in Europe and worldwide. Publication date: First quarter 2018 Copyright date: June 2017 Editor in chief: Marketing BU Tractor Europe Joan Surroca, PR Internet and Advertising Manager Co-editors for local contents, on behalf of Kubota European Sales Companies: KE / KNL / KEI: Gérard Danibert, Caterina Prinzivalli, Elisabetta Rivolta KUK: Karen Tipping, Shannon Oconnor KES: Antonio Pérez, Masumi Lavega KDG: Dagmar Zick KPL / CE: Andrzej Sosinski KTT: Cihan Gürel Distribution: by Tractor BU Marketing Europe. Sources: KBT, KvG, Tractor BU Europe. Confidentiality: all European agricultural business related contents are for internal use. It is not allowed to send it to third parties. Please don't hesitate to share with your colleagues.
DEALERSHIP BRANDING
Editorial Note
Did you know...
GLOBAL KUBOTA NEWS
FIMA / AGRITECHNICA
Implements & Precision Farming
TRACTORS
• M4002 series, M6121 and M5001 Utility Narrow
Kubota Farm Solutions
Europe
News from our subsidiaries
COMMUNICATION GUIDELINES
Interview
Germán Martínez
SUMMARY
announcement Masatoshi Kimata
www.kubota-eu.com
President and Representative Director Kubota Corporation
more text
Last year saw new plants and distribution centers completed and going into operation in the U.S., China, and Thailand. In Europe, the Regional Headquarters for our farm and industrial machinery business was established to get cross-border operations going at full capacity. In Japan, new services and demonstration experiments incorporating ICT and AI via cross-industrial partnerships were initiated in the agricultural and water/environment fields.
President´s New Year Message for 2018
announcement
Mr. Masatoshi Kimata
Forging Ahead to Realise GMB Kubota with Pride, Confidence, and Expedition!
I also took advantage of every opportunity last year to visit our sites both in Japan and overseas, and I was able to clearly observe changes in the awareness of those working on the front lines of production, research and development, and sales toward realization of “Global Major Brand Kubota.” On the shop floor, in particular, the key concepts of the Kubota Production System (KPS), such as reduction of inventory, shortening of lead times, and just-in-time operations, have been disseminated, which in turn has brought the concept of manufacturing to the next level. For the new year ahead, I am hoping that we can consolidate the platform that we have expanded in each country and region in order to make it even greater. Soon, we will launch the new five-year Medium-term Business Plan. While we aim to achieve net sales of 2.5 trillion yen by 2022, our true aspiration is to “realize GMB Kubota.” Rather than simply setting our sights on commanding the dominant position in the global marketplace in terms of sales and/or profits, we aim to be a “company (brand) that can make the greatest social contribution as a result of being trusted by the largest number of customers.” There are various obstacles facing the Kubota Group in the global market. One of them is the Group’s many competitors. These competitors sometimes loom large before us and even threaten our business. However, delivering products and services that impress customers, whatever the circumstances, is the “Customer First” principle that guides us in everything we do. I ask all of you to work even more closely together across countries, regions, and sectors and to apply new approaches and technologies so as to advance the “Customer First” principle one step further. Everything we do to promote our business will eventually lead us to “contribute to the global community in the areas of food, water, and the environment.” Let‘s forge ahead with pride, confidence, and expedition!
October 2017
more info FIMA / AGRITECHNICA
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Kubota wins a new award at FIMA
Kubota’s Autonomous Tractor ‘Agrirobo’ has received the "Technical Novelty "award in the ‘Agricultural Management Solution’ category. The winner has been announced during the FIMA show, held in Zaragoza (Spain). After the announcement of the "Tractor de España" 2018 award, Kubota has received yet another award at FIMA. This time, the awarded product was Kubota’s Autonomous Tractor ‘Agrirobo’, a revolutionary product that allows farmers to simultaneously control two tractors of the L and M7001 ranges. Thanks to its integrated remote control system, this innovative autonomous tractor allows farmers to monitor a tractor while driving another one, saving time, money, and resources. The Technical Novelty Contest is held every year in FIMA. This award is granted to new developments that stand out in terms of sustainability, work safety, and of course, innovation and R&D. That’s why this efficient and environmentally friendly development by Kubota has received such a prestigious recognition. Mr. Nobushige Ichikawa, General Manager, Farm Machinery Engineering Europe Dept; VP, Kubota Europe S.A.S and VP Engineering, Kubota Holdings Europe B.V. collected the award. This management operations software has been developed by Kubota, along with the Japanese company Topcon, and the Kansas State University. Its main goal is to speed up autonomous tractor management in real time and thus improve and ease farmers’ work. Agrirobo combines the functions of existing tractors, such as the M7001 and the L-series, and delivers a previous accurate planning of its tasks. The combination of its sonar and scanner means that this tractor can spot and avoid any obstacles for maximum safety. In addition, its low engine speed and its lighter weight enable a smooth operation in tough conditions such as muddy terrains.
Kubota, winner of the "Tractor de España" 2018 award
The awarded model was the M5001 Narrow Cabin Advance tractor, which was running for the ‘Special Tractor’ category. It was announced during the FIMA show held in Zaragoza (Spain). Our M5001 Narrow Cabin Advance tractor was shortlisted for this award, along with three other Kubota tractors: the M5091 DTQ and M135GX III S models. All three had been selected for the "Tractor de España" 2018 (Tractor of the Year in Spain) award in three different categories on the occasion of the FIMA show, hosted in Zaragoza (Spain) from the 20th to the 24th of February. The "Tractor de España" 2018 is an award of recognised prestige in Spain. Its main goal is to encourage development of the Spanish agriculture. In this case, the jury was composed by experts in the farm mechanisation sector, producers, and some specialised media, which awarded the best tractors commercialised between January and December 2017. The winning tractor is one of our most remarkable models of the “narrow” range. It stands out for its efficiency, convenience and comfort. Featuring a four-cylinder engine, 36 forward and reverse gears, this model has earned the title of “Best tractor of the year in Spain” thanks to its ergonomic design, precision, and respect for the environment. We are really proud of this recognition and of the work carried out by our employees that made this possible. If we keep on with the hard work, there will more awards in the future.
Once again, Kubota had the opportunity to show its latest products and developments at Agritechnica. During this year’s edition of Agritechnica, held from 12th to 18th of November in Hannover (Germany), an implement manufactured by our subsidiary Kverneland won the Machine of the Year 2018 award. Also, our stand had great attendance and attracted the interest of visitors, who were surprised by Kubota’s new stand concept. Agritechnica is the world’s largest agricultural machinery show hosted by the German Agricultural Society (DLG), a non-profit agricultural organisation that promotes further progress in agriculture. Around 2,800 exhibitors from 52 countries show their newest products at this prestigious fair. This year, Kubota relied on a new show stand concept, which as expected, was a great success. Based on independent trailers, this structure allowed visitors to see by themselves our range of products while getting a general impression of the brand as a whole. Among the products and services displayed, the TIM system and the Autonomous Tractor Technology were particularly remarkable, not to mention the M7002 tractor. But the true protagonist of the event was the awarded model by the Kverneland Group: Vicon Extra 7100T Geomow, which was selected as Machine of the Year 2018. This implement automatically moves up and down in headland zones, based on information on the field. Encouraged by this outcome, we are determined to continue contributing to world agriculture through provision of products, services, and solutions that are trusted by customers across the globe.
Great success at Agritechnica
From 20th to 24th of February, Kubota showed its products in the 40th edition of FIMA, the International Fair of Agricultural Machinery held in the province of Zaragoza (Spain). This year, our stand had the presence of HM the King Felipe VI of Spain, who showed great interest in our products. The King was guest to Mr. Germán Martínez, Vice-president of the Sales Tractor Business Unit in Europe, and so was Ms. Isabel García Tejerina, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture. With an exhibition area of around 150,000 m2 and eleven exhibition halls, this fair is one of the biggest trade shows in Europe. The main topics of this year’s edition were innovation and commitment with sustainability. At our stand, visitors could find the most innovative products such as the M7002, one of our state-of-the-art tractors, and the the groundbreaking implements by Kubota that have been awarded in previous fairs. Respecting the environment is one of our core values, that’s why FIMA constitutes the best stage to display our latest developments. Kubota’s engines comply with the European Emission Standards and our implements and software programmes are specially designed for precise and sustainable farming. For that reason, this edition of FIMA was very important for the brand. For this year's edition, Kubota relied on the same stand concept used in previous fairs–an adaptable module featuring several spaces to display our products.
Our company continues expanding on the European market and proof of this is its success at agricultural fairs and shows, where it has the chance to surprise visitors with the latest developments of the brand. Among all these events, two European fairs stand out: FIMA, the biggest agricultural event held in Southern Europe, and Agritechnica, the world’s leading fair for agricultural technology.
FIMA: The International Fair of Agricultural Machinery held in Spain
Kubota’s presence at two major European shows
Our company has recently released its brand new adverts for Kubota Farm Solutions. Each one of them highlights a different advantage of our programme. Aesthetically, this campaign reminds us of some of the most iconic Japanese traditions, which have been chosen to show the values of our brand. ‘The best Japanese excellence, makes the best of your farming.’
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Value protection
Optimisation
Control
Performance
Finance management
Farmers want to improve their productivity, but not at any cost. With Kubota Finance, they can make their planned investment with ease, convenience, and safety. Whether financing or leasing, producers benefit from professional advice and attractive conditions. Kubota Farm Solutions is all they need to gain the advantages of a technology that drives their success forward. Whether they need machines or services, they have full control of the costs.
You know what it takes to be commercially successful: top performance with every task and top conditions over many years. Once again, Kubota offers solutions that fulfil what they promise. Every Kubota tractor is already protected by a 3-year manufacturer warranty right from the start. The warranty can be extended to protect the value of each investment, avoid expensive downtimes, and remain profitable over the long term.
Farmers know exactly how they want to get their work done: efficiently, precisely, and most comfortably. Kubota gives them everything they need to obtain optimal results while remaining at ease. With our ISOBUS technology, precision farming solutions, and automatic steering system, workers can apply seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides with extreme precision. This lowers their costs and reduces their workload.
Farmers want full control over what they are doing. Kubota provides them with perfectly integrated systems to help them achieve that. From machine optimisation to implement monitoring, workers can control the tractor and resources easily from a single terminal. This not only provides them with a better overview of all work processes, but also allows them to work without stress.
Farmers have a clear objective: to get their work done productively and successfully while being relaxed. Kubota offers workers the equipment that can best support them in this endeavour. Whichever tractor or implements they decide on, they can always count on proven quality, excellent performance, and co-ordinated features. In short: intelligent and reliable technology that gets them a decisive step closer to their goal.
Click on the circles
We understand that farmers need more than a powerful tractor to succeed: namely, an integrated system of products and services to increase their competitiveness and preparation for the future. With Kubota Farm Solutions, we have brought together our solutions in a system— and targeted our proposition to them. From intelligent technology to individual services, the Kubota Farm Solutions advantages complement each other, forming a circle that ends where it begins: with our commitment to support farmers a little better every time, now and in the future.
‘The best Japanese excellence, makes the best of your farming.’
At every agricultural show, Kubota has proudly shown its brand new stand that embodies the Kubota Farm Solutions essence at its best. Kubota Farm Solutions is one of Kubota’s milestones, and we want it to be present in every product we launch at every fair we attend.
Kubota Farm Solutions: 360° performance for 100% success
KUBOTA
• M7002
In case you missed Kubota Magazine nº2, press here to see information about
tractors
Kubota’s flagship model renewal. Featuring a new engine designed for better power and lower consumption, Kubota’s flagship model made an impressive debut. This model is characterised by a comfortable cab, powershift 6-speed transmission and new developments such as LED work lights electric heated exterior mirrors among other features adapted to the latest market trends.
M7002
Kubota’s compact tractor from the M series. Successor of two successful models, M6060 and M7060, this range includes two new cab and ROPS models: M4062 and M4072. The second one features a wider and more comfortable cab, apart from greater visibility, clutch off switch, and PTO gear shift. But its advantages are not limited to comfort, it also includes a Dual speed transmission (only available for the M4072 model) and short front axle, which allows this tractor to adapt to special crops. With an increased lift capacity and hydraulic performance, this tractor is highly effective and specially designed to ensure user comfort and ease of use. *Mass production with full availability from summer 2018 onwards.
M4002
Kubota’s bet on intensive farming. More and more producers are choosing this type of farming due to its high productivity and efficiency. This particular type of farming calls for maximum power and traction to operate in small spaces. To meet such requirements, our company launched the new M5001 utility narrow, featuring maximum power, traction, and most importantly, a comfortable and spacious cab. Its new short front axle makes it suitable for the narrow crops such as olive groves, vineyards and orchards. The M5001 utility narrow provides maximum efficiency and manoeuvrability.
M5001 Utility Narrow
Kubota’s new tractor has been specially designed for the most demanding customers engaged in mixing farming. The M6121 is a convenient and modern tractor that has been presented at FIMA. This model is equipped with a closed centre hydraulic pump with load sensing, that provides 110 l/min. It’s powered by a 6.1-litre and 115 hp Kubota, in combination with the new 6-speed ZF powershift transmission. Featuring a deluxe front loader with hydraulic self levelling, and an integrated joystick in the multifunction lever for optimal control, this model is specially suited for mixed and dairy farmers. The M6121 tractor is a FOPS certified model that includes an ISOBUS K-Terminal that enables communication between the machine and the implements
M6121
During FIMA, the International Fair of Agricultural Machinery, held on February in Zaragoza, (Spain) Kubota had the opportunity to display its latest range of products, which caught the visitors’ interest with its new developments and modern technologies.
New products presented at FIMA: our new M series
Kverneland Group’s Implement Kubota DMC6336T wins Machine of the Year 2017 Award at SIMA
Our subsidiary, Kverneland AS, won several awards at SIMA, one of the three biggest international agricultural machinery trade shows in Europe. In this instalment of the show, Kverneland Group’s DMC6336T mower conditioner was selected as Machine of the Year 2017, in recognition of its technical excellence. About 230,000 people attended the Paris International Agribusiness Show, in which 1,770 companies from 42 countries presented their products. The Kubota DMC6336T mower conditioner was awarded the Machine of the Year 2017 prize in the Forage Equipment category. The forage cut by this mower is compacted by the conditioner to facilitate evaporation of its inner moisture, which makes it extremely convenient. It also features a QuattroLink mower conditioner suspension for automatic tracking to follow uneven ground and enable forage cutting to a uniform length. Three other Kverneland products won Innovation Awards. To be precise, Kverneland’s 2500 i-Plough®, an Automatic Feed System for round balers, and a High-Speed Pack for Wrappers. The selection for Machine of the Year 2017 was based on the voting results of 17 mass media groups in Europe (mainly agricultural journals). With the additional encouragement provided by these awards, we are determined to continue contributing to agriculture worldwide through the provision of products, services, and solutions that gain the trust of customers around the world.
10
Kubota IsoMatch Tellus PRO, an expert in boosting efficiency
IsoMatch Tellus PRO is a centre that connects all the ISOBUS machines, and a platform for running precision farming applications. Its unique dual screen functionality allows users to view and control two machines and processes simultaneously. The IsoMatch Tellus PRO is ready to work with advanced future functions, features and APP’s. The maximum working range for the task controller IsoMatch GEOCONTROL has been increased from 2 km to maximum 10 km from the starting point, increasing its speed and efficiency.
09
Kubota’s IsoMatch Autodrive-E solution
Kubota’s IsoMatch AutoDrive-E solution is an automatic tractor steering device that adds comfort and efficiency to the already powerful IsoMatch offering. Its hardware, in combination with the GEODRIVE license adds automatic guidance functionality in GEOCONTROL, the IsoMatch precision farming application. IsoMatch AutoDrive follows pre-recorded straight or curved guidance lines and stores multiple lines per field while correcting possible deviations. It can be integrated in Kubota´s new IsoMatch Tellus PRO dual screen ISOBUS Universal Terminal.
08
XMS1 Series – A New Mounted Field Sprayer Range from Kubota
Kubota’s latest mounted field sprayer range XMS1 is added to the existing XMS2. This new mounted field sprayer by Kubota is available with 800, 1000 and 1200 litre tank capacity in combination with two different boom types: the HOSA aluminium spray boom with the advanced Z-folding principle and a complete new generation of the well-known HC steel boom range.
07
Kubota TIM system suitable for the M7002 tractor
Kubota’s TIM system notably reduces the possibility of committing human errors with absolute bilateral communication between the tractor and the implement. This gives the tractor real-time information which means the driver does not have to check the state of the bales or monitor the running direction to complete baling, a job the tractor does autonomously thanks to a sensor on the front of the cab. Once an exact bale size is reached, the tractor stops and discharges it, always maintaining the same compaction level, achieving the highest quality work.
06
Kubota SC1000 and SC1000C for simultaneous application of grain and fertiliser
Kubota presentsour innovative seeding combination SC1000, as rigid version in 3m and 4m working widths. These machines are available either as standard drill combinations (SC1000) or as a grain and fertiliser versions (SC1000C). The SC1000 works at high forward speeds, typically 10-18km/h, whilst maintaining a consistent seeding depth.
05
New e-Spreader from Kubota adds higher precision to fertilising
With the new hybrid fertiliser e-Spreader, Kubota takes the application of mineral fertiliser to the next level. The e-Spreader is fitted with a hybrid drive that uses both mechanical and electrical energy. It operates primarily on mechanical power, while a low-voltage motor controls the rotation speed of the spreading discs. The speed of each disc can be set independently, which offers considerable benefits, for example for border spreading or on headlands.
04
Kubota’s innovative e-Power platform
The e-Power platform from Kubota can be easily mounted on the attachment console at the rear of the tractor. Its output is located directly below the PTO connection, simplifying the connection of different implements. The platform is fully ISOBUS-compatible. The implement can switch the additional power supply on and off via TIM (Tractor Implement Control) technology whenever it needs additional capacity.
03
Kubota develops new FMIS compatibilities with several companies
Kubota has already taken steps to streamline the agricultural processes and improve the efficiency of its machines through digital tools and resources. This collaboration with partners like 365 FarmNet, AO Agrar-Office, Farmplan Gatekeeper, Smag, Topcon, and Trimble will enable Kubota to further develop its technologies and update its products to be in line with the latest advances in farming. Kubota will intensify and expand its tractor compatibilities even further in 2018, particularly around data transfer.
