Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:55

Kubota earnings boosted by farming, construction

Written by  Mark Daniel
Kubota’s farm machinery sales soared in the past year. Kubota’s farm machinery sales soared in the past year.

Japanese company Kubota Corporation has reported that a solid performance by its farm and construction machinery divisions in both domestic and export markets was largely responsible for the 18.5% increase in revenue last year to ¥2,196.8b (US$19b) during 2021.

Nearly 85% (¥1,864.8b/US$16.1b) was generated by tractors, farm equipment brands including Kverneland and Great Plains, which alongside engines was up 23.6% on 2020.

Revenue at home in Japan increased by 1.3% from the previous year to ¥602.8b (US$5.2b), while ag and construction machinery export revenue increased 27.8% to ¥1,554.3b (US$13.4b).

Export sales were driven by the strong demand for tractors and construction machinery in North America, Europe and Australia, while farm equipment sales were strong in India.

While the domestic farm and construction machinery market is expected to remain static during 2022, exports are forecast to increase with continued solid demand in North America and Europe, likely to drive a further increase in consolidated revenue for 2022 to ¥2,450.0b (around US$21b).

In other Kubota news, the manufacturer plans to launch the world’s first hydrogen-powered fuel cell tractor in 2025, initially for the European and American markets. Reports suggest that progress is well advanced in developing tractors ranging from 50 to 100 horsepower, with a prototype ready by 2023. Prices are expected to be around 40% higher than current diesel-powered alternatives.

More like this

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

Made in NZ: TRS Tyre & Wheel Ltd

Made in New Zealand looks at the wealth of design and manufacturing ability we have in New Zealand, creating productive and cost-effective products for the agricultural sector. This week machinery editor Mark Daniel takes a closer look at TRS Tyre and Wheel Limited with managing director Nigel Sherborne…

Success for Argo tractors

The judges at last year’s Agritechnica event picked the Italian-built Landini Rex 4-120GT Robo- Shift Dynamic as the Best of Specialised category at its Tractor of the Year 2024 Awards.

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and five retail outlets.

Featured

An 'amaizing' season

It's been a bumper season for maize and other supplements in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Leaders connect to plan continued tree planting

Leading farmers from around New Zealand connected to share environmental stories and inspiration and build relationships at the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) national forum in Wellington last month.

Planting natives for the future

Te Awamutu dairy farmers Doug, Penny, Josh and Bayley Storey have planted more than 25,000 native trees on the family farm, adding to a generations-old native forest.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Migrant farmer 'lets the side down'

An appalling case of migrant worker exploitation on a Southland farm isn't acceptable, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

Can-Am showcases range

Based on industry data collected by the Motor Industry Association, Can-Am is the number one side-by-side manufacturer in New Zealand.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter