Kubota on increase

— And its 2015 results seem to confirm things are under way.

With a change to its fiscal year to end in December 2015, the final nine months showed sales of $US11.024 billion which represented an increase of 9% over the same period in 2014.

Export revenues rose significantly in North America from sales of compact tractors, whilst in Europe tractor, construction and engines saw increases, although farm implements are said to have "stagnated".

Nearer home, increased mechanisation was the mood for many Asian countries with increases in tractors and combines in Vietnam; China saw increased combine sales brought about by a reinstatement of subsidies by government; Thailand saw sales drop as a result 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, and also re-confirming that it sees agricultural and industrial machinery sales as the core to its strategy in becoming a major global brand.