02
01
In our quest to offer the best products and services, we are constantly working to provide our customers with new implements that meet the ever growing requirements of agriculture, as well as the farmer’s demands for comfort and efficiency. Below we present our latest developments.
President of KES, EVP of KTT and VP Sales BU Tractor Europe
interview
What does Kubota bring to a market with the peculiarities of the Spanish one? Clearly, it’s the high-quality Japanese machinery. Efficient, user-friendly with low operation costs. Moreover, we offer these products along with unique solutions from the moment of purchase and a smooth financing that lasts for years and guarantees the quality of the products and providing maintenance to keep them in perfect condition. “Kubota delivering best value to customers.” Which is the company policy to consolidate in Spain? It’s a combination of three forces: Products, Marketing and Dealer Network. They need one another to achieve success. We can have more products, and sell them better through marketing. We are beginning a new venture with regional strategies throughout Europe, new tools and processes that will reach Dealers and therefore, end customers. We may have the best products and solutions, but without the best Dealers, we won’t meet our goals. Our motto is “dealer first”, which means that they have a vital role in our strategy! We must encourage them to develop their skills and they must commit to keep improving our business in order to grow together. And they’ll do it through brand image, customer service in sales and aftermarket, proximity to customers through coverage of areas with the closest own centres, and by transforming the sales business into an aftermarket business and helping it grow in a profitable way so we can keep investing on it.
From your point of view, in which way should a Dealer Network contribute to the development of a brand? I believe I mentioned it before: alignment and commitment with the brand, professional skills and know-how, customer proximity and a serious and reliable service. Kubota is known for its desire for innovation in its products and services. This includes the launch of Kubota Farm Solutions. How is Kubota Farm Solutions being received among producers? We are getting good results for the moment. We already have solutions for the market that combine the different principles that constitute Kubota Farm Solutions. Certainly, one of our priorities is to transform our sales business model into an aftermarket one while offering real solutions to farmers that want to optimise and improve their production costs.
Kubota is known worldwide as a tractor manufacturer. However, the company is very active in other fields, such as agro-industrial machinery, construction machinery or the water and environment sector. Which actions are being undertaken in this respect in Spain and Europe? Kubota is one of the engine suppliers of the most important agro-industrial sector in the world. It’s estimated that it produces one engine every 40 seconds, and many brands choose Kubota engines because of their reliability and efficiency. Now its growth is focused on new technologies and the segment of powerful engines. It constitutes one of the Kubota Holding Europe divisions. Kubota is the European leader of the construction machinery sector, particularly in sales of mini excavators, selling one in three machines. The same quality, efficiency and low cost principles uphold this product. This is another Kubota Holding Europe division. In Spain, Portugal and Israel, the Construction and Engine divisions have distributors of their own that serve those markets.
One year after assuming the position of KES President, how would you describe this period? Fascinating and exciting. At Kubota, we have so many opportunities and challenges to overcome that we get up every day with enthusiasm for a new day and a new tomorrow. 2017 has certainly been the year for managing stock according to new regulations and to keep working on the development principles of our Dealer Network. This is a long-distance race and some of today’s results are quite encouraging, but we need to continue working. What are the differences between the markets that compose KES (Portugal, Spain and Israel)? And between KES and Europe? The approach of the KES markets is basically agricultural and is closely linked to special crops such as vineyards, olive groves and orchards. The same applies to Turkey and the European markets. We depend on small and big producers that buy everything from a small tractor to the revolutionary Kubota M7001 with 170 hp. Kubota’s current range can meet 90% of the tractor requirements for agricultural use, but we must complete our offer to fill some market niches or segments. And we definitely will! There’s a big machinery market for green areas in Europe, where Kubota is an outstanding leader. Compact tractors are used in Mediterranean crops and for agricultural purposes in France, and in other countries such as England or Germany they are used for works on parks, gardens and green areas. There aren’t many large green areas in the countries of the Mediterranean Basin where water is a precious good and a scarce resource. Our offer for agricultural and livestock applications must keep growing. We already have big product ranges featuring Kubota’s unique and exclusive solutions such as the M5001, MGX and M7001 series, that we combine with Kubota’s implements and will expand to continue our growth in the European agricultural markets. Besides, the whole product offer includes with a solution package for producers through Kubota Farm Solutions. Because we don’t sell products, we provide solutions!
How has the industry evolved in the last years and which are the prospects for the future in Spain and Europe? It seems that the agriculture machinery industry in Europe is slowly recovering from the serious crisis that began in 2008. However, we the manufacturers and importers are very worried about the rapid changes that are taking place in the industry. I’m referring in particular to the regulatory framework of engine emission standards and the new directives on safety and environment in tractors and implements. These regulations involve a considerable price rise that customers don’t perceive as an added value for their operation costs and most of the times, they are not willing to pay. That’s why in some markets such as Spain and Italy, producers buy second-hand imported machinery made a couple of years (or more) ago. In Spain, the second-hand tractor market is three times as big as the new tractor one. The Spanish tractor fleet is above 25 years on average. Almost 30% of all the second-hand tractor transfers were of tractors made 35 years ago and 60% of them were made more than 20 years ago. We are becoming the scrapyard of Europe! Through ANSEMAT, an association that brings together manufacturers and importers of the industry, we made some proposals to the Administration to stop the aging of the Spanish machinery fleet due to its poorly effective polluting and unsafe machinery and its lack of support for the development of new technologies. Why does the European Administration impose regulations to offer greater safety, less pollution and more technologies when there are still transfers of machinery made more than 20 years ago? Steps should be taken, and they must be structural and not mere subsidies.
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There never was a better time to be a Kubota employee, distributor or dealer. The best years for Kubota are yet to come.
