Kubota chose an area just outside Paris at the end of September to hold their first ever European Agri Convention.

The principal purpose of the Convention was to launch their brand new M7 tractor range to their dealers and press from the UK and across Europe. Hundreds were in attendance to see and touch the new models and to hear from the company's European and world heads about their ambitions to greatly increase their agricultural market share over the coming years.

New M7 tractors


M7-131

The new M7 models comprise of three main base platforms with 130, 150 and 170 horsepower, coming in Standard, Premium and Premium CVT formats. Exact model features will vary by respective region and details were not available quite yet of what we will see over here.

Aimed at mixed farming, the tractors are seen as Kubota's full scale entry into the upland farming market. Yuichi Kitao, Kubota Director and Managing Executive Director said, "Europe is the biggest market for this type of tractor."

Mass production of the new tractor series will begin this coming April (2015) at the new state of the art Kubota Farm Machinery Europe S.A.S., manufacturing company in France. The aim is to be producing 3000 tractors in 2017. Prices for the models were said to range between 97,000Euros and 137,000Euros.

UK dealers


UK dealers listening to the presentation from Dave Roberts, Head of Kubota UK

A large contingent of UK dealers heard from UK chief Dave Roberts who said, "This is a challenge, but it's a really exciting one. And we really want you on board. We really appreciate your support in this.

"We've established our own Agricultural Division now in Kubota UK and that division is growing. There are more people coming into it both from a sales and after sales perspective to make sure that we can deliver the back-up and service to you.

"This new M7 range will have its first public showing at EIMA in Bologna in November and then the UK public will get to see it for the first time at LAMMA. We're taking two large stands at the show - one agricultural stand and one for our compact tractors, excavators and so on. We are really going to make a mark in terms of how we show this to the consumer, the farmers.

"Planned production date is April 2015 so we should be seeing the first products coming through in late spring.

"I think when we look at Autumn next year, at cultivation time, we really will be in full swing. And then as we go into 2016 that's when you'll see us really getting that market share."

Dave went on to say that to achieve this planned market share increase Kubota UK will be looking to expand their agricultural dealer network - possibly by up to 40%. He pointed out that dealers who signed up for the ag range would also have access to the company's mid-range tractors and RTVs.