Netherlands
Van Dam Mechanisatie
Our dealer Van Dam Mechanisatie, located in Ursem (The Netherlands), has made a video to commemorate its open day. In this video, our dealer has explained a few things about the partnership with Kubota and the product range that Kubota can provide. On the video, all the ins and outs of the M7001 and M5001 series, as well as the Kubota implements are explained. Along with the details of its partnership with Kubota, our dealer explained its company activities and used the video to introduce its team. The open day held on Saturday 9th of December, attracted 250 visitors. Among the customers there were contractors, arable farmers and livestock farmers. During the open day it displayed our M60-series, M5001 series, M7001 series, as well as our wheel loaders, mini excavators and a variety of groundcare machines. It definitely was a successful open day.
See video
FRANCE
Kubota’s outstanding turnover in France
Tractor sales were particularly remarkable for our French subsidiary this year, mainly due to a great number of registrations that took place at the end of 2017. 2018 starts as usual with the publication of the 2017 market shares in France. With an almost stable tractor end market between 2016 and 2017 and more than 26,500 units registered in December, the year finished much better than it started for tractor manufacturers, and Kubota was no exception. Kubota’s market shares grew by 0.8% to reach 8.2% in 2017, which positioned our company among the top in the field, overcoming its competitors. Our aim is to continue working as we did until now to get even better results this year.
Italy
Kubota attends FIERAGRICOLA
The weather that accompanied the visitors of FIERAGRICOLA for the duration of the fair did its best to dampen spirits, but it was Kubota that went down a storm at the fair in Verona. The fair, which takes place from January the 31st to February the 3rd saw many farmers pour into the exhibition halls to the delight of the exhibitors. They were welcomed by the sight of Kubota presenting the new M7002 together with the Narrow tractors that are synonymous in the Veneto region for their production of the world-renowned “Prosecco” wine.
Photo gallery
Kubota at the “Salon des ETA”
At the Salon des ETA, an agricultural show held in Le Mans, Kubota displayed two machines including the M7002 model, one of the latest products launched by our company which was presented for the first time in France. The M7002 tractor stands out for its state-of-the-art technology and convenient compatibility with several implements. The Salon des ETA (the French acronym for Contractors of Agricultural Works) is a 30,000 m² area intended to exhibit products and material for agricultural contractors and their teams. Held in Le Mans, this exhibition hosts contractors of agricultural, rural, and forestry works. On this occasion, our company relied on a 200 m² exhibition surface area to display its innovative products.
Kubota’s tractor power crawler presented at SITEVI
Kubota displayed 7 of our products at SITEVI, the exhibition of equipment and expertise for wine, olive, fruit and vegetable professionals held in Montpellier (France). This edition took place from 28th to 30th November 2017 and hosted 1,100 exhibitors, among which Kubota stood out. SITEVI 2017 offered visitors a meeting featuring a wealth of innovation (more than 300 new products presented), dialogue and encounters, thus providing tangible responses to the concerns of the three sectors. There was a noticeable increase in the number of international visitors who hailed from 60 countries (versus 52 in 2015), offering proof of the exhibition’s appeal and wide-ranging offering. Mr. Stéphane Travert, the French Minister of Agriculture and Food attended the event and showed his support for the sector. Our stand, which displayed products for the production of wine, fruit, and vegetables had great attendance. But the main feature was Kubota’s power crawler, that was presented for the first time at the show. The show was attended by a large number of visitors, which revealed the commitment with the sector and the will to keep evolving and improving.
TURKEY
M7001 Demo Activities
After the presentation of the M7001 series at the Konya Fair in March, Kubota Turkey started to organise field demonstrations for the M7001 range. These activities were developed in the West of the country and in Central Anatolia (Konya). The field performance of the M7001 range was outstanding, and pleased all the attendees.
Biggest agricultural fair in Turkey
From the 21st to the 25th of March, Kubota Turkey participated in the biggest trade show in the country. Kubota had the opportunity to show our M7001 series for the very first time in Turkey, and the feedback was exceptional. To present our tractors, Kubota Turkey organised a Japanese Day at the Konya fair. The goal was to let customers know that Kubota is proud to be a Japanese brand. And since Turkish customers trust Japanese products, it was a great opportunity for our company to show the quality of our tractors.
Germany
Dealer Strategy Meeting
From the 31st of January to the 1st of February, Kubota hosted a Dealer Strategy Meeting in Rotenburg (Germany). Our company organised the event along with the compact team, which was attended by over 100 dealers. At the Meeting, we presented a general review of our performance in 2017 and set new targets for 2018. Then, dealers and organisers enjoyed a nice evening at the “Rotenburg Alm”, a pub in the style of a cosy and typically alpine herdsmen's hut.
Poland
Kubota supports newborn care in Poland
The Polish Kubota team supported the 26th Grand Finale of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity by donating toy replicas of our best tractors. The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity is one of the biggest charity events in Poland. Every year, this organisation helps raising millions of Polish zlotys for healthcare and hospital equipment. Kubota donated 5 toy tractors from the M7001 and M5001 ranges, an M135 GX toy tractor, and 4 additional models of the Kubota utility and groundcare equipment. All these toys were auctioned by collectors and Kubota partners from around the country, and the money raised through the auctions was donated to the Great Orchestra. This charity foundation, headed by the television and radio journalist Jerzy Owsiak, was established in 1993. Since then, the Great Orchestra has provided hundreds of incubators, MRI scanners, insulin pumps, ambulances, among other medical equipment for several Polish hospitals. The organisation raises money throughout the year, and organises nationwide Grand Finales in January, to end the year. During the Grand Finale, multiple fundraising events were held simultaneously, including the Kubota auctions. This year, Great Orchestra’s main goal was to raise money for newborn babies so they could have equal access to healthcare. The amount of money raised so far in 2017 is 81,423,542 zł.
Dealer of the Year Awards for Polish Colleagues
The Polish Kubota team and its salesmen have been awarded the Best Polish Dealer award at the annual Kubota Dealer Meeting, held in Dojo Stara Wieś – a unique setting in Poland where Japanese traditions have become very popular. During the meeting, six dealers were presented with the Highest Sales award. Kubota’s finance partner, BZ WBK Leasing, received the Best Dealer award for its sales dynamics in the last year. Two other companies received the Dealer of the Year recognition for their successful sales of Kubota tractors and groundcare machines respectively. For its part, the company Agromat, based in Opolskie Voivodship, won the Dealer of the Year award in the agricultural category. Agromat became a Kubota dealer in 2016, and rapidly gained the customers’ trust. The Groundcare Dealer of the Year recognition was awarded to Agrotim, the first dealer that sold the Kubota L1361 tractor in Europe.
Ireland
KIP flies into Ireland
Kubota’s global commitment to the agriculture industry has been gathering pace in recent years, with new 170hp tractors launched, the investment in a new production facility in Northern France, and the strengthening of Kubota’s agricultural team. For Ireland, this includes the appointment of Kevin Pryce as the agricultural dealer manger, as well as Gary Walsh, Kubota’s Ireland service manager. The visit of KIP to Ireland included engineers visiting a number of Kubota’s independent dealer customers, including Clarkes of Cavan, Mulchrone Brothers in Co. Mayo and Agricare in County Dublin.
Kubota UK’s long-term commitment to the Irish agricultural market continues to increase as the machinery manufacturer recently completed its Kubota Insight Programme (KIP) in Ireland. The aim is to help Kubota’s Japanese engineers understand customer requirements and gauge feedback on Kubota machinery on a local level, so they can report their findings back to Kubota Corporation Research & Development teams in Japan. Kevin Pryce, Dealer Manager for Kubota UK’s agriculture division, said: “We were delighted Ireland was chosen for KIP this year as it highlights the importance Kubota Corporation places on this region from a global perspective.”
UK
George Browns, our twice awarded dealer
Robert Adkins, Service Engineer at George Browns receives the award from one of our judges.
Derrick Pratt, Andrew Brown and Kevin McConell of George Browns receive their award from Steve Gibbs, Editor of Service Dealer and TurfPro.
Robert will now accompany Kubota UK to Japan to see its participation in the Kubota Global Skills Contest, where the very best Kubota engineers in the world compete. Robert was a deserving winner and this award is a testament to the hard work and dedication he puts into his role as a service engineer. TOP SERVICE DEALER AWARD George Browns also won the prestigious ‘Professional Turfcare Dealer of the Year’ award at this year’s Service Dealer Conference & Awards event, held at the stunning Oxford Belfry Hotel in Oxfordshire. The judging panel, which consists of members of industry bodies including the British Agricultural & Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA), found that George Browns willingness to put the needs of its customers at the forefront of all business operations separated them from the competition.
KUBOTA AGRICULTURAL SKILLS CONTEST Robert Adkins, Service Engineer at George Browns has scooped the top award at the renowned annual Kubota UK Agricultural Skills Contest, a prestigious event that tests the technical expertise of service engineers from Kubota’s extensive dealer network throughout the UK. Contestants had to complete a detailed written assessment followed by an intense 90-minute practical assessment, with competitors tasked with diagnosing and fixing five faults on a Kubota M5111 tractor. Top-level engineers from Kubota Corporation were flown in specifically for the event to form part of the expert judging panel with Kubota UK.
George Browns, one of the UK’s largest Kubota Agricultural and Groundcare dealers, received two recognitions for its excellent job and services.
Kubota UK Plant Seeds for Future with £1.2m Investment
Kubota UK has invested £1.2 million to enhance operational performance and continue to set the highest health and safety standards at its UK headquarters. The investment, part of the Kubota UK’s commitment to provide its customers with a first class service offering, includes expanding its office and meeting room space by renovating a previous storage building into state-of-the-art office facilities. The Thame site has also had groundworks resurfacing completed to cultivate better traffic flow, as well as refurbishment works carried out to its industry leading Training Academy and Research & Development (R&D) centre. The improvements also include a new cantilever racking system that will streamline its inventory, offer more space to hold stock and help maintain its ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO) supply method. In turn, customers will experience an even better service, ensuring they receive the required machinery parts exactly when they need them and in the best condition. Supply Chain Manager at Kubota UK, Solly Wilson, said: “The investment into our operations at Thame is a great example of our commitment to future proofing our business, ensuring the right infrastructure is in place and that we are always operating efficiently and safely.”
Kubota On Fertile Ground at Lamma 2018
Kubota demonstrated its continued commitment and investment in becoming a global major brand in the agricultural industry at LAMMA 2018. The manufacturer showcased its complete portfolio of high performance and innovative agricultural solutions at the show, with its new flagship M7002 Series, which made its eagerly awaited UK show debut. Kubota’s stand also featured its popular M5001 Series MGX-III tractors and an exclusive UK show preview of the M5001 (Narrow) tractors. These were displayed alongside Kubota’s new orange implements such as its RA2072 Twin Rotor Rakes, BV5260 Variable Chamber Baler and WR1600 Trailed Turntable Wrapper. This impressive wide range of implements were showed off to the public beside Kubota’s new TE6576 Mounted Tedder and SE3185 Chopper, amongst others. Furthermore, Kubota’s stand at LAMMA 2018 proved to be a popular stamping ground for visitors to take advantage of the opportunity to find out and learn a little more about Kubota Farm Solutions. The stand also saw the return of a 2017 favourite, Kubota’s green screen photo booth, whilst also being a hub of activity for engaging live social media Q&A sessions. Rob Edwards, Business Development Manager for Kubota UK’s Agriculture Division, said: “We constantly want to bring solutions to market that add value to our customer’s farming operations, not only through product innovation but also the aftersales services we offer.”
PORTUGAL
PT nº1
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SPAIN
Visit of Spanish
Kubota has been appointed Nº1 manufacturer in Portugal
On January 19th 2017, Kubota celebrated the leadership of the company during that year, along with its Portuguese distributor, Tractores Ibericos. Our company has achieved a leading position in the Portuguese market.* Its tractor sales were particularly remarkable, and that’s why all the corresponding Kubota managers and the Portuguese dealers were brought together in an event that was meant to celebrate the success of the brand. Members of the Tractores Ibéricos board, KES managers and all the Portuguese dealers joined this meeting. * source: ACAP figures.
XI Edition of Kubota Insight Program
This year, the Spanish Kubota team travelled along with the engineers of the Kubota Group across the South of the Peninsula. In order to carry out this programme, we relied on four official dealers. Several open days took place at the offices, and more than 50 tractors of the M series were examined. More than 200 people attended this event and received practical information on the functioning of every machine, technical information about our products and a training session on how to perform maintenance on the tractors. As always, our company provided the best customer service on the spot.
On October 30th, the XI edition of KIP –Kubota Insight Program – took place in Spain. KIP is a customer visit programme in which engineers of the Kubota Corporation headquarters travel the world to examine periodically hundreds of our products and analyse the state of the vehicles, the maintenance carried out to date and the way these machines have been used. These inspections are intended to encourage trust and customer satisfaction while improving the quality of the service and learning about the customer and market needs, in order to develop future products.
Kubota hosts an open day in Tarancon
On the 21st of December, Kubota and the official dealer Autos Avilés hosted an open day that included demonstrations on the field located in Tarancon from 11:00 a.m to 17:00 p.m. Visitors were able to participate in different activities that had been prepared for them, such as driving our most powerful tractor, the M7001 series, and checking for themselves the power and manoeuvrability of the new M5001 Standard and M5001 Narrow series. Plus, they had the opportunity to participate in prize draws and get a batch of our fantastic products.
Kubota España announces new partnership with Tenías
Kubota España has announced a brand new collaboration with the load and machinery manufacturer Tenías S.A. According to the collaboration agreement signed between the two companies, Tenías will provide frontal loaders to the Kubota España dealer network. As a subsidiary of Kubota Holding Europe, Kubota España holds responsibility for the Spanish, Portuguese and Israeli markets of machinery for green areas, utility vehicles, and agricultural tractors. Tenías has a broad experience that goes back to 1956, when the company started designing, manufacturing and commercialising loaders and agricultural machinery. Such level of expertise is quite convenient for this partnership. Kubota España is determined to offer more and more products and solutions to the farmers and producers of its responsibility area. That’s why it is vital for Kubota España to provide the most versatile range of front loaders for their tractors, in order to meet the specific needs and requirements of their customers. From now on, Kubota España will complement its original all-round offering of Kubota loaders with the Kubota Tenías models, which provide front loader compatibility with compact tractors such as the M5001 Narrow, in order to meet the needs of the most demanding Mediterranean customers.
GEORGE BROWNS
Kubota Nº1 in Portugal
XI EdiTION KIP
Autos Avilés
tractor sales in france
FIERAGRICOLA
Salon des ETA
SITEVI
Investment
LAMMA 2018
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newborn care in Poland
Dealer of the Year Awards
partnership with Tenías
News from our European countries
EUROPE
In September, Kubota participated in the opening of Romeo Company´s new outlet in Castel di Iudica, Italy. The dealer "ROMEO Macchine Agricole" held the inauguration that was attended by both customers and representatives of the industry, who could see first hand a full range of Kubota tractors, while enjoying the typical Sicilian specialties that were served for the occasion. Amongst all the Kubota products that this dealer distributes, we find the M7001 and M9960 tractors, among other agricultural machines, such as the utility vehicle RTV-X900. Thanks to this new dealer, Sicilian farmers will have a wide range of Kubota’s products and services developed to meet the needs of modern agriculture.
"ROMEO Macchine Agricole"
This programme is specifically designed for the Tractor Business Unit and its main goal is to unify the brand image in all the European points of sale, as soon as possible. For Spain, this programme is intended to take up two years. With this unified image, Kubota intends to provide a general perception of our products in a way that combines a range of innovative materials with Kubota’s personal touch. We expect to have all the licenses and points of sales in Spain by the end of 2018.
Kubota’s dealers located in Europe will align their corporate image Our company launched the Corporate Identity Programme last year, under the motto: “the strength behind the Kubota Brand begins with a great respect for the people that depend on our products on a daily basis.”
Since November 2017, the official dealer of Techniagro 2000 features Kubota’s new corporate image in its facilities. Following our company’s instructions to unify the brand image in European points of sale in order to provide a general view of the quality and services offered by Kubota, Tecniagro 2000 has completely transformed its facilities with a new modern and striking image, defining our brand’s identity in the province of Ciudad Real (Spain).
New dealer image: TECNIAGRO 2000
INICIO el 03
Our Company finally got the European Stage V emission certification for non-road mobile machinery, that will enter into force in 2019. Kubota will equip its new engines with Emission Certifications in the Agriculture and Construction Machinery ranges, as well as the OEM equipment, such as generator and welding sets.
*Reference exchange rate (dated May 31st) : 118.6828 JPY/EUR
The Stage V specifies the emission requirements for all the compression ignition categories (diesel engines) and road mobile machinery with positive ignition as a replacement of the Directive 97/68 / CE (Stage IV) and its amendments. Standards will be effective from 2019 for engines of less than 19kW and more than 560kW, and by 2020 it’ll affect engines between 56 and 130kW.
The Stage V emission standards will replace an existing legal framework in Europe with one overarching regulation. Since 1997, several rules on emissions have been amended in order to prevent further pollution. The German Federal Office for Transport has certified 11 engine models of our range ‘Variable-speed Industrial Water-Cooled Engine’, that offer a power of up to 19 kW.
Kubota obtains the Stage V certification
An implement manufactured by Kverneland Group, a member of the group Kubota Corporation, was named Machine of the Year 2018 at AgritechnicA 2017. The Vicon EXTRA 7100T GEOMOW was selected as Machine of the Year 2018, an award given to the most noteworthy product of 2018 in its category.
This was the third time that Kverneland Group has won a coveted award at Agritechnica in the last six years. Encouraged by this outcome, we are determined to continue contributing to world agriculture through provision of products, services, and solutions that are trusted by customers across the globe. The Vicon EXTRA 7100T GEOMOW implement stands out for its mower, that moves itself automatically up and down in headland zones, based on information on the field, and overlapped mowing is prevented with an automatic slide. The product was given high marks for the increase in operating speed, increase in the harvesting amount per unit of area, and alleviation of the burden on operators owing to these functions.
Vicon EXTRA 7100T GEOMOW, Machine of the Year 2018 award at AGRITECHNICA 2017
At Kubota, we have evolved considerably over the last years, which has allowed us to be the winner of this international recognition and overcome our strongest competitors. Kubota has received this recognition at the European level, and also in Germany, where it has been ranked first in terms of dealer satisfaction. The result of the survey has been officially presented on 11 and 12 January in Würzburg (Germany) within the framework of the LTU congress, an event that allowed us to display our latest advances and developments and involved the presence of Mr. Shimokawa, who gave a speech highlighting Kubota’s strategy and vision.
The well-known Dealer Satisfaction Index constitutes the statistical average of the points awarded to each brand by the European agricultural machinery dealers. Several countries participated in this survey, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
On average, our brand surpasses its competitors by almost two points in the CLIMMAR survey disclosed during Agritechnica. Among all the different categories that were taken into account to analyse each company, Kubota clearly stood out in the following: after sales service and warranty, administration and terms of payment, manufacturer-dealer relations, and willingness to improve our weak points.
Our company has been ranked first in this year’s European Dealer Satisfaction Index, also known as the “dealer satisfaction barometer”. It has outperformed its competition and thus positioned itself at the top of the agricultural sector in terms of dealer satisfaction.
Kubota, the best company according to the European Dealer Satisfaction Index
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Domestic revenues increased by ¥12.8 billion [2.3%] to ¥564.2 billion from the prior year because of increased revenues in Farm & Industrial Machinery, which was mainly due to strong sales of agricultural‐related products, and tractors. Meanwhile, revenues in Water & Environment, whose businesses are mainly related to public works projects, remained at almost the same level as in the prior year.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, revenues of Kubota Corporation and its subsidiaries increased by ¥155.4 billion [9.7%] from the prior year to ¥1,751.5 billion.
Results of operations for the year ended december 31, 2017
Kubota’s sales were down 0.6% for the quarter, with a net income decrease of around 24%. Whilst net income decreased, the net income/sales ratio was approximately 6.8%, which is currently stronger than our key competition so far in 2017. For the full year, Kubota maintains the Original Plan forecast for both net sales and net income.
For the three months ended March 31, 2017, revenues of Kubota Corporation and its subsidiaries decreased by ¥2.5 billion (∼21 million euros) about 0.6% from the corresponding period in the prior year to ¥402.8 billion (∼3,3 billion euros). However, European sales rose 9% compared to the prior year due to strong sales of tractors, construction equipment, engines and AG implements in Europe, despite the negative FX impact. North America also recorded some growth thanks to the inclusion of sales from last year’s acquisition of Great Plains. Revenues in Japan decreased by ¥9.2 billion (∼77,5 million euros), around 5.8% to ¥149.8 billion (∼1,26 billion euros) from the corresponding period in the prior year due to lower revenues in all segments of Farm & Industrial Machinery, Water & Environment, and Other. Sales in the Japanese market dropped 2.6% due to slow market activity as a result of forward-buying prior to the intro of new emission standards. On the other hand, overseas sales rose 4.8% despite ongoing FX issues caused by strong Yen appreciation. Nonetheless the overseas revenues increased by ¥6.7 billion (∼56,4 million euros) [2.7%] to ¥253.0 billion (∼2,13 billion euros) from the corresponding period in the prior year. While revenues in Water & Environment fell due to a decrease in sales of ductile iron pipes, revenues in Farm & Industrial Machinery rose owing to strong sales of rice transplanters, construction equipment and engines in China and the positive effect of a business acquisition in the prior year. Operating income decreased by ¥18.1 billion (∼152 million euros) [31.5%] from the corresponding period in the prior year to ¥39.4 billion (∼ 331,9 million euros) because of significantly increased provisions for sales promotion expenses and the negative effect of the fluctuation in unrealized profits on inventories held by sales subsidiaries. Income before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliated companies decreased by ¥13.4 billion (∼112,9 million euros) [24.7%] from the corresponding period in the prior year to ¥40.9 billion (∼344,6 million euros) since an improvement in other income could not compensate for a decrease in operating income. Income taxes were ¥11.5 billion (∼96,8 million euros) and net income decreased by ¥9.1 billion (∼76,6 million euros) [23.5%] to ¥29.7 billion (∼250,2 million euros) from the corresponding period in the prior year. Net income attributable to Kubota Corporation decreased by ¥8.8 billion (∼74,1 million euros) [24.1%] from the corresponding period in the prior year to ¥27.6 billion (∼232,5 million euros).
Within the framework of Kubota’s ongoing growth in Europe, the European Headquarters of the Japanese company announced that Kubota will invest in a new European R&D site. This new site will be located near Paris, France and is expected to be fully operational by 2022.
The Japanese manufacturer continues its major efforts to expand throughout Europe. This time, Kubota will invest in a brand-new R&D site that will feature various R&D equipment for tractors among other innovations to develop new models which meet the specific requirements of European farmers. As part of Kubota’s globalization process, the company intends to boost its product development, in line with its will to adapt to the specific needs of its host markets. R&D plays a vital role in this respect, so the company will further develop agricultural machinery that is customised to work efficiently and effectively in local crops, field conditions and work processes. Kubota, already present in about 100 countries, aims to keep growing internationally, and this investment will speed up the whole process. Since KHE (Kubota Holding Europe) was launched in 2017, the company has reinforced its corporate identity in Europe, where its employees are synchronising every process so that all business units work as a whole to provide the best services and products to dealers and customers. Kubota’s tractor and implements sales continued to grow in Europe during 2017 and its products have received prestigious recognitions and awards in Europe, such as the FIMA TECHNICAL NOVELTY Award for the Agri Robo autonomous tractor, and the TRACTOR DE ESPAÑA Award in the ‘Specialty Tractor’ category for the M5101 Narrow Cabin Advance model.
Kubota will invest in a new R&D site in Europe
Kubota’s 2017 Financial Results for the First-Quarter
European Dealer Satisfaction Index
Kubota Europe SAS and Kubota España entered 2017 under new leadership
Vicon EXTRA 7100T GEOMOW
financial Kubota results 2017
Stage V certification
Communication guidelineS
In these guidelines, you will find all the information about Kubota's logos and colours to use but also some templates for business cards or powerpoint presentations. A Guideline box containing all the relevant information was already sent to all our Sales Companies in September 2017. A special version for dealers and distributors is also available as well as an Advertising guideline. Don't hesitate to ask your Marketing contacts for more information.
Kubota's communication guidelines at your disposal!
Did you know…
That Kubota is the inventor of ISOBUS?
If you want to know more about Kubota Corporation and our products, check out our corporate video.
That 1 hectare of farmland is needed to feed 4 people?
